Chinese cars gain popularity in Egypt, driving market growth

Cruising through the bustling streets of Cairo in his sleek red Chinese-made sedan, Omar Mohamed exemplifies a growing trend in Egypt's automotive market -- the surging popularity of Chinese cars.

"I didn't hesitate to buy a Chinese car a few months ago because of its good features for a reasonable price," he told Xinhua, noting that the cost of a brand-new Chinese car is often comparable to that of a used European model.

At first, the young man saw owning a Chinese car as a risk, given their reputation for frequent breakdowns. "However, this perception has shifted over the past five years, as Chinese cars have improved significantly and unexpectedly," Mohamed said.

According to the Automotive Market Information Council (AMIC), Egyptian consumers have increasingly embraced Chinese cars, not just for their affordability but also due to their improved safety features and quality, making them a preferred choice in the local market.

This shift has reshaped the country's automotive landscape, contributing to a decline in both new and used car prices.

"Chinese cars have played a major role in bringing down car prices, especially in the budget-friendly sedan and hatchback segments," said Ahmed Nasser, a sales manager at a leading Egyptian car dealership.

"The surge of the U.S. dollar against the Egyptian pound, in addition to the shortage of imported vehicles and the high rates of inflation had pushed the prices too high," he said. "However, the spread of Chinese cars in the Egyptian market has brought relief to Egyptian consumers who have endured years of inflated vehicle costs."

He explained that dealers, faced with the affordability and feature-rich offerings of Chinese models, are compelled to reduce their profit margins and eliminate overpricing to remain competitive.

Nasser predicted that Chinese cars would "sweep" the Egyptian market in the next few years, especially those manufactured or assembled locally.