New Delhi – Indian auto giant Tata Motors on Wednesday announced its comeback to the South African passenger vehicle market after a six-year hiatus, with the launch of three SUVs and a compact hatchback.
The lineup includes the Punch (compact SUV), Curvv (coupe-styled SUV), Tiago (hatchback), and Harrier (premium SUV). All models are powered by traditional combustion engines and will go on sale starting September.
“Our return to South Africa is a major milestone in Tata Motors’ global journey. We are thrilled to introduce our new-generation vehicles – built with advanced technology, uncompromising safety, and modern design – to a market that values innovation and quality. With Motus as our preferred partner, we are confident of offering a superior ownership experience that will resonate with South African consumers and add value to the local economy,” said Shailesh Chandra, Managing Director of Tata Motors Passenger Vehicle Ltd. and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility Ltd.
According to the company, Tata will operate through 40 dealerships initially, with plans to expand to 60 by 2026. Motus Holdings has been appointed as the exclusive distributor for Tata’s passenger cars in South Africa.
The re-entry is expected to intensify competition in the South African market, currently dominated by Chinese automakers such as Chery Group, BYD, Beijing Automotive, and GWM, all of which have launched competitively priced vehicles with diverse powertrains. Rising demand for affordable cars is driving automakers to strengthen offerings in the region, with India and China playing a key role as low-cost export hubs.
Tata Motors had earlier exited South Africa’s passenger vehicle market in 2019, following mixed consumer response to models like the Indica hatchback. However, the company continued its commercial vehicle operations in the country.
“We are proud to partner with Tata Motors in reintroducing their renowned passenger vehicle lineup to South Africa. This partnership is about more than just cars – it’s about building trust, delivering excellence, and shaping the future of mobility in the country,” said Ockert Janse Van Rensburg, Group CEO, Motus Holdings.
Just last week, on August 13, Tata Motors also announced its entry into the Dominican Republic market through a partnership with Equimax, offering a range of commercial vehicles.
With inputs from IANS