31 October 2025 – WesBank, one of South Africa’s most established leaders in vehicle and asset finance, has announced a strategic partnership with Geely Auto South Africa (GASA) as the Chinese brand prepares its official return to the local market. The collaboration is positioned to make vehicle ownership more attainable for South Africans by combining WesBank’s financial expertise with Geely’s renewed product offering and dealer expansion plans.
Geely’s comeback marks a significant moment for the brand, which exited the country in 2009 but has since evolved into a major global automotive player. Its re-entry in October 2025 forms part of a broader strategy to establish a strong foothold in markets where demand for accessible, future-forward mobility continues to grow.
Richard Pampel, Chief Financial Officer at WesBank, says the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving customer access and simplifying the path to ownership. “We’re beyond excited to be able to provide customers with a fully integrated finance experience and help them get behind the wheel of a new Geely with ease. From a retail perspective, this joint venture will also offer dealer floorplan support ensuring a seamless journey from showroom to driveway.”
Pampel adds that the timing is right, especially as competition among Asian brands intensifies and consumer appetite expands accordingly. “With Asian competitors continuing to give consumers more options, Geely’s relaunch has all the potential to make significant inroads in this space and through this partnership, we’re making it easier for customers to access their products.”
Geely sees the partnership as integral to its long-term plans for South Africa. Yang Cheng (Allen Cheng), General Manager of GASA, says the collaboration underscores the company’s confidence in the local market. “We are proud to announce our partnership with WesBank; this is a collaboration that marks another milestone in Geely’s journey in South Africa. This market holds great significance for us, and we are committed to providing South Africans with greater access to modern, innovative mobility solutions. Through this partnership, we aim to make vehicle ownership simpler and more attainable. By offering flexible financing options, we hope to empower more customers to take the next step toward progress and a better quality of life.”
As part of its rollout plan, Geely will open dealerships across Gauteng, Cape Town and Durban by the end of 2025. The initial model range will be limited but will expand as the brand broadens its local operations in 2026.
Pampel emphasises that the move aligns with WesBank’s strategy of nurturing meaningful, growth-focused partnerships. “At WesBank, we’ve seen firsthand how the right partnerships can unlock real opportunity in the market. Collaborations like this expand choice and simplify ownership. Through them we want to continue growing the market in a way that benefits customers and dealers.”
With fresh designs, modern technology and a growing national dealer network, Geely is positioning itself to re-establish relevance in an increasingly competitive automotive landscape. Together, WesBank and Geely are driving a shared vision: to make owning a vehicle more attainable for South African consumers, while supporting the development of a more dynamic and inclusive car market.
