New single cab for under R50 000?

It may not have a very imaginative name but a new Chinese-made single-cab LCV, branded as DFSK, is going to be imported by Geely SA and an entry level single-cab will go on sale with a price tag of just R49 990 plus VAT.

What's more in the rest of the DSK range a double cab bakkie will cost just R64 000, a panel van will only set you back R73 990 and a mini bus can be had for just R76 990. All the prices exclude VAT.

Agreement signed

A spokesperson for Geely SA said the company had recently signed an agreement with Chongqing Sokon Motor Group Import and Export Company to import and distribute the DFSK range of half-ton light commercial vehicles.

The least expensive bakkie will be powered by a 1.0-litre engine but for R10 000 more you can get one with a 1.3-litre engine. The rest of the models in the range all have 1.3-litre engines.

"This is a very exciting new development for us and allows us to introduce a new brand in the light commercial vehicle market that will offer a whole new dimension in value-for-money," said John Jessup, CEO of Geely South Africa.

Automotive group 'well known'

"DFSK is the automotive brand of the highly respected Chongqing Sokon Industry Group, which also manufactures car engines, motorcycles and shock absorbers. The group's automotive division is well known through its joint venture with the Dongfeng (DFM) brand, which is the second largest in China, and also has joint ventures with Honda, Nissan, Kia, Peugeot, Citroen and DFSK. It also manufactures a large range of highly successful heavy commercial vehicles.

He said the DFSK range which will be marketed through the Geely SA dealer network. "Further down the track we are looking at introducing DFSK special application vehicles, built by the factory, which will include a mini tipper truck (with both rear and side dump applications), a mini vendor truck, and possibly also an ambulance version."