Premium SUV brand JAECOO South Africa is increasingly positioning itself as more than a vehicle manufacturer, using tourism partnerships, sustainable mobility and adventure-focused technology to grow its footprint within South Africa’s travel economy.
As a key partner in the Kasi2Kasi campaign, JAECOO has aligned itself with a movement focused on showcasing authentic township, village and rural tourism experiences across the country.
Tourism and Mobility Becoming Closely Linked
The Kasi2Kasi campaign — driven by South African Township and Village Tourism Organisation alongside partners including Sho’t Left, South African National Taxi Council and Siyameng Consultants — aims to reposition local communities as vibrant tourism destinations.
JAECOO’s involvement highlights the growing relationship between tourism and modern mobility solutions.
From mountain villages in the Free State to coastal routes in KwaZulu-Natal, the campaign demonstrates how vehicle innovation can support deeper exploration of South Africa’s landscapes and cultural experiences.
Building a “More Than Cars” Ecosystem
Owned by Chinese automotive giant Chery, JAECOO has been expanding what it describes as a “More Than Cars” ecosystem — combining technology, sustainability and lifestyle travel experiences.
The brand has increasingly focused on:
- Adventure tourism
- Eco-conscious mobility
- Long-distance overland travel
- Smart travel technologies
- Pet-friendly tourism experiences
This approach reflects changing global travel trends, where travellers increasingly prioritise flexibility, sustainability and outdoor experiences.
South Africa Becomes a Key Tourism Market
South Africa’s varied terrain — from the Drakensberg mountains to the Garden Route and wildlife reserves — has made it a strategic market for adventure-oriented SUVs.
The JAECOO J7, starting at approximately R549,900, has been marketed as a rugged touring vehicle equipped with the company’s ARDIS intelligent all-road driving system.
The hybrid version, the JAECOO J7 SHS, offers a combined driving range of around 1,200 kilometres, including an electric-only range designed to reduce emissions in environmentally sensitive areas.
Tourism analysts say hybrid and low-emission vehicles are becoming increasingly important as eco-tourism grows across Southern Africa.
Eco-Tourism and Smart Technology
JAECOO has also introduced tourism-focused initiatives aimed at blending technology with sustainable travel.
Among them is the brand’s “Super Hybrid Marathon” campaign — a large-scale hybrid driving challenge that has included routes across the Western Cape and destinations such as Addo Elephant National Park.
The company says these campaigns are designed to demonstrate how new-energy vehicles can support long-distance tourism while lowering environmental impact.
Pet-Friendly Tourism on the Rise
One of JAECOO’s more unconventional tourism strategies has been its focus on pet-inclusive travel.
Its newer compact SUVs, including the JAECOO J5, include features tailored for pet owners, such as:
- Extended pet-friendly seating
- Advanced air filtration systems
- Boarding steps for animals
The concept aligns with a growing global trend where travellers increasingly include pets in road-trip and outdoor tourism experiences.
Expanding Manufacturing and Economic Partnerships
Beyond tourism, JAECOO is also investing in regional manufacturing expansion.
In North Africa, the company has partnered with local firms to establish a tourist vehicle production plant in Algeria, aimed at boosting:
- Local employment
- Technology transfer
- Supply chain development
- Reduced vehicle import dependence
Industry observers say this reflects a wider shift among automotive companies seeking to localise production closer to emerging markets.
Tourism Beyond Traditional Luxury
JAECOO’s partnership with Kasi2Kasi also reflects a broader evolution in tourism marketing.
Rather than focusing exclusively on premium travel experiences, the campaign centres on:
- Community tourism
- Rural exploration
- Township culture
- Heritage and storytelling
This aligns with rising demand for immersive travel experiences rooted in authenticity and local connection.
Final Word
As the Kasi2Kasi campaign continues across South Africa, JAECOO’s involvement highlights how mobility brands are increasingly shaping the future of tourism.
By combining adventure travel, sustainable technology and community-driven tourism, the partnership is helping create a new vision for South African travel — one where the journey itself becomes part of the experience.
Follow the campaign online using:
#Jaecoo #SATOVITO #ShotLeft #SANTACO #Kasi2Kasi #SiyamengConsultants #VisitFreeState #DiscoverFreeState #JaecooShotLeft
