STORY: Chinese cars gain popularity in Botswana
SHOOTING TIME: May 3, 2024
DATELINE: May 6, 2024
LENGTH: 0:01:31
LOCATION: Gaborone
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the motor show
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BELLSON OTHOMILE, Sales executive at Motor Holdings Botswana
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): PETER KABELO, Sales executive at Star Motor Group
4. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): LECHEDZANI KENOSI, Visitor at the show

STORYLINE:

At the 9th edition of the Shell Gaborone Motor Show in Gaborone, the Botswanan capital, Chinese auto brands generated interest among local car enthusiasts.

Over the last five years, Chinese-made vehicles have entered the competitive landscape of Botswana's automotive industry.

Chinese brands such as Chery, Haval, JAC, and BAIC are gaining popularity among Botswanan consumers, who value the vehicles' quality, durability, and reliability.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): BELLSON OTHOMILE, Sales executive at Motor Holdings Botswana
"Pricing on its own is totally different, so below what you can usually expect, but when you look at the interior of the car, the technology of the car, how it drives, and how it looks in general, I think that is the more compelling part of the product. That's why people love it simply."

Star Motor Group is another company in Botswana that sells Chinese automobile brands such as JAC and Chery.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): PETER KABELO, Sales executive at Star Motor Group
"The reaction in Botswana to this type of cars has been welcomed. I would say it has done tremendously well. When I look at other brands, especially as a new brand, it has done a lot of units in a short period of time."

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): LECHEDZANI KENOSI, Visitor at the show
"I have always seen the car on the road, I think this is the first time I am seeing it as a closer look up. I've seen the interior, it is quite clean, and also the boot space is quite good, so I've just asked her to share the price on my email, and then we'll see how it goes."

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Gaborone.
(XHTV)