Chinese carmakers impress in Maseru

‘MANTŠANG KHUTLISI

MASERU – In a power fusion of industrial strength and diplomatic goodwill, FAW Truck, Great Wall Motors (GWM), and their premium SUV brand HAVAL rolled out a brand promotion event that turned heads and stirred national excitement last Friday.

The vibrant city of Maseru played host to the grand showcase, which brought together the country’s top government officials, Chinese dignitaries and leading business figures in a celebration of innovation, resilience and international collaboration.

From gleaming trucks to sleek SUVs, the event was more than a vehicle launch – it was a statement of intent.

Trade minister, Mokhethi Shelile, opened the event with a warm and optimistic keynote address.

He praised the brand for choosing Lesotho as a strategic hub for distribution and highlighted how their presence could help solve persistent challenges such as limited access to vehicle maintenance services and spare parts.

“We welcome this investment with open arms. This is not just about selling vehicles, but about creating an ecosystem that supports industry growth, job creation and efficient transportation in Lesotho,” he declared.

FAW, GWM HAVAL CEO, Jason Xiang, took the audience into the heart of their mission – long term empowerment and impact.

“This is not merely a dealership; this is partnership. We are here to stay, to serve and to empower,” he affirmed.

Xiang applauded the support from the government and the Chinese Embassy, vowing to reinvest in the community through job creation, sponsorship and infrastructure development.

From Covid struggles to marketing, general manager, Mabeane Ntoko, of FAW Lesotho, gave a compelling reflection on their journey since entering the market in 2019 – coinciding with the global Covid-19 pandemic.

“We came into the country at the most difficult time, but our perseverance paid off. FAW is now not just a recognized brand, it is the best performing vehicle brand in the country,” he stated with pride.

Ntoko emphasized the range of high powered trucks now available to Basotho farmers and transporters and further credited Chinese manufactures for delivering top quality and durable trucks suited for Lesotho’s terrain.

Customer loyalty was front and centre as FAW client, ‘Makoali Maoeng, shared her experience.

“Everyone at FAW knows me by name, that is how close-knit and customer-focused the company is. These are not just trucks, they are models of beauty and performance,” she proclaimed.

Her endorsement reaffirmed the trust and satisfaction many Basotho are placing in these brands.

Meanwhile, Thapelo Lekorotsoana, a promising young entrepreneur from Ha Ntho, Quthing, celebrated a major milestone by acquiring a brand new FAW truck. A significant investment that reflects a steady growth of his enterprise.

The purchase marked not only personal success but also the expansion of his business operations.

Lekorotsoana’s achievement stands as an inspiring example of what young Basotho can accomplish through dedication and resilience in the world of business.

GWM HAVAL’s luxury SUV brand received high praise for its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and comfort. From entrepreneurs to everyday drivers, the response to GWM, HAVAL was overwhelmingly positive, with many citing it as a game-charger in Lesotho’s vehicle market.

A representative from the Chinese Embassy, Fan Jia Wen, highlighted the broader vision behind the initiative, stressing that this venture was rooted in a two–decade-long commitment to Lesotho’s development.

Basotho workers are now employed through this initiative and this is not just about trade, it is about trust, friendship, and mutual respect. Wen further encouraged all Chinese nationals in Lesotho to respect local laws and integrate harmoniously into society.

Agriculture minister, Thabo Mofosi, expressed hope that this partnership would extend beyond the vehicle industry into agriculture. He appealed for modern agricultural equipment to support farming in Lesotho’s challenging highland terrain.

“Let us use this momentum to improve all sectors of our economy,” Mofosi emphasized.

Driving towards the Future, the FAW GWM HAVAL brand promotion was not just a dazzling event of chrome and horsepower, it was a meaningful gesture of cross-cultural partnership, innovation and shared economic vision. As the engines roar and the wheels begin to turn, Lesotho drives confidently toward a future of industrial progress and international cooperation.

FAW, GWM, HAVAL, driving the country forward – one innovation at a time.