From the moment we sat down at our Welcome to Wuhu dinner recently, our group of South Africans felt at home in China. In the middle of the table, alongside an array of Chinese dishes that included the delicious local equivalent of braai'd lamb chops, was a bottle of Stellenbosch's finest.
Wuhu is home to Chery, the global automotive giant that's only the fourth largest in China.
We were a motley lot in the room: apart from our local hosts and minders from Chery, there was a handful of senior staff from its Bryanston-based South African subsidiary, a clutch of motoring journalists and – to add colour and piquancy – the "Kings of Chery".
These included singers, actors, South Africa's top female DJ, market influencers and an animal welfare activist... all of whom serve as Chery brand ambassadors and champions back home.
We didn't know it yet but this bunch would repeatedly set the 3 000-delegate 2024 International User Summit alight with song, style and energy over the next few days.
Although there as a journalist, unlike my petrolhead peers I wasn't interested what vehicles were up for imminent release in Mzansi (the Tiggo 4 facelift which has just been launched here as the Tiggo Cross and the all-new Tiggo 9) but nevertheless had questions I wanted answered.
On a strategic level, I wanted to know if, why and how the piddly little market that is South Africa matters to a Fortune 500 company that manufactured its 15 000 000th vehicle (after starting production only in 1999) during our visit?
Bu hikaye The Citizen dergisinin November 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The Citizen dergisinin November 09, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Vienna lights up streets for shoppers
MARKETS: SUPPORT FOR STRUGGLING RETAILERS
A front-row seat to the rich tapestry of nature
River cruising offers intimate experience
The song remains the same
It's the message not the medium that's important
Downs intent on hitting hard
If you think Mamelodi Sundowns will take their foot off the pedal should they race to an early lead in the Carling Knockout final against Magesi FC, then you're grossly mistaken.
Clean sweep beckons
STICK: SPRINGBOKS CHASE THE COMPLETE PERFORMANCE AGAINST WALES
Recognising burgeoning talent
AWARDS: FEINBERG-MNGOMEZULU COULD CAP A BREAKTHROUGH YEAR IN MONACO
Deputy Howley backs Gatland to get Wales out of trouble
Under-fire Wales boss Warren Gatland is the \"world's best coach\" and going nowhere, according to assistant Rob Howley (right).
Flyhalf is very 'Sexton-esque'
Sam Prendergast (above) has never been lacking in self-confidence, with his talent evident to many, and today he will get to pull the strings for Ireland at flyhalf in the Test against Fiji.
Scottish success riding on Aussie Test
Huw Jones believes the success of Scotland's November international campaign will be judged on whether they beat a rejuvenated Australia at Murrayfield tomorrow.
French defeat is hard to swallow
ALL BLACKS: SHOWING HEALTHY RESPECT FOR AZZURRI