South Africa's taxi market currently sold around 22,000 vehicles a year, and was expected to grow to 28,000 vehicles by 2015. Patel expects two-thirds of South Africa's taxi demand to be assembled in South Africa in near future.

South Africa's minibus taxi market is currently dominated by the Toyota Ses'fikile, which has been assembled locally since July 2012, when Toyota launched a minibus taxi assembly line at its factory in Durban.

"Minibus taxis are a vital part of South Africa's public transport system as more than 16 million South African commuters depend on them daily. The introduction of Sasuka increased price competition for the good of South African people," Zhong said.

He said local taxi industry needed "more affordable, more safe and more reliable vehicles."

The 16-seat minibus would be sold with a two-year, 200,000 km service plan included in the price. Services could be done at any dealer, or the owner could opt for an express one-hour service at a taxi rank. BAW South Africa would also offer finance to prospective buyers.

"We are confident that Sasuka will not only supply the South African market, but also have opportunities to reach the rest of Africa, a consumer base of 1 billion people on a continent with booming economy," said Zhong.