Chinese automaker Chery has officially confirmed that local vehicle production in South Africa will begin in 2027 following its acquisition of Nissan’s historic Rosslyn manufacturing plant outside Pretoria.
The announcement marks a major milestone for both the company and South Africa’s automotive sector, as Chery transitions from an importer into a local manufacturer.
The Rosslyn facility, which has been a key part of South Africa’s vehicle assembly industry for nearly six decades, was sold by Nissan earlier this year as part of its global restructuring programme.
Production of the Nissan Navara is scheduled to end in May, after which the site will begin a large-scale retrofit process under Chery’s ownership.
Plant upgrade to run for up to 18 months
Chery International Executive Vice-President Charlie Zhang said the recommissioning and retrofit of the Rosslyn plant will begin shortly and continue for approximately 12 to 18 months.
The company aims to start production by the end of 2027, with plans to manufacture both conventional internal combustion models and electrified vehicles, including hybrids and battery electric models.
Although the company has not yet confirmed which specific model will be built first, market speculation has centred on the incoming KP31 bakkie as a likely candidate.
This is partly due to the plant’s long history of producing commercial vehicles, including the Navara and the former NP200.
Jobs boost and export ambitions
Chery said the project will create close to 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, supplier networks and related services.
Importantly, the agreement includes the retention of the majority of existing employees under terms similar to those previously offered by Nissan, ensuring operational continuity during the transition.
The company also signalled that South Africa will play a strategic role in its broader African expansion.
Vehicles produced at Rosslyn are expected to serve both the local market and export destinations across the continent, with some reports suggesting potential future exports beyond Africa.
The move strengthens South Africa’s position as a regional automotive manufacturing hub and makes Chery one of the major Chinese brands with a direct production footprint in the country.
Source: The citizen
