The official opening of the Chery Rosslyn manufacturing plant recently marked a significant transition for the Chinese automotive group, moving from vehicle importer to local manufacturer in South Africa and signalling a long-term industrial commitment to the country.
The Rosslyn facility, established in 1963 and acquired from Nissan earlier this year, represents one of South Africa's longest-operating automotive manufacturing sites. Chery's acquisition makes it the third Chinese brand to produce vehicles domestically, following BAIC's Gqeberha plant opening in 2018 and Foton's Tunland G7 assembly at the same site in 2025.
Chairman Yin Tongyue articulated the company's philosophy at the launch: "In Somewhere, For Somewhere, Be Somewhere. It means wherever we invest, we commit. We become part of the local economy, part of the community, part of the country's future. We have moved from being an importer to a manufacturer — and from a market participant to a long-term partner in South Africa's industrial story."
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Chery has committed to retaining all 692 existing employees from the former Nissan operation to ensure operational continuity, while creating nearly 3 000 direct and indirect positions across manufacturing, supply chain, and services.
The company plans to invest millions in upgrading the plant's facilities and utilities. Initial production is scheduled to commence in mid-2027, with a ramp-up target of 15 000 units during the third and fourth quarters of that year. Thereafter, the carmaker aims to reach an annual production volume of 50 000 units on a single-shift basis.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi welcomed the investment: "The automotive industry remains one of South Africa's most important economic sectors. We appreciate the succession of nearly 700 employees who carry with them decades of experience. This is a firm commitment that you are here to stay."
The company has launched an extensive localisation programme, surveying Tier-1 suppliers as it works towards achieving local content targets by 2028. While initially relying on imported components, Chery aims to progressively increase local sourcing.
The first South Africa-produced vehicles will include the Jetour T-Series, the Jaecoo J5, and the Chery Tiggo Cross. Charlie Zhang, Vice President of Chery Auto and Executive Vice President of Chery International, indicated that the KP31 one-tonne bakkie may be assembled locally if volumes justify it, following its launch as an import in the first quarter of 2027.
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OMODA & JAECOO South Africa General Manager Hans Greyling confirmed the JAECOO J5's inclusion in local production: "The JAECOO J5 speaks directly to the needs of South African motorists. It offers the practicality, technology and versatility customers expect from a modern crossover, while the addition of NEV models gives buyers more choice as the market continues to evolve."
Since entering the South African market in 2021, Chery has become one of the country's fastest-growing automotive brands. The group recorded 29% year-on-year sales growth, with passenger vehicle market share increasing by 4,15% month-on-month and 18,15% year-on-year. The Tiggo 4 Pro ranked as South Africa's best-selling passenger vehicle in 2025.
Chery's South African portfolio encompasses six distinct brands: Chery, OMODA, JAECOO, Jetour, iCAUR, and LEPAS. OMODA has sold over 20 000 units cumulatively since 2023. Jetour's T2 model made history in May this year when it became the first Chinese brand vehicle to win the South African Car of the Year award.
The company's long-term ambition is to exceed 100 000 annual vehicle sales in the South African market.
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The investment forms part of Chery's broader vision to establish South Africa as its African manufacturing, export, research and development, and operational headquarters. The company aims to develop the facility into a comprehensive automotive hub encompassing R&D, supply chain operations, and skills development.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy President Paul Mashatile noted: "The Chery Rosslyn plant must not only be about the vehicles that roll off the production line, but also the lives it touches and transforms, in the communities nearby and for South Africa as a whole."
Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng described the partnership as "a vivid testament to the deepening cooperation between China and South Africa," noting that it would "inject fresh momentum into our bilateral cooperation in the auto sector."
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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