By Senioe Editor, China Africa News
Pretoria, June 6, 2026 — Chinese automotive giant Chery has taken a significant step in its African expansion by officially assuming control of Nissan’s former vehicle manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, South Africa. The move marks one of the largest recent Chinese investments in Africa’s automotive sector and signals a broader shift from simply exporting vehicles to manufacturing them on the continent.
The Rosslyn facility, located north of Pretoria, has long been associated with vehicle production in South Africa. Following Nissan’s decision to exit local manufacturing, Chery has moved in with an ambitious plan to transform the site into its primary African manufacturing, export, research and operational hub.
Production at the plant is expected to begin by mid-2027, with the company initially manufacturing Jetour T-series sport utility vehicles, including both conventional petrol models and new energy vehicles. Chery also plans to modernize the facility with new technologies to support future production.
A major feature of the investment is its focus on employment and local industrial development. Chery has committed to retaining the plant’s existing workforce of nearly 700 employees while projecting the creation of approximately 3,000 additional jobs as operations expand. The company also intends to increase local sourcing, targeting around 40 percent local content during the initial production phase, a move expected to strengthen South Africa’s automotive supply chain and create opportunities for domestic component manufacturers.
Beyond vehicle assembly, Chery is expected to encourage Chinese suppliers specialising in electric vehicle systems, smart technologies and automotive components to establish operations in South Africa. This could accelerate the development of a more integrated automotive ecosystem capable of serving not only the domestic market but also export destinations across Africa and beyond.
The acquisition reflects a wider strategy being pursued by Chinese automakers as they seek growth outside an increasingly competitive domestic market. Rather than relying solely on exports, companies are establishing production facilities closer to consumers, helping reduce logistics costs, navigate trade barriers and qualify for regional trade agreements.
For South Africa, the investment comes at a time when the country’s automotive industry is adapting to global changes, including the transition toward electric mobility and intensifying competition from lower-cost vehicle manufacturers. Chery’s investment offers the prospect of preserving industrial capacity while attracting fresh capital, technology and skills into one of Africa’s largest automotive manufacturing hubs.
Industry observers view the development as another indication that China is evolving its economic engagement with Africa—from infrastructure financing and commodity trade toward long-term industrial investment and manufacturing partnerships. If successfully implemented, the Rosslyn project could serve as a model for future Chinese manufacturing investments across the continent, reinforcing South Africa’s position as a gateway for automotive production in Africa.
