China’s Chery has officially taken over Nissan’s plant in South Africa’s Rosslyn region, reflecting the acceleration of its global expansion.
This comes as part of the strategic agreement signed by the two companies at the beginning of the year.
The company announced that it would invest millions of dollars to fully modernize the plant.
It will also add modern production lines and advanced equipment, with actual production to begin in mid-2027.
Chery aims to transform the plant into an integrated regional hub that includes manufacturing, research and development, export, and management of its operations on the African continent. Therefore, the plant will cover a wide range of activities.
In return, the company reiterated its commitment to retain all of its six hundred and ninety-two current employees.
The project is also expected to create around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs in the manufacturing, logistics and supply chain sectors.
During the handover ceremony, Chery officials explained that the long-term goal is to exceed 100,000 vehicles a year in the South African market. At the same time, they want to strengthen the company’s presence in neighboring African markets.
In the first phase, the plant will focus on the production of SUVs.
Among them are the Jetour T, Chery Tiggo Four and Geico G5 models, which will be available in internal combustion engine and electric versions.
The development of the plant is scheduled to continue until the first half of next year.
The company also aims to produce about fifteen thousand vehicles during the first phase of operation in 2027.
In addition, Chery is working to increase the percentage of local ingredients to 40 percent at the start of the project.
In parallel with attracting specialized suppliers from China, especially in electric vehicle technologies and smart systems.
The aim is to create an integrated industrial ecosystem that supports exports. This will also strengthen South Africa’s position as a new hub for the continent’s automotive industry.
Read also:
