Chinese company wants to dominate South Africa’s car market

China’s Chery formally took over Nissan’s car manufacturing plant in Rosslyn on Friday, 3 July 2026, under a deal that was announced in January.

Executives said the company will spend millions of dollars upgrading and adding machinery ahead of starting vehicle production in South Africa in mid-2027.

Chery said in a statement that it wants to establish South Africa as its African hub for manufacturing, exports, research and development, and regional operations.

Chery Auto Vice President, Charlie Zhang, said the company has committed to retaining all 692 existing employees at the plant.

Zhang said the project would create nearly 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, supply chains and related services.

“Our long-term goal is to turn the Rosslyn plant into a complete auto centre with research and development, supply chain operations, and training,” he said.

Chery, China’s largest carmaker, said this expanding presence will help it achieve its goal of exceeding 100,000 annual vehicle sales in South Africa.

The company has numerous brands under its umbrella, including Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Jetour.

In June 2026, Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, and Jetour sold a combined total of 6,072 vehicles locally in South Africa.

Chinese automakers, faced with mounting competition and excess capacity in their domestic market, have been accelerating overseas expansion.

As part of their global expansion to drive growth, they have been expanding their manufacturing and sales footprints.

Chery will use the factory to initially produce the Jetour T series, which includes T1, Jaecoo J5 and Chery Tiggo 4 sport utility vehicles (SUV).

The Jaecoo J5 will be in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and new energy vehicle (NEV) versions.

Zhang told reporters that Chery will invest in upgrading the plant’s facilities and utilities before starting production, but did not specify an amount.

During the ramp-up phase in the third and fourth quarters of 2027, the company expects to produce 15,000 vehicles.

The Chinese carmaker has launched a programme to move towards 40% local content in the initial stage and is surveying tier-1 suppliers.

Chery also plans to bring in suppliers from China, especially for electric and intelligent vehicle components, Chery Auto Executive Vice President Zhang Guibing told reporters.