Chinese carmaker Chery plans to start building vehicles in South Africa by the end of 2027. The company is acquiring Nissan’s Rosslyn plant and says it wants to move quickly to get production running. A senior executive said the facility will be modified at speed as Chery pushes deeper into the local market.

Rosslyn Plant to be Upgraded

The Rosslyn factory is expected to be re-commissioned and retrofitted over the next 12 to 18 months. Chery has not disclosed how much the acquisition cost or how much it plans to invest in the site. Even so, the move marks a major manufacturing bet on South Africa at a time when global carmakers are rethinking where they build vehicles.

Electric and Hybrid Vehicles on the Table

Chery says the plant could produce both traditional petrol or diesel models and so-called new energy vehicles. These include hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids and battery electric vehicles. The company is also looking at using the South African operation as a base to export vehicles into the rest of Africa and Europe.

Why South Africa Matters to Chery

The brand has grown fast since re-entering South Africa’s market four years ago. It is now a consistent top-10 player in local vehicle sales, averaging about 50,000 units a year. Chery also says it has built a dealer network of around 150 outlets across the country, giving it a solid base to support local assembly.

Bigger Plans Beyond the Factory

Chery says the Rosslyn plant will be able to build multiple models and that it plans to develop a local supplier base too. The company believes making vehicles in South Africa will improve flexibility, shorten lead times and strengthen its competitiveness. It also says the investment reflects long-term confidence in South Africa’s economy and industrial future.

What This Could Mean for South Africa

If the project stays on track, the move could give South Africa’s automotive sector a fresh boost. Local production can help support jobs, grow supplier networks and position the country more strongly in the shift towards electrified vehicles. For South Africans, it is also a sign that major global brands still see value in building here.