The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) has urged government to ensure that growing investment by Chinese and Indian vehicle manufacturers in South Africa delivers lasting benefits for local workers, rather than simply expanding the supply of imported vehicles.
MISA says the recent acquisition of Nissan’s Rosslyn plant by Chery should become a benchmark for how new entrants can support local manufacturing, protect existing jobs and create new employment opportunities. The call comes as Deputy President Paul Mashatile commemorates the takeover of the Tshwane facility.
MISA, the largest trade union in South Africa’s retail motor industry, has also made its first formal submission to the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition as part of the review of the South African Automotive Masterplan 2035. The union says workers in the retail motor industry must be recognised in the revised plan, particularly as the sector faces major changes linked to new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence and digitalisation.
The union has welcomed the arrival of more affordable Chinese and Indian brands, saying they have contributed to record vehicle sales in the retail motor industry since September 2025. These brands have helped more South Africans enter the new vehicle market and have brought fresh momentum to the industry.
However, MISA says sales growth alone is not enough. It wants Government to insist that new investment includes local vehicle and component manufacturing, skills development and compliance with South Africa’s labour standards.
Chery’s takeover of the Rosslyn plant, MISA says, shows what is possible when investment is linked to job retention and future production. Nissan halted investment in the plant in 2023 after ending production of the NP200 half-ton bakkie, which had been built there for 16 years. The move led to a restructuring process and raised concerns about the future of the facility and its workforce.
MISA says most of the approximately 900 employees at the plant were retained after the acquisition. Chery has also indicated that around 3 000 jobs could be created once local production reaches full capacity.
Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations, said South Africa should welcome new manufacturers, but only on terms that benefit the country.
“We are not asking Government to shut anyone out. We are saying investment must translate into real jobs for South Africans,” she says.
She added that employers should expect stronger enforcement of labour laws, with the Department of Employment and Labour’s plan to recruit 10 000 permanent labour inspectors now operational across all provinces.
MISA says it will continue engaging Government to ensure the revised automotive masterplan supports decent work, local production and the long-term sustainability of South Africa’s retail motor
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Young South African motorists are increasingly opting for more affordable and practical vehicles as the cost of living puts pressure on household budgets, while still maintaining comprehensive insurance cover.
The row over BMW’s Spider-Man promotion is not really about superheroes. It is about trust, control and the creeping feeling that modern cars are becoming digital platforms first and private possessions second.
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