MISA, the Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA), welcomes Chery’s investment in South Africa with the acquisition of Nissan’s historic production plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, which will offer employment to the majority of Nissan’s affected employees.
The Union has repeatedly urged new Chinese vehicle brands entering the country in 2025 to invest in establishing bigger dealership networks that will create jobs for employees negatively impacted by the closure of non-performing dealerships of traditional brands.
“MISA believes that the manufacturing and assembling of Chinese vehicles locally is vital for the survival of the automotive industry, including the local manufacturing of parts and components. With Chery taking the lead in this regard, it will not only sustain jobs but create more employment opportunities,” says Martlé Keyter, MISA’s Chief Executive Officer: Operations.
MISA also congratulates Nissan on putting the fate of its employees first when faced with the decision to either close the plant after 60 years of production or to find a solution that preserved jobs and retained industrial capacity in South Africa.
Dr Roelof Botha, economic advisor to the Optimum Financial Services Group, says it is not just South Africa’s retail and automotive industries that is negatively impacted by the influx of Chinese vehicles.
“It is part of China’s strategy to dominate the global market with Chinese vehicle brands. It stimulates the markets and creates massive competitiveness. The deal between Nissan and Chery is an excellent example of how responsible employers operate within the turmoil,” Roelf says.
According to Roelf just short of 100 million vehicles, including trucks and busses, were sold globally in 2025, of which South Africa sold 0,6% of this. “This is incredibly significant and positive+,” says Botha.
The Kia Carens nameplate makes its return to South Africa, this time as a seven‑seater designed with families in mind. It combines Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) styling with Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) practicality, offering space, comfort and efficiency, Kia says.
Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
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You can't buy happiness but you can buy cars and that's kind of the same thing.
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Volvo has confirmed that its vehicles will now integrate Google’s Gemini artificial intelligence system. This development builds on the company’s existing collaboration with Google, which already provides Android Automotive OS and Google services in Volvo models.
New vehicle sales in 2026 continued their positive trend in April, with the 47 979 units sold marking the best April figure since 2013. This represents a remarkable performance by local automotive retailers despite a host of economic headwinds and a challenging trading environment.
April 2026 marked a turning point in South Africa’s economic landscape, as global energy markets were jolted by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, according to naamsa | The Automotive Business Council.
