SA's automotive industry enters a new era with Chery plant

For decades, the Rosslyn factory was closely associated with Nissan production and represented the strength of established Japanese manufacturers in South Africa. Now, one of the country's fastest growing Chinese vehicle brands has assumed control of the facility, highlighting how dramatically the local automotive market has changed in only a few years.

The plant was officially opened with Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng and Chery Automobile chairman and founder Yin Tongyue attending the ceremony.

Production is expected to begin during the middle of 2027 after upgrades to the factory have been completed. During the second half of the year, Chery plans to build about 15 000 vehicles as production ramps up. The company has committed to retaining all 692 existing employees while creating almost 3 000 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, the supply chain and related services.

The first vehicle that will be build locally in the new plant will be Chery’s Tiggo 4 Cross with the Jetour T1 and T2, and the Jaecoo J5 to follow later.

Established in 1963, the Rosslyn factory is one of South Africa's oldest vehicle manufacturing facilities. Chery says it intends developing the site beyond vehicle assembly into an automotive hub incorporating research and development, supply chain operations and skills development. The company also wants South Africa to become its African manufacturing, export, research and development and operational headquarters.

Speaking at the opening, Yin said the investment reflected Chery's long term commitment to South Africa. "At Chery, we live by one philosophy: 'In Somewhere, For Somewhere, Be Somewhere.' It means wherever we invest, we commit. We become part of the local economy, part of the community, part of the country's future. Today proves that commitment. We have moved from being an importer to a manufacturer and from a market participant to a long-term partner in South Africa's industrial story."

The company has also begun a localisation programme, working with Tier 1 suppliers as it aims to increase the proportion of locally sourced components by 2028.

Premier Lesufi said the investment would strengthen one of South Africa's most important industries. "The automotive industry remains one of South Africa's most important economic sectors. We truly welcome you Chery, and your long-term vision and commitment to manufacturing excellence, innovation, localisation, skills development and sustainability. We appreciate the succession of nearly 700 employees who carry with them decades of experience. This is a firm commitment that you are here to stay."

Since returning to South Africa in 2021, Chery has become one of the country's fastest growing vehicle manufacturers. According to the company, it is now the second largest passenger vehicle brand by sales this year, with sales increasing by 29% year on year. The Tiggo 4 Pro was also South Africa's best-selling passenger vehicle during 2025.

Deputy President Mashatile described the opening as another milestone for South African manufacturing. "We gather to celebrate a new chapter for Chery and another milestone in South Africa's industrial development. This moment is a living testament to the confidence in our nation's future, reinforcing the optimism that continues to define our development path. The Chery Rosslyn plant must not only be about the vehicles that roll off the production line, but also the lives it touches and transforms, in the communities nearby and for South Africa as a whole."

The Rosslyn investment also forms part of Chery's wider plans for Africa. In addition to vehicle manufacturing, the company says it wants to establish operations covering commercial vehicles, smart agricultural machinery, renewable energy, mineral resources, robotics and circular economy initiatives.

Chery's South African portfolio now consists of six brands, namely Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, iCAUR and Lepas. Together they cover conventional petrol vehicles, sport utility vehicles, hybrids and battery electric vehicles. The company says it ultimately aims to sell more than 100 000 vehicles a year in South Africa.