Chery’s acquisition of the former Nissan Rosslyn Plant marks one of the biggest automotive investments in recent South African history. Beyond breathing new life into a historic factory, it promises thousands of jobs, renewed manufacturing capacity and a strategic gateway into the African market.
The relationship between South Africa and foreign investors can at times be difficult to navigate. There is a clear need for domestic growth from within the country’s borders, but who can say no to an investment of the size Chery South Africa is committing to?
A total rebuild from the foundations up, a large-scale upgrade of every existing structure to accommodate multiple production lines, and the creation of 3,000 direct and indirect jobs, together with the retention of all 692 former Nissan employees, represent a commitment not only to business but also to the wider local community.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile, accompanied by members of government, including Tshwane mayor Dr Nasiphi Moya, welcomed Chery with open arms. At the same time, he reminded those involved that if foreign investment does not benefit local communities and strengthen cooperation between international and local stakeholders, the project would ultimately miss its mark.
That is why partnerships with UNICEF and the IUCN are significant, ensuring Chery International’s investment leaves a lasting, positive impact on the communities surrounding the former Nissan Rosslyn Plant. The factory has been an integral part of the local community for more than six decades and occupies an important place in South Africa’s rich automotive history.
HONOURING A PROUD LEGACY
To say I’m not saddened by Nissan’s situation would be untrue. The company built some of South Africa’s automotive legends, including the Datsun 1200, which later evolved into the iconic Nissan 1400, as well as the NP200, NP300 Hardbody and vehicles for other manufacturers, including the first-generation Fiat Uno and Renault Sandero.
Following a R3-billion investment in 2019, Nissan began producing the third-generation Navara at Rosslyn. However, things started to unravel from 2021 onward, and by 2026, vehicle production had ceased, with the Rosslyn plant ultimately sold to Chery South Africa.
GATEWAY TO AFRICA
Among the models Chery plans to manufacture are the Tiggo Cross and the Jetour T2, while the KP31 bakkie is also under consideration, depending on demand once introduced to SA in early 2027. The first phase alone targets annual production of 50,000 units while aiming for 40% local vehicle content.
Dismissing this investment as simply another foreign company establishing itself in South Africa would be a mistake. It is not an investment focused solely on the local market. The scale of Chery South Africa’s commitment suggests a far broader ambition, using South Africa as a manufacturing hub to serve the rest of the continent and other export markets within Chery’s reach.
LAST WORD
From Chery International’s perspective, South Africa offers a strategically important location. Revitalising an existing manufacturing facility, creating thousands of local jobs, retaining an experienced workforce, and enjoying the support of both the government and South Africans themselves make this a mutually beneficial venture with the potential to reshape the country’s automotive manufacturing landscape.
Report by RUBEN VON STEEN | Images © RUBEN VON STEEN / CHERY SOUTH AFRICA
