Chery’s Rosslyn Revival Signals a New Automotive Era

Chery’s Rosslyn Revival Signals a New Automotive Era
South Africa’s automotive industry has entered a transformative chapter with the arrival of Chery
Automobile at the historic Rosslyn plant in Pretoria. Once synonymous with Nissan’s decadeslong
presence, the factory now symbolises the rapid ascent of Chinese manufacturers in the local market.
The official handover ceremony was attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier
Panyaza Lesufi, Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya, Chinese Ambassador Wu Peng, and Chery
chairman Yin Tongyue. Their presence underscored the strategic importance of this investment, not
only for Chery but for South Africa’s industrial future.
Production is scheduled to begin in mid2027 following extensive upgrades. Chery plans to assemble
around 15,000 vehicles in the second half of that year, with models such as the Jetour T1 and T2,
Jaecoo J5, and Tiggo 4 Cross expected to roll off the line. Crucially, the company has pledged to
retain all 692 existing employees while creating nearly 3,000 additional jobs across manufacturing,
supply chains, and related services. This commitment to employment continuity and expansion
highlights the social impact of the investment.
Established in 1963, the Rosslyn factory is one of South Africa’s oldest automotive facilities. Chery
intends to transform it into more than just an assembly plant. Plans include developing a hub for
research and development, supply chain operations, and skills training. The company envisions
South Africa as its African headquarters for manufacturing, exports, and innovation.
Yin Tongyue articulated Chery’s philosophy: “In Somewhere, For Somewhere, Be Somewhere.” His
words reflected a longterm commitment to embedding the company within the local economy and
community. This localisation strategy extends to working with Tier 1 suppliers to increase the
proportion of locally sourced components by 2028, strengthening South Africa’s industrial
ecosystem.
Premier Lesufi welcomed the investment, emphasising its role in sustaining one of the country’s
most vital economic sectors. “We truly welcome you Chery, and your longterm vision and
commitment to manufacturing excellence, innovation, localisation, skills development and
sustainability,” he said.
Since its return to South Africa in 2021, Chery has become the nation’s secondlargest passenger
vehicle brand, with sales rising 29% year on year. The Tiggo 4 Pro was the bestselling passenger
vehicle in 2025, cementing the brand’s popularity among local consumers.
Deputy President Mashatile described the Rosslyn opening as a milestone in South Africa’s industrial
development. He stressed that the plant’s significance lies not only in the vehicles produced but in
the lives it will transform in surrounding communities.
Beyond cars, Chery’s ambitions for Africa include ventures in commercial vehicles, smart agricultural
machinery, renewable energy, mineral resources, robotics, and circular economy initiatives. Its
South African portfolio now spans six brands—Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, iCAUR, and
Lepas—covering petrol, hybrid, and electric vehicles. The company ultimately aims to sell more than
100,000 vehicles annually in South Africa.
The Rosslyn revival is more than a corporate expansion; it is a statement of confidence in South
Africa’s industrial future. Chery’s investment represents both continuity and change, blending the
legacy of Rosslyn with the promise of a new automotive era.