Chery has completed its acquisition of Nissan’s historic Rosslyn assembly plant near Pretoria, signalling a shift in Africa’s automotive landscape. Finalised in July 2026, the deal transforms China’s largest vehicle exporter from an importer into a local manufacturer in South Africa. As global trade barriers rise, Chinese automaker Chery buys Nissan’s plant in Africa to move production closer to customers and unlock demand across emerging markets. Following substantial planned upgrades, manufacturing is scheduled to begin in mid-2027.
The factory will produce combustion, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric vehicles, positioning South Africa for a broader role in next-generation mobility and regional growth.
Chinese automaker Chery buys Nissan’s plant in Africa to manufacture vehicles locally from mid-2027. The Rosslyn facility will have capacity for 50,000 vehicles annually, protect 692 existing jobs and support Chery’s expansion into hybrids and battery-electric models.
What Chery Acquired
The agreement gives Chery control of Nissan’s 60-year-old Rosslyn factory and a nearby stamping facility. Before production begins, the company plans to invest millions of dollars in upgraded equipment.
Key manufacturing details include:
- Annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles.
- ICE, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicle production.
- Chery Tiggo 4, Jetour T series, and Jaecoo J5 SUV assembly.
- A targeted 40% local component-sourcing rate by 2028.
Why Africa Is Becoming an EV Production Hub
The development comes as Chinese manufacturers confront weaker domestic demand and higher tariffs in Europe and North America. Producing closer to African buyers can reduce shipping exposure, avoid some import costs and improve responses to local demand.
Chinese automaker Chery buys Nissan’s plant in Africa as rivals also deepen their regional presence. BAIC operates a manufacturing and assembly facility in Gqeberha, while Great Wall Motor maintains localized assembly and component-distribution capabilities.
South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Ghana are promising destinations because of industrial capacity, improving electricity networks, or supportive policies. Morocco offers access to European export markets and plans Africa’s first large-scale battery gigafactory, while Zimbabwe’s lithium reserves could strengthen future battery supply chains.
Jobs, Suppliers, and Affordable EVs
Chery will retain all 692 Nissan plant employees with their existing benefits. As operations expand, the investment could support up to 3,000 direct and indirect jobs. Its sourcing target may encourage investment in South African component suppliers.
Local production could make vehicles more affordable by limiting import duties and logistics expenses. It may also stimulate charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and skills development. Affordable Chinese brands are widening access to new vehicles in markets traditionally dependent on used imports.
Challenges Still Remain
Africa’s rapid urbanization, rapidly expanding middle class and dependence on imported refined fuels strengthen the case for locally built EVs. Electrification could reduce fuel-import bills and pressure on national currencies.
However, uneven charging networks, electricity constraints, and policy uncertainty could slow adoption. Rosslyn’s success will depend on competitive pricing, reliable infrastructure, and stable regulations.
Ultimately, Chinese automaker Chery buys Nissan’s plant in Africa to secure an early position in a continent increasingly viewed as the automotive industry’s next major growth frontier.
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