A senior business executive at Chery International, a Chinese car brand, recently revealed that Chinese automaker Chery Automobile intends to begin production at a South African facility acquired from Nissan by the end of 2027, with a heavy focus on electrified vehicles.
Chery re-entered South Africa’s automotive industry four years ago and has quickly established itself as a consistent top-10 player in local sales, selling an average of 50,000 vehicles per year and expanding a dealer network to 150 locations around the country.
“We will try to modify the plant at full speed, and we hope that by probably the end of 2027, we’re going to start the SOP (start of production),” Chery International Executive Vice President Charlie Zhang said on the sidelines of a conference.
The Rosslyn plant, previously operated by Nissan, will be recommissioned and modified over the next 12 to 18 months.
While Zhang did not reveal the acquisition costs or investment amounts, he did affirm that the factory will be able to produce both classic internal combustion engine vehicles and alternative energy models.
“Electrified vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid, and battery vehicles, could be the main products we want to produce here,” Zhang said on Tuesday, Reuters reports, noting the plant will have the capability and capacity to manufacture multiple models.
“Chery’s investment in South Africa is not only an important step in the company’s globalization development, but also our long-term commitment to the economic and industrial development of South Africa,” he added.
Chery’s expansion into local production comes as Chinese automakers continue to expand their international operations, in part due to prospective regulatory limits on imports in foreign markets.
According to the corporation, local production will increase flexibility, cut lead times, and boost South Africa’s competitiveness.
The executive vice president noted that the investment demonstrates Chery’s confidence in the country and dedication to helping local customers and dealer networks.
South Africa receives Cherry International
According to the company, Chery South Africa partnered with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) and the Department of Transport on Friday, August 18, to offer senior delegates and guests attending this significant international meeting luxury transportation.
Chery South Africa gave the event organizers the keys to sixty Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX vehicles as an official Presidential Vehicle Partner. These cars will be utilized to carry VIPs and foreign delegations throughout the event as well as in the lead-up to it.
