On July 3, Chery Automobile officially unveiled its newly acquired Roslyn plant in South Africa. Originally built in 1963 and operated by Nissan, the facility has now transitioned to Chery’s ownership. Demonstrating a strong commitment to the local workforce, Chery has pledged to retain all 692 existing employees and create approximately 3,000 additional jobs across the upstream and downstream industrial sectors. Production is set to commence in mid-next year, with the plant initially operating on a single-shift basis and projected to reach an annual capacity of 50,000 units once fully operational. By 2028, Chery aims to achieve a 40% localization rate for its vehicle components, further integrating into the South African market.

This strategic move signifies Chery’s transformation from an importer to a full-fledged local manufacturer in South Africa, aligning with its philosophy of “being where we are, for where we are, and becoming part of the local fabric.” Meanwhile, Nissan, facing challenges due to shifts in the external business environment that impacted the plant’s operational capacity and long-term viability, opted to divest the asset. The company believes this decision will safeguard employee livelihoods, sustain supply chain operations, and ensure the plant continues contributing to South Africa’s automotive industry.