Quick Takeaways
- Chery acquires Nissan South Africa plant as part of its overseas localization strategy.
- The deal secures manufacturing assets while ensuring workforce continuity and market expansion.
Chinese automaker Chery acquires Nissan South Africa plant as part of its strategy to strengthen overseas localization and expand manufacturing capacity in key global markets. The agreement marks a major shift in South Africa’s automotive manufacturing landscape while ensuring continuity for employees and customers.
Nissan confirmed it has reached an agreement with Chery for the acquisition of its production assets located in Rosslyn, Pretoria. The transaction includes the transfer of land, buildings, and associated infrastructure, positioning Chery for deeper operational roots in the country.
Chery South Africa to Take Over Rosslyn Manufacturing Assets
Under the agreement, Chery South Africa will acquire the land, buildings, and related assets of the Nissan plant, including the adjacent stamping facility. The transfer is expected to be completed by mid-year, enabling Chery to move swiftly on local production planning and operational integration.
A key aspect of the transaction is workforce continuity. Chery will offer employment opportunities to the majority of Nissan’s existing employees, with employment terms remaining largely unchanged from current arrangements, supporting stability within the local automotive ecosystem.
Nissan to Continue Sales and Launch New Models
Despite the asset sale, Nissan will continue its commercial operations in South Africa. The automaker confirmed plans to introduce multiple new models in fiscal year 2026, maintaining its presence in the domestic market.
"Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners," said Jordi Vila, president of Nissan Africa.
"External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan," Vila noted.
Strong Market Performance Supports Chery’s Expansion
Chery has consistently demonstrated strong performance in the South African market, currently selling over 2,000 new vehicles per month in the country, according to a report by South African English-language media outlet Engineering News.
The broader Chery Group portfolio, which includes Omoda, Jaecoo, and Jetour, records combined monthly sales approaching 5,000 units, highlighting growing consumer demand and brand acceptance in the region.
Rosslyn Plant Output and Global Sales Context
In recent years, Nissan’s South African facility has produced fewer than 25,000 vehicles annually, a sharp contrast to its 2012 peak production level of 54,000 units, the report noted. The acquisition provides a pathway for renewed utilization of the site under new ownership.
Globally, Chery Group sold 2,806,393 vehicles in 2025, representing a 7.8% year-on-year increase, underscoring the company’s sustained growth momentum and its capability to scale localized manufacturing operations internationally.
Nissan confirmed it has reached an agreement with Chery for the acquisition of its production assets located in Rosslyn, Pretoria. The transaction includes the transfer of land, buildings, and associated infrastructure, positioning Chery for deeper operational roots in the country.
Chery South Africa to Take Over Rosslyn Manufacturing Assets
Under the agreement, Chery South Africa will acquire the land, buildings, and related assets of the Nissan plant, including the adjacent stamping facility. The transfer is expected to be completed by mid-year, enabling Chery to move swiftly on local production planning and operational integration.
A key aspect of the transaction is workforce continuity. Chery will offer employment opportunities to the majority of Nissan’s existing employees, with employment terms remaining largely unchanged from current arrangements, supporting stability within the local automotive ecosystem.
Nissan to Continue Sales and Launch New Models
Despite the asset sale, Nissan will continue its commercial operations in South Africa. The automaker confirmed plans to introduce multiple new models in fiscal year 2026, maintaining its presence in the domestic market.
- Nissan Tekton
- Nissan Patrol
"Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners," said Jordi Vila, president of Nissan Africa.
"External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan," Vila noted.
Strong Market Performance Supports Chery’s Expansion
Chery has consistently demonstrated strong performance in the South African market, currently selling over 2,000 new vehicles per month in the country, according to a report by South African English-language media outlet Engineering News.
The broader Chery Group portfolio, which includes Omoda, Jaecoo, and Jetour, records combined monthly sales approaching 5,000 units, highlighting growing consumer demand and brand acceptance in the region.
Rosslyn Plant Output and Global Sales Context
In recent years, Nissan’s South African facility has produced fewer than 25,000 vehicles annually, a sharp contrast to its 2012 peak production level of 54,000 units, the report noted. The acquisition provides a pathway for renewed utilization of the site under new ownership.
Globally, Chery Group sold 2,806,393 vehicles in 2025, representing a 7.8% year-on-year increase, underscoring the company’s sustained growth momentum and its capability to scale localized manufacturing operations internationally.
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