Chery invests in South Africa: local plant upgrade to boost jobs and suppliers
Chery’s double-cab Himla could be among the models the group manufactures once the existing Nissan plant is recommissioned and upgraded over the next 12 to 18 months, with production targeted to begin by mid-2027.
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Four years after re-entering the South African market, Chery has moved from being a fringe importer to a consistent top-10 local seller.
Averaging around 50,000 units a year locally, backed by a dealer network that has grown to around 150 outlets nationwide, and having recently bought the Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, it’s time for the next step.
At the sixth annual South Africa Investment Conference 2026, held at the Sandton Convention Centre, the company confirmed the existing plant will be recommissioned and upgraded over the next 12 to 18 months, with production targeted to start by mid-2027.
“This investment reflects our confidence in South Africa and is a direct result of the steadfast support from our customers and dealer network over the past four years,” said Charlie Zhang, vice president of Chery Auto and executive vice president of Chery International.
Jobs and supplier base focus
As an existing facility, it should help accelerate the upgrade timeline. Chery plans to retain a large portion of the existing workforce, while also expanding employment as production ramps up.
“The project will directly and indirectly create nearly 3 000 jobs, covering multiple sectors including manufacturing, supply chain, and services. said Zhang.
“We will also focus on developing a local supplier network that is better equipped to support the local parts industry. We believe this will make the overall automotive industry more competitive,” he added.
There was no confirmation about what models are likely to be built, but according to Reuters, Zhang is quoted as saying that electric, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and internal combustion engine vehicles would form part of their planning.
Because the plant has been tooled to produce the Nissan Navara bakkie, it would make sense that their much-vaunted double cab, the Himla, forms part of the offering.
What it means for SA
Local production will bring shorter lead times, better supply stability, in some cases better pricing, as well as future exports across Africa
“Moving from an importer to a manufacturer deepens our roots in this country. It allows us to better serve the South African and broader African market, enhances consumer confidence through local presence, and aligns our future growth directly with the growth of the local automotive industry,” said Zhang.
The brand’s local arm, which includes Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Lepas and ICaur, has grown quickly in a relatively short space of time.
“Chery's entry into South Africa is not a short-term decision, but a long-term commitment to the future. We are bringing not only investment and products, but also confidence in industrial cooperation, investment in technological development, and a firm determination to grow together with South Africa.”