Chery Automobile has stated plans to resume manufacturing at the Rosslyn plant in South Africa by the end of 2027, following its acquisition of the facility from Nissan (T:7201). The company intends to re-commission and retrofit the site within a 12 to 18 month window and to produce electrified vehicles there, according to remarks by Chery International Executive Vice President Charlie Zhang.
Speaking at a conference, Zhang said the company will work to modify the plant "at full speed" and that the target is for the "start of production" to occur "probably by the end of 2027." He added that the plant will be adapted to support multiple vehicle models.
The automaker has not revealed either the cost paid to acquire the Rosslyn facility or the total amount it plans to invest in the retrofit and restart. Zhang said the site will be re-commissioned and retrofitted over the coming 12 to 18 months, without disclosing further financial details.
Chery is considering a production mix that includes new energy vehicles alongside traditional internal combustion engine models. Zhang said the company sees electrified vehicles - specifically hybrid, plug-in hybrid and battery electric vehicles - as potential primary products at the plant. He also indicated that the facility will have the capability to manufacture several different models.
The company also said it expects to export vehicles manufactured at Rosslyn to markets across Africa and Europe. To support local operations, Chery plans to develop a domestic supplier base in South Africa, a move Zhang characterized as reflecting the automaker's confidence in the market and its response to the support of local customers and dealers.
Chery re-entered South Africa's automotive market four years ago and has since been a regular top 10 seller in the country. The company averages roughly 50,000 units sold each year in South Africa and operates a nationwide dealer network of about 150 outlets.
Company statements highlight that local production is expected to provide improved flexibility, shorter lead times and enhanced competitiveness in the South African market, though no figures on investment scale or projected output were provided.
Context and next steps
- Refit and recommissioning work is scheduled over the next 12 to 18 months.
- Chery aims to start vehicle production at Rosslyn by the end of 2027.
- Product plans include a mix of electrified vehicles (hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric) and internal combustion engine models.