Chery has officially opened its Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria, marking the Chinese automaker’s transition from vehicle importer to local manufacturer in South Africa.
The Rosslyn facility, one of South Africa’s oldest automotive manufacturing plants, was originally established in 1963. Chery will invest in upgrading the site’s facilities and utilities, with vehicle production expected to begin in mid-2027.
Chery invests in South African manufacturing
The investment comes as South Africa’s automotive sector continues to play a significant role in the country’s economy. According to naamsa, automotive exports reached a record R291 billion in 2025, accounting for 15.6% of South Africa’s total exports, while vehicle exports increased to 414,271 units.
Rosslyn is already a well-established automotive manufacturing hub with a supplier network supporting major original equipment manufacturers, including BMW, Ford and Nissan.
Nearly 3,000 jobs expected
During the production ramp-up in the third and fourth quarters of 2027, Chery expects output to reach 15,000 vehicles.
The company has committed to retaining all 692 existing employees at the Rosslyn plant while creating close to 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, supply chain operations and support services.
The official opening was attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng and senior Chery executives.
“At Chery, we live by one philosophy: ‘In Somewhere, For Somewhere, Be Somewhere.’ It means wherever we invest, we commit,” said Chery Automobile chairman, president and founder Yin Tongyue.
“We have moved from being an importer to a manufacturer – and from a market participant to a long-term partner in South Africa’s industrial story.”
South Africa to become African hub
Chery says the Rosslyn investment forms part of its broader strategy to position South Africa as its African manufacturing, export, research and development, and operational headquarters.
The company plans to expand the site into a comprehensive automotive hub incorporating manufacturing, supply chain operations, skills development, and research and development.
Confidence in long-term investment
The Rosslyn facility strengthens Chery Group’s growing South African portfolio, which includes Chery, OMODA, JAECOO, Jetour, iCAUR and LEPAS.
LEPAS, introduced locally in 2026 as the group’s premium SUV brand, says the investment reinforces the company’s long-term commitment to the local market.
“The opening of the Rosslyn manufacturing plant is an important statement of intent,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of LEPAS and Chery South Africa.
“It shows that Chery Group is not only participating in the local market, but is committed to building a long-term future here.”
Since entering South Africa in 2021, Chery has become one of the country’s fastest-growing vehicle brands. The company says its long-term goal is to exceed 100,000 annual vehicle sales in the South African market.
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