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By Newz.Africa Business Desk | Pretoria, South Africa | 26 January 2026 | Chery takes over Rosslyn plant.
Chery is expanding its footprint in South Africa with the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing facilities at the Rosslyn plant. The move signals a major shift in the country’s automotive landscape. Nissan is winding down nearly 60 years of local vehicle production.
The sale includes the Rosslyn assembly plant and its nearby stamping facility. Chery will take ownership once regulatory approvals are finished. Production of the Nissan Navara is set to end by May 2024, after which Nissan will become a full importer.
Most Nissan employees at the plant will be offered positions by Chery under similar conditions. This decision preserves vital skills in the sector and prevents large-scale job losses. It follows a period of uncertainty after Nissan’s global restructuring led to declining output at Rosslyn.
Nissan says external pressures affected the plant’s long-term viability. The acquisition allows continuity for the workforce and the supplier ecosystem. Chery’s entry strengthens industrial capacity in Gauteng and supports government priorities for manufacturing growth.
Chery is expected to set up a permanent manufacturing presence in South Africa. The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition welcomed the investment. Officials say the deal aligns with ongoing work to update automotive policy and expand industrial support programmes.
What this means for South Africa’s automotive sector
Chery’s takeover gives the sector a new source of investment at a time when global pressures have disrupted manufacturing. Government has been working with industry to secure long term production opportunities. The Rosslyn transition is seen as a positive signal for local assembly.
The company has committed to localising production and maintaining a stable workforce. This approach positions Chery as a long term player. Market analysts say the deal will help diversify South Africa’s automotive base and attract extra part manufacturing.
Nissan’s new direction after Chery Rosslyn plant takeover
While Nissan is stepping back from local assembly, the brand will continue selling and servicing vehicles in South Africa. New arrivals include the Nissan Tekton and the next generation Nissan Patrol. Imports will come from Thailand and other global plants.
The company says the exit from local production is part of a global plan to consolidate facilities and reduce losses. The decision follows declining output at Rosslyn over the past decade.
ORIGINAL REPORTING
What we confirmed:
We verified details from multiple industry reports about the sale. We checked the timelines for regulatory approval. We also looked into employee retention and Nissan’s exit from local manufacturing.
SOURCES: Chery takes over Rosslyn plant
- Business Insider Africa report on Nissan’s manufacturing exit and Chery acquisition.
- Nissan corporate press release on the agreement and employee retention.
- Moneyweb report on DTIC’s reaction to the acquisition.
- Africa Business Communities report on Chery’s local production plans and strategic impact.
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