Chery has officially confirmed that it will build the Tiggo 4 range at its new factory in South Africa.
The Chinese automaker recently acquired Nissan’s manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Gauteng, which previously made bakkies like the Navara.
The Chery Group is currently refitting the site to assemble multiple vehicles across its family of brands, with production set to begin in the second half of 2027.
It previously confirmed that the Jetour T-Series Adventure SUVs, comprising the T1 and T2, would be built at Rosslyn.
In a later announcement, the Chery Group revealed that it would also assemble the Jaecoo J5 crossover.
Now, the company has confirmed that it will also build the Tiggo 4 series to capitalize on the success of its highest-volume car.
The Tiggo 4 series refers to two models, the Tiggo 4 Pro and the Tiggo Cross, the latter of which is actually the facelifted version of the vehicle, though Chery opted to sell the two versions under different names in South Africa.
It is the brand’s entry-level vehicle, slotting below the larger Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8, and Tiggo 9 SUVs.
Prices for the Tiggo 4 currently start at R269,900, while the Cross starts at R279,900.
Chery added that the Tiggo 4 Cross will be the first vehicle to roll off the Chery Rosslyn production line during the plant’s initial ramp-up phase in the third and fourth quarters of 2027.
“A planned production total of 15,000 units has been set for this period, with further growth expected as operations mature.”
Additionally, the Chinese carmaker plans to build both the internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) versions at Rosslyn.
“Producing both ICE and HEV derivatives will allow Chery to serve the continued demand for conventional petrol vehicles while supporting the growing number of South African buyers considering more fuel-efficient, electrified alternatives.”
The company stated that it will announce the final derivative specifications, production volumes, and market-introduction details closer to the start of local manufacturing.
Chery’s new factory in South Africa
The factory itself will retain all 692 employees formerly employed by Nissan Africa. Chery said the project is also expected to create nearly 3,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities across manufacturing, logistics, the supply chain and supporting services.
“The company has begun an extensive localisation programme and is engaging with Tier-1 suppliers as it works towards its local-content targets for 2028,” it said.
“The programme is intended to expand the domestic supplier network, create opportunities for South African component manufacturers and support the transfer and development of technical skills.”
Over the longer term, the Chinese company plans to develop Rosslyn into an industrial hub encompassing production, research and development, supply chain operations, and skills development.
It said the investment also supports the company’s ambition to establish South Africa as a base for its manufacturing, export and operational activities across the African continent.
The Tiggo 4 Cross isn’t the only Chery model that may be built at Rosslyn, either, as the carmaker said it is conducting feasibility studies to determine whether a light commercial vehicle, such as a bakkie, could be added to the assembly line at a later stage.
“The studies will assess factors including South African and regional demand, the business case for production, plant requirements and the readiness of the local supplier network.”
“No decision has yet been made on the addition of a light commercial vehicle to the Rosslyn production programme.”
If it does decide to build a bakkie, it will likely be either the Himla or the KP31, both of which have been confirmed for our market.
All vehicles produced at Rosslyn will benefit from the Chery Family Care ownership offering, including the Trans-national Warranty Programme introduced in 2026.
The carmaker clarified that this is subject to the original warranty agreement and applicable market regulations.
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