Chery has officially confirmed that it will invest in a local manufacturing plant.
At the 6th annual South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC 2026), held in Sandton this week, the Chinese carmaker stated that strong local reception was a key factor in its decision to invest in a production facility.
“This investment is a vote of confidence in South Africa and a direct result of the unwavering support from our customers and dealer network over the past four years,” said Mr. Charlie Zhang, Vice President of Chery Auto and Executive Vice President of Chery International.
This is a landmark strategic investment for the brand, as it will transition from an importer to a committed local manufacturer and investor in the South African economy.
“The site which has been secured in Rosslyn, Pretoria will be re-commissioned and retrofitted over the next 12 to 18 months,” said Chery.
Curiously, the official press release made no mention of the factory that it will be taking over.
However, we know from previous announcements that Chery is acquiring Nissan’s Navara bakkie facility in Rosslyn.
Nissan Motor has, unfortunately, been in dire financial straits for several years and is currently in the process of shutting down several factories worldwide, including two in its home country of Japan.
Chery’s acquisition of the Navara plant is a preferable outcome, as it means the site will not be shut down, and both carmakers have stated that the majority of staff will be re-employed in positions similar to their current roles.
“This transition to local production is set to deliver significant positive impact for South Africa,” said Chery.
“This includes the creation of more employment, as well as retaining most of the current employees at the existing plant, previously operated by another manufacturer, to ensure continuity and a smooth project transition.”
The first locally-made Chery vehicles are expected to roll off the assembly line by mid-2027.
The company stated that the investment will have a significant positive impact on South Africa, as it will create additional jobs, and existing employees at the current plant will receive new training to ensure a smooth transition.
“Chery’s investment in South Africa is not only an important step in the company’s globalization development, but also our long-term commitment to the economic and industrial development of South Africa,” said Zhang.
“The project will directly and indirectly create nearly 3,000 jobs, covering multiple sectors including manufacturing, supply chain, and services.”
Zhang added that the company also plans to develop 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 noted that local manufacturing will strengthen Chery’s market position, with shorter lead times and a greater competitive edge within South Africa.
Mzansi isn’t the only market that will benefit, either, as the new plant will also produce vehicles for export to other African countries.
“Moving from an importer to a manufacturer deepens our roots in this country,” said Zhang.
“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.”
What to expect from Chery’s new factory
Unfortunately, Chery has yet to announce which vehicles will be made at the site, though if we had to guess, it would probably be the Tiggo 4 Pro and/or Tiggo Cross.
This is the brand’s most affordable crossover, with prices starting at just R269,900.
It is also, unsurprisingly, the most popular model in South Africa, regularly selling over 1,500 units per month.
If local production can further reduce the Tiggo 4’s price tag while ensuring that there is an abundance of available parts, it stands to reason that the crossover could become one of the most successful vehicles in the country.
As a reminder, the Tiggo Cross is actually the facelifted version of the Tiggo 4, but the company opted to sell the two versions as separate cars in order to maintain the latter’s appealing price point.
Chery made no indication that the plant will feature multiple production lines, but if a second vehicle is on the table, our fingers are crossed that it will be the new Himla.
Right now, the Chinese marque is known for its crossovers and SUVs, but it will expand into the bakkie market later this year with the Himla – a midsize double cab.
It will feature a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, and is expected to compete with local favourites like the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.
All three of these bakkies have an advantage in that they are locally-made, and so local production may be the key to ensure that the Himla has the competitive edge necessary to go toe-to-toe with its rivals.
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