Jetour has announced that it plans to produce some of its vehicles in South Africa.
Last week at the 2026 Auto China show in Beijing, President of Jetour International, Mr Ke Chuandeng, revealed that the company wants to expand its global production capacity.
In South Africa, Jetour aims to capitalise on the success of its T-badged SUVs – the T1 and T2 – which have exceeded sales expectations since their introduction last year.
“Mr Chuandeng’s announcement indicates that the increasingly popular T-Series, launched in South Africa in October last year, will begin local production at the plant from next year,” Jetour said in an official statement.
Jetour’s local production ambitions are possible thanks to Chery’s recent acquisition of Nissan’s assembly plant in Rosslyn, Gauteng.
While Jetour and Chery operate as separate brands in South Africa, the two nameplates are closely related at the international level, as Jetour is one of the brands that falls under the Chery Group umbrella.
“Chery’s recent acquisition of the Rosslyn manufacturing plant from Nissan means Chery South Africa transitions from an importer to a local manufacturer,” said Jetour.
“By mid-2027, Chery aims to produce 50,000 units annually and create over 3,000 jobs across manufacturing and supply chain sectors.”
The T1 and T2 were both on display at the Beijing Auto Show, standing alongside Chery’s other brands like Omoda, Jaecoo, iCaur, and Lepas.
“While Auto China 2026 features a broad mix of internal combustion, concept and performance vehicles, this year the focus is firmly on electrification, hybridisation and intelligent mobility systems,” said the company.
“Electric and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technologies are no longer an optional offering, but a core to any automotive brand’s future success.”
Jetour introduced PHEV versions of the T1 and T2 Adventure SUVs earlier this month.
“Being at Auto China this week has been an important moment for us,” said Nic Campbell, Vice President of Jetour South Africa.
“This announcement to produce the Jetour T-Series locally positions South Africa as an integral part of Jetour’s global ambitions and underscores the growing influence of Chinese automakers in our market.”
The automaker also confirmed that it plans to upgrade its existing roster and introduce new cars in South Africa later this year.
Chery buying Nissan’s factory in South Africa
Back in January, Nissan Africa announced that Chery would acquire its Rosslyn manufacturing plant, which currently produces the Navara bakkie.
The Japanese carmaker has been in financial straits for several years now and is currently in the process of shutting down seven factories worldwide, including two in its home country.
In South Africa, Nissan signed an agreement with Chery to hand over the keys to the factory and its nearby stamping facility.
“Nissan and Chery SA have reached agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa,” said Nissan.
“Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including of its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.”
Both companies stated that the transfer will ensure that the majority of staff employed by Nissan will be offered new positions by Chery on “substantially similar terms and conditions as today.”
Importantly, while Nissan will no longer be a local producer, it is not leaving South Africa.
The automaker assured motorists that it is fully committed to our market and that it will introduce two new models later this year – the Tekton and the Patrol.
President of Nissan Africa, Jordi Vila, said that external factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan.
“Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network.”
“This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector.”
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