By Xolile Hopa

Chery has officially opened its manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, marking a major milestone in the company’s South African journey. The move sees the Chinese automaker transition from importing vehicles to building them locally, reinforcing its long-term commitment to South Africa’s automotive industry.

The opening ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests, including South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, and Chery Chairman Yin Tongyue.

The Rosslyn facility, originally established in 1963, is one of South Africa’s oldest automotive manufacturing plants. Chery plans to upgrade the factory before production begins in mid-2027. During the second half of 2027, the company expects to produce around 15,000 vehicles as operations ramp up.

Importantly, Chery has confirmed that all 692 existing employees at the plant will be retained, while the investment is expected to create nearly 3,000 additional direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, logistics, and related industries.

The company is also rolling out a localisation programme aimed at increasing the use of locally sourced components by 2028. Over the long term, Chery intends to expand the Rosslyn facility into a regional automotive hub incorporating research and development, supply chain operations, and skills development.

Since entering the South African market in 2021, Chery has experienced rapid growth, becoming one of the country’s top-selling passenger vehicle brands. The company says it aims to eventually surpass 100,000 annual vehicle sales locally.

The Chery Group now offers six brands in South Africa: Chery, OMODA, JAECOO, Jetour, iCAUR, and LEPAS, covering a wide range of passenger vehicles, SUVs, and new-energy vehicles.

Beyond manufacturing, Chery also highlighted its commitment to environmental conservation and community development. Through partnerships with UNICEF and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the company supports education initiatives and biodiversity conservation projects in South Africa.

With local production set to begin in 2027, the Rosslyn plant represents a significant step not only for Chery but also for South Africa’s automotive manufacturing sector, bringing new investment, job creation, and increased localisation to the industry.