By Staff Reporter

Jetour has confirmed plans to begin local vehicle production in South Africa from 2027, marking another step in the expansion of Chinese automotive brands in the local market.

The announcement was made at Auto China 2026 in Beijing, where Jetour International president Ke Chuandeng revealed that production of selected models, including the T-Series, will take place locally.

Jetour forms part of the broader Chery Group, which recently secured the Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria. The facility is expected to play a key role in the brand’s shift from importing vehicles to building them locally.

The T-Series, which includes the T1 and T2 models, has already seen strong early demand in South Africa, with more than 4,500 units sold since its local launch in late 2025. Local production is expected to support further growth while improving supply and reducing lead times.

Chery has indicated that the Rosslyn plant could produce up to 50,000 vehicles annually by mid-2027 and create over 3,000 jobs across manufacturing and the supply chain.

The move also aligns with broader industry trends highlighted at Auto China 2026, where electrification and hybrid technology continue to take centre stage. Jetour has already introduced plug-in hybrid versions of the T1 and T2 in South Africa as part of this shift.

Local production of the T-Series is expected to begin in 2027, with further details around models and specifications to be confirmed closer to launch.