The deal, still subject to regulatory approval, will see Chery SA acquire the land, buildings and equipment at the Rosslyn factory outside Pretoria.
The transaction also includes Nissan’s nearby stamping plant and is expected to be finalised by mid-2026.
This means that after nearly 60 years of Nissan production in South Africa, the company now becomes a vehicle importer only.
Plant workers will work for Chery
For workers, the news brings a measure of relief. Nissan says the majority of employees linked to the plant will be offered jobs by Chery on similar terms.
Nissan Africa president Jordi Vila said the company had been searching for a sustainable future for the site.
“Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners,” Vila said.
“External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan.”
The sale, he said, helps protect jobs while keeping the facility active within South Africa’s automotive sector.
It also preserves work for suppliers linked to the factory.
Despite selling the plant, Nissan is not exiting South Africa. The Japanese company will continue selling and servicing vehicles through its local sales network.
Currently the Nissan plant manufactures the Nissan Navara, with several new vehicle launches planned for the 2026 fiscal year including the Nissan Tekton and Patrol.
The Chinese car takeover in South Africa
Chery’s move into Rosslyn comes as Chinese car brands rapidly expand their footprint in South Africa.
Over the past few years, marques like Chery, Haval, GWM, Omoda, Jaecoo and BYD have surged in popularity.
These brands have gained ground by offering feature-rich vehicles at competitive prices. Long warranties, growing dealer networks and changing perceptions have helped win over buyers.
