Nissan to Sell South Africa Plant to China’s Chery, Ending Local Production. Johannesburg, South Africa — January 23, 2026 Nissan is set to exit the South African automotive manufacturing scene, with the sale of its Rosslyn plant to China’s Chery Automobile. This transaction marks the conclusion of local vehicle production for Nissan in South Africa, a presence that dates back nearly 60 years.
According to local reports, the Rosslyn plant’s production of Nissan Navara pickups is expected to cease by May 2024. Following the end of local production, Chery plans to import vehicles from Thailand.
The acquisition is part of Nissan’s broader global restructuring efforts aimed at optimizing operations and addressing financial challenges.
The Rosslyn plant has been a significant employer and producer of vehicles in the region. Nissan’s decision to sell the plant and cease local production is likely influenced by a combination of economic and market factors, including competition, production costs, and the global automotive industry’s shift towards more efficient and cost-effective manufacturing processes. Reuters reports that the sale of the plant to Chery’s local arm is a significant development in the South African automotive industry.
Africa Business Insider provides additional context, emphasizing Nissan’s shift to an import-only model and the global restructuring context. Facebook posts and Autotrader articles offer insights into the potential impact on the local workforce and Chery SA’s commitment to employment at the Rosslyn plant.
The acquisition includes the main assembly plant and the nearby stamping facility.
This means that Chery will soon begin building cars in South Africa.
The transition is expected to finalize in mid — 2026, pending regulatory approvals. Perhaps the most significant aspect of the deal is the commitment to the workforce, with Nissan ensuring that the majority of employees will continue to be employed at the Rosslyn site.
However, several questions remain unanswered. What specific terms were included in the sale agreement between Nissan and Chery? How will the workforce transition from Nissan to Chery, and what guarantees have been provided for job security?
What is the long — term strategy for the Rosslyn plant under Chery’s ownership? How will the change in ownership affect the local automotive supply chain and the broader South African economy? And what is the current status of regulatory approvals for the acquisition?
Further details are expected as the situation unfolds. Reuters.
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Source: Africa.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
