With its freshly purchased Rosslyn plant gearing up for production, the Chery Group’s CEO in South Africa has called on rival Chinese automakers to invest in the country…
- Chery Group to start production at Rosslyn in H2 2027
- CEO calls for long-term commitment from other OEMs
- Plans to position Rosslyn as “export centre” for Africa
The head of the Chery Group in South Africa has encouraged other Chinese automakers to invest in South Africa, calling for rival companies to make a similar “long-term commitment” to the local industry.
Tony Liu, CEO of the Chery Group in South Africa, made the comments during a recent Cars.co.za podcast interview. As a reminder, the Wuhu-based automaker recently acquired the Rosslyn facility from Nissan and plans to kick off production of its initial models in the 2nd half of 2027.
“We welcome more Chinese OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) to look at South Africa as an attractive investment destination. We also wish for them to make a long-term commitment to the South African market and look at the broader picture, so we can develop this industry together to contribute to local economic growth,” Liu said.
Once the Rosslyn factory has been recommissioned, the Tiggo 4 Cross is set to be the first model to roll off the line. The company says it aims to produce 15 000 units in the plant’s initial ramp-up phase in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2027. There are also plans to build other models at the plant, including the Jetour T2 and eventually the production version of the KP31 diesel plug-in hybrid bakkie.
“This is a very big step for us, changing from an importer to a local manufacturer,” Liu said, adding that Chery – which returned to South Africa in 2021 – was planning to make its Rosslyn facility “an export centre for the African continent in the long run”.
“We need to engage with all the industry bodies and also the different levels of government to make sure this project has a soft landing in South Africa, to really contribute to economic growth, create jobs and transfer skills to local people,” the executive said.
So, which other major Chinese automakers might also invest in production facilities in Mzansi? Well, in October 2025, a high-ranking executive at rival Chinese company GWM confirmed to Cars.co.za that its local division was bidding to build a mysterious new model (codenamed “EC15”) in South Africa.
“We’re looking at the continent [of Africa]. There’s a new platform or product that we’ve coded ‘EC15’. We’re competing for the bid to produce that vehicle in South Africa, but we’re bidding against North Africa and the South of Europe,” Conrad Groenewald, Chief Operating Officer of GWM South Africa, told us at the time.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the Chery Group’s production timeline and vehicle manufacturing objectives for the Rosslyn plant?
A: Following its acquisition of the Rosslyn facility from Nissan, the Chery Group plans to start vehicle manufacturing in South Africa during the second half of 2027. The plant’s initial rollout will focus on the top-selling Tiggo 4 Cross (in petrol and hybrid formats), aiming for a 15 000-unit production ramp-up across the third and fourth quarters of 2027. Future production phases are slate to include the Jetour T2 and the KP31 diesel plug-in hybrid bakkie.
Q: How does the Chery Group plan to position its South African manufacturing operations in the long term?
A: Chery intends to transform the Rosslyn facility from a domestic assembly plant into a long-term strategic export centre servicing the African continent. To achieve a soft landing, the OEM says it is actively engaging with regional industry bodies and government structures to ensure the venture meaningfully fosters direct job creation, local skill transfers and broader macroeconomic growth.
Q: Are other Chinese automotive brands planning to manufacture vehicles locally in South Africa?
A: Yes, Great Wall Motor (GWM) South Africa has confirmed that it is actively exploring local assembly avenues. In October 2025, GWM said it was bidding to build a newly developed platform codenamed “EC15” for local distribution and eventual export to Europe.
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