The head of the Chery Group in South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the new Omoda C4 will be built at the firm’s Rosslyn factory, initially in hybrid guise…
- Omoda C4 to be built in South Africa
- Will initially launch in imported form
- SA production set to start in Q3 2027
- ICE, HEV and BEV derivatives planned
The head of the Chery Group in South Africa has confirmed to Cars.co.za that the new Omoda C4 will be one of several models built at the Chinese firm’s freshly purchased Rosslyn factory – initially in hybrid guise but with petrol and electric powertrains set to follow.
Tony Liu, CEO of the Chery Group in South Africa, made the comments during a wide-ranging interview in Cars.co.za’s custom-built podcast booth at Naamsa’s SA Auto Week 2026 gathering in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal earlier in October.
As a reminder, the Wuhu-based automaker acquired the Rosslyn facility from Nissan earlier this year, with plans to kick off production in the 2nd half of 2027. Of course, the Chery Group includes not only the core Chery brand but also various sub-brands, such as Omoda & Jaecoo, Jetour, iCaur and Lepas.
“The current timeline is that we are going to roll out the first cars from the Rosslyn plant in probably Q3 [2027]. Before that, we need to do a lot of preparation. Considering NEV [new energy vehicle] adoption is getting quicker and quicker, the first car to be rolled out is definitely going to be an NEV – that is for sure,” Liu told us.
Rosslyn to make ICE, HEV and BEV variants
Back in mid-July 2026, Chery announced that the Tiggo 4 would be the first model to be built at the Rosslyn factory, with local production “scheduled to begin in the 2nd half of 2027”. The company said both internal combustion engine (ICE) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) derivatives were planned.
Now, after confirming the Omoda C4 would also be made in Mzansi, Liu revealed the Chery Group planned to be produce this newcomer locally initially in traditional hybrid form, before adding petrol and battery electric vehicle (BEV) derivatives to the line at a later stage.
“Our first roll-out plan for Omoda in the Rosslyn plant will be the Omoda C4 hybrid. The C4 is the very latest Omoda on the latest platform. We’re going to have hybrid and also BEV versions. Later we’ll introduce the BEV version in the plant; ICE [production] is also a little bit later,” he told us.
“But considering the trend of NEV adoption, this is definitely something that is planned. The South African consumers can expect this model on the CBU [“Completely Built Up” or fully imported] side early next year and on the CKD [“Completely Knocked Down” or locally assembled] side later, in Q3.”
Revealed as C3 but renamed Omoda C4
“The first step is recommissioning the factory and making sure the factory starts operating. As the volume ramps up, localisation is going to come,” Liu said, making reference to earlier announced plans to launch a full “localisation programme” to increase local vehicle content.
Revealed late in April 2025 as the C3, the Chinese automaker’s crossover was later renamed the C4 – though is also known as the “Omoda 4” and “Omoda O4”, depending on the market. Measuring 4 424 mm from front to back, the C4 is intriguingly some 24 mm longer than the current C5, the model below which it is expected to be positioned.
So, what else will be built at the Rosslyn plant? Well, in April 2026, Jetour suggested its T-Series would be produced in Rosslyn (seemingly in the form of the particularly popular T2), before Omoda & Jaecoo announced its Jaecoo J5 would “form part of the core production line-up”. The new Chery Grootman double-cab bakkie is in line for local production, while the Lepas L4 could also be considered. Production timelines for these models, however, have yet to be confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Will the new Omoda C4 be built in South Africa?
A: Yes, Tony Liu (CEO of Chery Group SA) confirmed to Cars.co.za that the Omoda C4 will be locally assembled at Chery’s freshly acquired Rosslyn factory, with local production scheduled to begin in Q3 2027.
Q: Which powertrains will be available for the SA-built Omoda C4?
A: Local production of the Omoda C4 will launch initially in hybrid electric (HEV) guise, with pure petrol (ICE) and fully electric (BEV) variants scheduled to join the assembly line at a later stage.
Q: What other models are planned for production at Chery’s Rosslyn plant?
A: Alongside the Omoda C4, Chery plans to produce the Chery Tiggo 4, Jaecoo J5, Jetour T-Series (T2) and the upcoming Chery Grootman double-cab bakkie at its Rosslyn facility.
Related content
Will Chery’s upcoming SA-built vehicles be cheaper?
Ryan Bubear
Having written about everything from sport and politics to crime, Ryan eventually settled on motoring. For well over 15 years, he's been penning articles – both online and in print – about the broader automotive industry, though he's particularly fascinated by vehicle-sales statistics. A freelance writer and editor, Ryan has owned a 1971 Austin Mini Mk3 for 20-plus years.
