China's Chery Takes Over Former Nissan Car Factory in South Africa

China’s Chery has formally taken over Nissan’s car manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Johannesburg, under a deal announced in January. The transfer took place on Friday, with executives saying Chery will spend millions of dollars upgrading the site and adding machinery before vehicle production begins in mid-2027. Chery’s goal is to position South Africa as an “African hub” for manufacturing, exports, research and development, and regional operations. The company said it will retain all 692 existing employees and expects nearly 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across the wider supply chain. Initially, Chery will produce the Jetour T series, including T1, Jaecoo J5, and Chery Tiggo 4 SUVs, with the Jaecoo J5 offered in both ICE and NEV versions. During the third and fourth quarters of 2027, it expects to build 15,000 vehicles as local-content targets ramp up toward 40%.