After nearly six decades of manufacturing some of South Africa’s most iconic vehicles, Nissan South Africa has officially announced the sale of its Rosslyn manufacturing plant to the Chinese automotive giant, Chery South Africa.
The move, confirmed on Monday, January 26, 2026, marks the end of an era for local production of the Nissan brand, as the company pivots to becoming a vehicle importer only.
The Deal: Chery Takes the Wheel
The acquisition includes Nissan’s land, buildings, and associated assets at the Rosslyn facility, including the nearby stamping plant.
- Timeline: The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to be fully concluded by mid-2026.
- Job Preservation: In a significant win for the local labor market, Chery has committed to offering employment to the majority of Nissan’s current workforce on similar terms and conditions.
- The Buyer: Chery has seen explosive growth in South Africa since its re-entry into the market, and this acquisition provides the Chinese firm with a world-class, “plug-and-play” facility to begin local manufacturing of multiple vehicle ranges.
Why Nissan is Stepping Back
The decision to end local manufacturing follows a turbulent few years for the Japanese brand in South Africa.
- The NP200 Factor: The discontinuation of the legendary NP200 bakkie left a massive hole in the plant’s production volumes.
- Global Restructuring: While Nissan initially planned a “replacement model” for the NP200 to be built in Rosslyn, these projects were cancelled during a major global restructuring at the end of 2024.
- Sustainability Issues: Despite continuing to build the Navara for local and export markets, the volumes were insufficient to keep the plant financially viable within Nissan’s global network.
“We Are Not Exiting”: Nissan’s New Strategy
Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila emphasized that while the factory doors are closing on Nissan production, the brand itself is staying in South Africa.
- Importer Model: Moving forward, Nissan will focus on importing vehicles from its global hubs.
- Service and Sales: All existing dealerships and service centers will remain operational, and the company plans to launch several new models during the 2026 financial year.
- Social Responsibility: Vila noted that closing the plant entirely would have been the “easier financial option,” but the partnership with Chery was chosen specifically to protect the livelihoods of the Rosslyn staff.
Industry Reaction: A Win for Rosslyn
Automotive industry experts have hailed the deal as “fantastic news” for the Gauteng automotive hub. By handing over the keys to Chery—a brand currently in a rapid expansion phase—the facility is likely to see higher utilization rates than it has in years.
Chery’s plan to manufacture multiple vehicle ranges (potentially including OMODA and JAECOO models) is expected to breathe new life into local component suppliers who had been struggling since the NP200’s exit.
While it is bittersweet to see the “Nissan Rosslyn” signage come down after 60 years, the arrival of Chery ensures that the heartbeat of Pretoria’s automotive industry will continue to throb well into the future.
Source Credit: Based on reporting by BusinessTech and SABC News.
