Chinese automaker Chery has officially launched its manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, north of Pretoria, South Africa, marking the company's transition from an importer to a local manufacturer and establishing South Africa as its African manufacturing, export, research and development, and operational headquarters. The development has significant implications for automotive manufacturing supply chains across the African continent.

As reported by Macau Business, production at the Rosslyn plant is scheduled to begin in mid-2027, with an initial output of 15,000 vehicles planned for the third and fourth quarters of that year. At full capacity, the plant is expected to produce 50,000 vehicles annually on a single-shift basis.

Chery has committed to retaining all 692 existing employees at the Rosslyn facility while creating nearly 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, supply chains and related services. The company also plans to expand localisation and develop the facility into a comprehensive automotive hub integrating research and development, manufacturing, supply chain operations and skills development.

Chery chairman Yin Tongyue said: "We have moved from being an importer to a manufacturer, and from a market participant to a long-term partner in South Africa's industrial story."

South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, speaking at the launch ceremony, said Chery's investment would pave the way for technology transfer, automation, digitalisation and advanced manufacturing systems, and noted these developments would strengthen South Africa's industrial capacity. On the sidelines of the event, Mashatile said that during his recent visit to China, many Chinese companies expressed interest in investing in South Africa, and that he had told them the country offers a gateway to the broader African continent.

Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng described the partnership as a testament to deepening cooperation between China and South Africa, and said it would inject fresh momentum into bilateral cooperation in the automotive sector and open broader prospects for future development.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui Province, Chery operates in more than 130 countries and regions. Since entering the South African market in 2021, the company has grown to become one of the country's fastest-growing automotive brands, with a local portfolio now spanning six brands including Chery, OMODA, JAECOO, Jetour, iCAUR and LEPAS.