Chery has purchased Nissan’s Rosslyn factory near Pretoria, South Africa, marking a significant step in the expansion of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturing on the African continent. The facility will be used to produce fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and Jetour models, reflecting growing demand for EVs in new markets.
Chery Expands Production with South African Acquisition
Chery has acquired Nissan’s Rosslyn factory, located near Pretoria, South Africa. This move allows Chery to manufacture fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and Jetour models directly in Africa. The acquisition is part of a broader trend among Chinese automakers, who are increasingly building or buying factories outside China to meet rising international demand for electric vehicles.
Africa’s Growing Role in the EV Market
The African continent is emerging as a promising region for electric vehicle investment. As incomes rise and the cost of EVs—especially those from Chinese brands—continues to fall, more African countries are attracting attention from global automakers. “Analysts say South Africa, Morocco, Kenya, Ethiopia and Ghana are among the countries best positioned to attract Chinese EV investment because of their industrial capacity, supportive policies or growing electricity infrastructure,” according to ABC News.
“Morocco also benefits from proximity to European export markets, while Zimbabwe’s large lithium reserves could support battery supply chains.” These factors are making Africa an increasingly attractive destination for EV manufacturing and supply chain development.
The Economic Case for Local EV Production
Most African countries import the majority of their oil and gas, making them vulnerable to fluctuations in global energy prices. “Africa is also a net importer of refined fuels, which drains foreign reserves and weighs on local currencies and budgets,” said Nick Hedley, energy transition research analyst at Zero Carbon Analytics. For this reason, “Switching to local electric cars for transportation is in African countries’ national interest.”
Producing EVs locally not only supports economic growth but also helps reduce reliance on imported fuels, potentially improving national budgets and currency stability.
Why this matters
Chery’s acquisition of the Rosslyn factory signals a new phase in the global expansion of Chinese EV makers and highlights Africa’s growing importance in the automotive industry. As more automakers invest in local production, African countries could see increased job creation, technology transfer, and economic diversification.
The shift toward local EV manufacturing also aligns with broader efforts to reduce dependence on imported fuels and strengthen national economies.
What this means for buyers
For African consumers, the local production of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles could mean greater access to affordable EV options and reduced wait times. Buyers should watch for new Chery and Jetour models assembled in South Africa, which may offer competitive pricing and features tailored to local needs.
As the EV market grows in Africa, potential buyers may also benefit from improved charging infrastructure and supportive government policies.
Key Specs
- Factory Location: Rosslyn, near Pretoria, South Africa
- Models to be Produced: Fully electric, plug-in hybrid, and Jetour models
- Chinese EV Sales in June 2026: 685,000 units
- EV Market Share in China (June 2026): 43%
Source
Images sourced from: electrek.co, cleantechnica.com, theglobeandmail.com
