Chery acquires Nissan's South African plant to launch EVs on the African continent

In July, Chery, China's top auto exporter, took over Nissan's former Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, intending to assemble plug-in hybrids, fully electric cars and models under its Jetour marque. The deal reflects a growing trend among Chinese manufacturers to locate production closer to African consumers amid slowing sales at home and rising trade barriers abroad. Experts note that local assembly could lower vehicle prices by avoiding import duties and stimulate the development of charging stations, battery factories and component makers, especially in nations such as Morocco, Kenya and Ethiopia that have supportive policies or growing electricity networks.

Existing Chinese players like BAIC in Gqeberha and Great Wall Motor with limited assembly capacity illustrate the early stage of this shift. However, successful conversion of factories designed for combustion engines will depend on stable tax regimes, reliable electricity and clear industrial policies.