Nissan and Chery South Africa (Chery SA) have reached an agreement for the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets at its Rosslyn plant, marking a significant shift in the country’s automotive landscape.
Subject to the fulfilment of standard conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings and associated assets of Nissan’s Rosslyn facilities, including its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.
As part of the agreement, the majority of Nissan employees currently associated with the plant will be offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions, ensuring continuity for the workforce and stability for the local supplier ecosystem.
Commenting on the development, Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila said the company had been working to find a sustainable solution for all stakeholders.
Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners. External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan. Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce, thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector, Vila said.
Despite the sale of the manufacturing facility, Nissan confirmed that it will maintain its presence in the South African market. The company will continue offering vehicles and after-sales services to customers, with several new model launches planned for the 2026 fiscal year, including the Nissan Tekton and the Nissan Patrol.
Industry analysts view the transaction as a strategic opportunity for Chery to expand its manufacturing footprint in Africa while allowing Nissan to streamline operations and focus on product offerings and market growth in the region.
