CHINESE AUTOMAKER CHERY BUYS NISSAN PLANT IN AFRICA AS EV PRODUCTION SHIFTS TO NEW MARKETS

On July 2025, Chery, China’s largest auto exporter, bought Nissan’s former Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, South Africa, to produce plug‑in hybrids, battery‑electric vehicles and Jetour models. The acquisition marks a strategic shift from exporting vehicles to building them in Africa, where rapid urbanization and a growing middle class are expected to drive demand.

According to the Associated Press, the move is part of a broader strategy to cope with slowing domestic demand and rising trade barriers in Europe and North America. Analysts say the plant could create jobs, spur the development of local supply chains, and accelerate electric‑vehicle adoption on the continent, though weak infrastructure and policy uncertainty remain significant obstacles. The purchase follows Chery’s existing operations in China, where workers already assemble the Zeekr 001 EV model at the company’s Ningbo plant as of April 2025.

This acquisition reflects a growing trend of Chinese automakers expanding production into Africa, aiming to manufacture closer to African consumers and tap new growth markets.

• Chery acquired Nissan’s Rosslyn plant near Pretoria in July 2025.
• The plant will produce plug‑in hybrids, battery‑electric vehicles and Jetour models.
• The move is intended to offset slowing domestic demand and higher trade barriers while boosting jobs and local supply chains in Africa.

Read the original source for full detail available at Associated Press src