In a major development for South Africa’s automotive industry, Nissan and Chery SA have reached an agreement on the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa.
The deal secures the industrial site’s future and protects the livelihoods of the majority of its workforce.
The Agreement in Detail
Subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including regulatory approvals, Chery SA will purchase the land, buildings, and associated assets of the Nissan facilities, including its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.
A cornerstone of the agreement is the protection of employment.
The majority of associated Nissan employees will be offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions as today.
Nissan’s Strategic Exit
Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa President, explained the reasoning behind the sale, stating: “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.”
He emphasised the positive outcomes of the deal: “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.”
Nissan’s Continued Presence in SA
Importantly, Nissan has confirmed it is not exiting the South African market. Following the acquisition of the plant by Chery SA, Nissan will continue to offer vehicles and services to customers in South Africa, as before.
The brand has signaled strong future commitment, with several new vehicle launches planned for fiscal year 2026, including the Nissan Tekton and Nissan Patrol.
A New Chapter for Rosslyn
This acquisition marks a significant shift in South Africa’s automotive manufacturing landscape.
It represents a major expansion for Chery SA’s local industrial footprint, while providing a sustainable solution for Nissan’s existing infrastructure and skilled workforce.
The transition, scheduled for mid-2026, promises to inject new investment and purpose into the Rosslyn manufacturing hub, ensuring its continued role as a pillar of the national automotive sector.
*This article first appeared in our sister publication techfinancials.co.za
