Johannesburg – OMODA & JAECOO South Africa has announced that the JAECOO J5 will form part of the core production line-up at Chery Group’s first South African manufacturing plant, following the official groundbreaking of the facility.
The announcement marks an important step in OMODA & JAECOO’s local growth journey, with the JAECOO J5 set to play a key role in the brand’s long-term plans for the South African market.
On sale since September 2025, the JAECOO J5 has already established itself as an important model for the brand locally.
The JAECOO J5 will be produced in South Africa in ICE and NEV form, giving local customers access to a broader choice of powertrains while positioning the model as a key part of OMODA & JAECOO’s local product strategy.
For OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, the inclusion of the JAECOO J5 in the local production line-up reflects the brand’s confidence in the market and its focus on vehicles that suit local customers, road conditions and ownership needs.
“The JAECOO J5 speaks directly to the needs of South African motorists,” says Hans Greyling,General Manager for OMODA & JAECOO and iCAUR South Africa.
“It offers the practicality, technology and versatility customers expect from a modern crossover, while the addition of NEV models gives buyers more choice as the market continues to evolve.”
Since going on sale in South Africa in September 2025, the JAECOO J5 has recorded 2,630 sales, underlining its early momentum in the local market.
With its outstanding product strength, JAECOO J5 has delivered impressive sales results and positive user feedback across multiple international markets.
In Thailand, the J5 BEV topped SUV registrations for six consecutive months from November 2025 to April 2026.
In Indonesia, its momentum remained strong, with nearly 14,000 cumulative units sold from January to May 2026, leading the local BEV SUV segment by a wide margin.
In May, the model ranked among Indonesia’s top five best-selling vehicles and took the top spot in electric vehicle sales.
That same month, JAECOO J5 BEV became the second best-selling electric vehicle in Australia.
Meanwhile, SA Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the keynote address at the Chery International Factory Acquisition Celebration in Tshwane, Gauteng Province.
The Deputy President was received by Gauteng Premier Panyanza Lesufi, Executive Mayor of Tshwane, Nasiphi Moya, and President of Chery International Group, Charlie Zhang.
The acquisition by Chery International represents a significant transition in ownership and a new chapter in the facility’s operational future.
It also supports economic growth, job creation, and localisation.
“Today, we celebrate Chery’s confidence in South Africa and reaffirm our commitment to industrialisation, investment attraction, and economic growth,” said Deputy President Mashatile.
“As I mentioned when I met with Chery Automobile’s leadership in China a week ago as part of my working visit to enhance bilateral trade and industrial investment, South Africa is open for investment, ready for innovation, and committed to building an economy that offers opportunities for all.
“Together, we can shape a future defined by growth, industrial excellence, and shared prosperity.”
The Deputy President stated that the Chery Rosslyn Plant must be about not only the vehicles that roll off its production line, but also the lives it touches and transforms in nearby communities and across South Africa as a whole.
