Chinese automaker Chery is preparing to begin vehicle production in South Africa with its Omoda C4 crossover SUV, marking a new phase in its expansion across the African market.
- Chery will begin producing the Omoda C4 crossover SUV in South Africa, marking a major step in its African market expansion.
- The Omoda C4 will be available in petrol, hybrid, and fully electric versions and is expected to go on sale locally in 2027.
- Production will occur at the former Nissan plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, which Chery acquired in 2026.
- Chery intends to use South Africa as a base for manufacturing, exports, and R&D, launching a localization program to involve domestic suppliers.
The move comes as South Africa’s automotive market, valued at $15.2 billion in 2025, attracts further investment from Chinese manufacturers seeking to expand their presence in the country.
The Omoda C4 is a B-segment crossover SUV with angular styling, hidden LED headlights and a minimalist, touchscreen-led interior. Its technology features include an AI voice assistant, a 540-degree camera and Level 2+ driver-assistance systems.
The vehicle will be produced at the former Nissan manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, near Pretoria, which Chery acquired in 2026. The company said on October 21 that the model would be available in petrol, hybrid and fully electric versions when it launches in South Africa in 2027, according to Reuters.
According to IMARC Group, South Africa’s automotive market reached US$15.2 billion in 2025 and is projected to grow to US$23.7 billion by 2034, at a compound annual growth rate of 4.93% from 2026 to 2034.
The move comes as Chinese automakers increasingly expand overseas production to counter slowing growth and intense competition in their domestic market, while seeking new customers across Africa and other regions.
Chery targets South Africa as a manufacturing and export hub
Chery plans to use the Rosslyn plant to establish South Africa as a base for vehicle manufacturing, exports, research and development across Africa. The company is also introducing a localisation programme designed to develop domestic suppliers and increase the share of locally sourced components used in production.
The Omoda C4 will lead a wider manufacturing programme at the facility, with other models, including vehicles under the Jetour brand, expected to follow. South African automotive publication Mail & Guardian reported that the planned lineup also includes the Chery Grootman pickup.
Chery expects production to reach 15,000 vehicles during the ramp-up phase in the third and fourth quarters of 2027, before eventually increasing annual output to 50,000 units, Reuters reported.
The acquisition gives Chery access to an established automotive manufacturing site rather than requiring it to build a new factory from scratch. It also positions the company to expand its presence in a country with an established vehicle manufacturing industry and supplier network.
South Africa is the continent’s second-largest automotive manufacturing hub, making it an important market for international carmakers seeking production capacity and access to regional export markets.
Chery’s investment also reflects a broader shift among Chinese manufacturers, including BYD and Great Wall Motor, which are exploring overseas manufacturing as they expand beyond China.