The Competition Tribunal has approved Chery International (Pty) Ltd’s acquisition of Nissan South Africa’s vehicle manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Gauteng, subject to public interest conditions relating to employment and local procurement.
The decision, announced by the tribunal, paves the way for Chery SA to begin manufacturing vehicles in South Africa for the first time. Following implementation of the transaction, Chery SA will control the manufacturing plant.
The Rosslyn facility was previously used by Nissan South Africa to produce Nissan Navara bakkies. In January 2026, Nissan announced it would exit vehicle manufacturing in South Africa.
According to the Competition Commission, which recommended approval of the transaction on 19 June, the merger is unlikely to substantially lessen or prevent competition in any market. The merging parties tendered conditions relating to employment and local supply.
Chery SA forms part of a broader group that develops, manufactures and exports passenger and commercial vehicles globally, including sport utility vehicles, sedans and new energy vehicles for markets in more than 80 countries. In South Africa, the group currently imports and distributes Chery-branded passenger vehicles and provides aftermarket services. It also sells certified pre-owned vehicles.
The company intends to manufacture certain SUV models locally at the Rosslyn plant, while continuing to import other vehicle models into the country.
The sale closes a significant chapter in Nissan’s South African history, which dates back to 1966. The company initially assembled vehicles from complete knock-down kits before establishing its Rosslyn manufacturing facility in 1973.
Over the following decades, Nissan invested billions of rand in expanding the plant and introducing new production lines. Several of the company’s most recognisable models were built there, including the NP300 Hardbody, the NP200 and the Navara.
The NP200, launched in 2008, became one of South Africa’s most popular half-tonne bakkies and was widely used by small businesses before production ended in 2024. The latest-generation Navara rolled off the Rosslyn production line in 2021 following a R3 billion investment in the facility.
Nissan cited external factors affecting the plant’s utilisation and long-term viability as reasons for exiting vehicle manufacturing in South Africa. The challenges mirrored broader difficulties facing its global parent company, which has been restructuring its operations and closing factories around the world.
Jordi Vila, president of Nissan Africa, said the company had worked to find the best outcome for employees and stakeholders. He added that the agreement would help preserve jobs and maintain the site’s contribution to the local automotive industry.
While Nissan’s manufacturing operations are ending, the company will continue operating in South Africa as an importer and distributor, selling vehicles such as the Magnite crossover, X-Trail SUV and current-generation Navara models sourced from overseas.
The transition creates an opportunity for Chery, which has rapidly expanded its presence in South Africa through imported vehicles, to establish a domestic production base and deepen its investment in the country’s automotive sector.
Sources: Competition Tribunal, Business Tech, Top Auto
