Nissan has started pre-production of two new SUVs in India that are set to arrive in South Africa by 2026. These models are based on Renault vehicles made at the Chennai plant, now fully owned by the French carmaker.
The two SUVs include a Nissan version of the Renault Triber and a revamped model based on the new Duster. Both are expected to replace aging Nissan models in South Africa, with the Triber-based SUV launching in early 2026 and the Duster-based model, possibly reviving the Terrano name, arriving mid-year. A third model, derived from the Dacia Bigster and designed as a seven-seater, is slated for a 2027 debut.
Nissan South Africa’s Managing Director, Maciej Klenkiewicz, said the new SUVs will compete directly with Chinese brands in the local market, leveraging India as a production base for competitive, advanced vehicles.
This development comes amid ongoing rumours about the possible closure of Nissan’s Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, which currently assembles the Navara for South African and Sub-Saharan markets. The factory employs about 1,200 workers but has faced job cuts recently due to model discontinuations and supply chain issues linked to geopolitical events.
Nissan has not yet publicly addressed the Rosslyn plant’s future, but industry watchers expect an official statement soon. The carmaker is restructuring globally under its Re:Nissan strategy, which aims to reduce production facilities and cut thousands of jobs.
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