Jetour to start making cars in South Africa from 2027

Johanesburg – Chinese automotive brand Jetour has confirmed it will begin locally producing its T-Series range in Tshwane from 2027, in what marks another significant development for South Africa’s automotive industry following Chery’s acquisition of the Nissan Rosslyn manufacturing plant earlier this year.

The announcement was made at the Beijing Auto Show by Jetour International President Ke Chuandeng, who confirmed that the T1 and T2 SUV models will be among the first vehicles to roll off the production line in Tshwane. The two models have sold over 4,500 units since their introduction in November last year. It is also reported that Chery plans to produce four models at the plant in total.

The Chery Group, which is closely related to Jetour, intends to manufacture 50,000 units annually at the facility and create over 3,000 jobs across manufacturing and supply chain sectors.

Jetour SA Vice President Nic Campbell said the milestone marks a new chapter for the brand in South Africa. “This is undoubtedly a very exciting time for Jetour. In just 18 months since launching independently in South Africa, we have introduced four internal combustion models and two PHEV models, with further upgrades and new models planned for this year and next. This latest step into local production really marks a significant next phase in our journey,” he said.

Chery SA CEO Tony Liu told TopGear SA at the brand’s headquarters in Wuhu that the full investment plan for South Africa will be announced in June, adding that the brand remains committed to the local market. Liu also confirmed that the majority of former Nissan SA employees will be offered employment by Chery SA on substantially similar terms and conditions to those they had before.

The Nissan Rosslyn plant went silent when Nissan wound down its local production operations, but it is now set to return to full activity, bringing with it thousands of jobs and a long-term commitment from a global automotive group that clearly sees lasting value in the South African market.