Chery Acquires Nissan Assembly Plant in South Africa

Chinese automaker Chery Automobile Company (Chery) has acquired a former manufacturing plant previously operated by Nissan Motor Corporation (Nissan) in South Africa.

The company plans to use the facility to produce Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), battery Electric Vehicles (EVs), and Jetour models.

The transaction expands Chinese automotive manufacturing operations in the southern African nation. Industry analysts note that electric vehicle adoption continues to grow across the African continent.

Industrial investments in vehicle assembly facilities across Africa have historically required significant capital outlay and specialized engineering support. Converting existing vehicle assembly facilities allows manufacturers to establish localized assembly lines while utilizing established transport links and municipal supply lines.

The South African automotive assembly sector remains a key regional manufacturing hub for international brand distribution. Regional supply chains facilitate the movement of component parts, raw materials, and finished vehicles through primary road corridors and commercial port facilities.

Facilities designed for heavy vehicle assembly integrate specialized industrial infrastructure, including high-capacity electrical connections and automated assembly bays. These technical specifications support the assembly requirements of both traditional internal combustion engine vehicles and new energy vehicles.

Commercial auto assembly plants support broader logistics and freight networks, which transport finished units to domestic and export markets. Major manufacturing sites depend on heavy freight corridors to move raw materials into assembly halls and transport vehicles to distribution centers.

Chery Automobile Company (Chery) intends to deploy production lines for multiple vehicle powertrains within the acquired South African facility. The site will handle standard manufacturing runs for Jetour units alongside clean energy vehicle platforms.

Vehicle manufacturers establishing assembly operations in Africa often assess local supply chain integration and workforce capacity. Industrial manufacturing plants require continuous access to reliable power, water, and specialized civil infrastructure to maintain continuous assembly schedules.

The acquisition reflects ongoing structural developments in regional automotive manufacturing and industrial real estate. Local production capabilities enable manufacturers to respond to evolving transport demands across regional markets.

Operations at the South African facility will focus on expanding manufacturing capacity for clean energy models. The site will serve as a key assembly point for Chery Automobile Company (Chery) as regional market infrastructure continues to develop.