Nissan and Chery SA Reach Deal on Rosslyn Manufacturing Assets

Nissan confirms an agreement with Chery SA on the sale of its Rosslyn manufacturing assets, while continuing vehicle sales and planned launches in South Africa.

Nissan and Chery South Africa have reached an agreement covering the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, one of South Africa’s long-established automotive hubs. The deal includes the vehicle assembly plant as well as a nearby stamping facility and is expected to be completed in mid-2026, subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

Under the agreement, the majority of Nissan employees associated with the Rosslyn operations are expected to be offered employment by Chery SA on terms broadly comparable to their current conditions. This provision is intended to preserve jobs and limit disruption for the local workforce during the transition.

For Nissan, the transaction comes amid a broader reassessment of its global manufacturing footprint. The company has previously acknowledged that external pressures have affected utilisation levels at the Rosslyn plant and raised questions about its long-term viability within Nissan’s production network. Transferring the assets to Chery SA allows the site to remain an active contributor to South Africa’s automotive sector despite the change in ownership.

At the same time, Nissan has confirmed it will continue its sales and distribution operations in South Africa. The company plans several new vehicle launches during the 2026 fiscal year, including the Nissan Patrol and the Nissan Tekton, signalling an ongoing commitment to the market even as its local manufacturing role evolves.

For Chery SA, the acquisition aligns with earlier statements about assessing the feasibility of local production in South Africa. The company has publicly explored various manufacturing options, and the Rosslyn facility provides an established industrial base that could support an expanded local footprint.

More broadly, the deal highlights shifting dynamics within South Africa’s automotive industry. As global manufacturers restructure and emerging players strengthen their regional presence, established production sites such as Rosslyn are increasingly becoming platforms for new forms of industrial continuity rather than closures.