Nissan Ends Rosslyn Vehicle Assembly as Chery Moves to Acquire Plant

Nissan Ends Rosslyn Vehicle Assembly as Chery Moves to Acquire Plant. Nissan’s vehicle assembly operations in Rosslyn, Pretoria, are coming to an end following months of speculation about the plant’s future. The decision forms part of a broader global restructuring process by the Japanese automaker.

Last year, Nissan announced plans to shut down seven factories from its global network of 17 production sites after reporting a net loss of 4.5 billion dollars for the financial year that ended in March. The loss was linked to rising restructuring costs and wider global trade pressures.

Production at the Rosslyn facility has declined in recent years. Output dropped to about 17 000 units in 2024 after the plant stopped assembling the NP200 half ton bakkie and continued only with the Navara pickup. In earlier years, annual volumes had already fallen below 25 000 units, a sharp decrease from more than 54 000 vehicles produced in 2012. Assembly of the Navara is expected to conclude in May.

Despite the closure of Nissan’s assembly operations, the Rosslyn plant is not expected to remain idle. Chinese automotive group Chery is in line to acquire the facility. Nissan confirmed that an agreement has been reached for the sale of its manufacturing assets in Rosslyn.

According to the announcement, Chery South Africa will purchase the land, buildings and related assets, including a nearby stamping plant, with the transaction expected to be completed in the middle of this year. The agreement also includes employment arrangements for most of the current workforce. About 700 of the plant’s 800 employees are expected to be offered jobs by Chery South Africa on substantially similar terms and conditions.

Nissan said it will continue selling vehicles in South Africa and is not withdrawing from the market. The company has operated in the country since 1961. Future product plans for 2026 include the Nissan Tekton and Patrol.

Nissan Africa president Jordi Vila said the company worked to find a solution that supports employees, customers and partners. He noted that external factors affected the Rosslyn plant’s utilisation and long term viability, adding that the agreement helps preserve jobs and maintains opportunities within the supplier network while keeping the site active in the automotive sector.