Nissan to Exit Rosslyn Plant as Chery Plans South Africa Expansion

Nissan to Exit Rosslyn Plant

Nissan Motor has announced that it will sell its manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa, to the local arm of Chinese automaker Chery.

The deal is expected to close by mid-2026, depending on conditions including regulatory approvals. Nissan did not disclose the financial terms of the sale.

If the agreement goes ahead, Nissan will stop producing its Navara pickup truck at the Rosslyn plant in May. The Navara is currently the only model built at the facility. The truck is made for the South African market and is also exported to multiple countries, mostly across Africa.

The Rosslyn plant has been operating for over 50 years, but Nissan has faced challenges keeping it viable. Nissan Africa president Jordi Vila cited external factors impacting how fully the plant is being used, which has affected its long-term future.

Nissan’s problems in South Africa became more serious after production of the high-volume NP200 pickup truck ended in 2023. The company has struggled against strong competition from models like:

  • Toyota Hilux
  • Ford Ranger
  • Isuzu D-Max

These pickup trucks are among the top-selling vehicles in the country.

This sale also fits into Nissan’s wider global turnaround plan. The company has said it is closing or consolidating seven plants worldwide as part of restructuring.

For workers at the Rosslyn plant, Nissan said that most affected employees will be offered jobs by Chery South Africa on similar terms and conditions to their current roles.

Even with the plant sale, Nissan said it will continue selling and servicing vehicles in South Africa. The company also has model launches planned for the 2026 financial year, including the Tekton and Patrol.

Chery South Africa declined to comment directly on the agreement. However, the CEO of Chery South Africa previously said the company was considering expanding local manufacturing by using another automaker’s facility, forming a joint venture, or building a new plant.

If final approvals move forward, the Rosslyn plant will mark a significant shift in South Africa’s auto manufacturing landscape, with a major Chinese automaker stepping into an established facility previously operated by a long-standing Japanese brand.

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