Chery Selects Omoda C4 as First South African-Built Model

Chinese automaker deepens local investment with Rosslyn production plans and a focus on local supplier development.

Chinese automotive giant Chery has confirmed that the Omoda C4 crossover SUV will be the first vehicle produced at its South African manufacturing facility, marking a major milestone in the company’s expansion across Africa.

Production of the Omoda C4 will take place at the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria, which Chery acquired from Nissan earlier this year. The model is scheduled to go on sale in South Africa during 2027 and will be available in petrol, hybrid and fully electric variants.

The announcement strengthens South Africa’s position as a key automotive manufacturing hub on the continent while highlighting the growing influence of Chinese vehicle manufacturers in the local market.

Production to Begin at Rosslyn Plant

The Rosslyn facility will serve as Chery’s manufacturing base in South Africa, allowing the company to assemble vehicles locally rather than relying solely on imports.

The move is expected to support local employment opportunities and increase the company’s footprint within the country’s automotive industry.

By producing vehicles locally, Chery will also be able to improve supply chain efficiency and potentially strengthen its competitiveness in regional markets.

Focus on Localisation

Chery said production of the Omoda C4 will be accompanied by a localisation programme aimed at increasing the use of South African suppliers and locally sourced components.

The initiative aligns with South Africa’s broader industrial policy objectives, which seek to encourage vehicle manufacturers to increase domestic production and component manufacturing.

Government and industry stakeholders have repeatedly emphasised the importance of expanding local content to boost economic growth, job creation and industrial development.

Chinese Automakers Expanding in Africa

The announcement comes as Chinese vehicle manufacturers accelerate expansion into overseas markets.

Brands such as Chery, BYD and Great Wall Motor (GWM) have been increasing their presence in Africa as competition intensifies in China and domestic growth slows.

Manufacturers are increasingly looking to emerging markets for new customers and long-term growth opportunities.

South Africa has become a particularly attractive destination due to its established automotive manufacturing sector, skilled workforce and export capabilities.

South Africa’s Automotive Hub Attracts Investment

Chery joins a growing list of Chinese automakers investing in South Africa.

Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC) already operates an assembly and manufacturing facility in the country, while Great Wall Motor has previously indicated that it is exploring manufacturing opportunities, including potential partnerships or acquisitions of existing facilities.

The arrival of additional manufacturing investment could further strengthen South Africa’s role as a vehicle production centre for both domestic and export markets.

Growing Competition in the SUV Market

The Omoda C4 will enter one of the most competitive segments of the South African automotive market.

Consumer demand for crossover SUVs continues to grow, and the availability of petrol, hybrid and electric options could help the model appeal to a broad range of buyers.

The inclusion of electrified variants also reflects the automotive industry’s gradual shift toward lower-emission mobility solutions.

As production preparations continue, industry observers will be watching closely to see how Chery’s localisation plans develop and what impact the investment could have on South Africa’s automotive value chain.

With manufacturing scheduled to begin ahead of the vehicle’s 2027 launch, the Omoda C4 represents a significant step in Chery’s long-term ambitions for South Africa and the broader African market.