Africa-Press – South-Africa. Nissan’s deal to sell its Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria to Chinese automaker Chery is great news for consumers.
That’s the view of motoring influencer Javon Francis who says besides most of the jobs being saved under the deal, it will also mean cheaper cars for South Africans.
“If you think about what’s happening with Chery at the moment, it’s not just about saving factories, it’s about using South Africa as a strategic base to build affordable vehicles and potentially exporting them to global markets. So, if they get it right, these operations that they’re setting up in South Africa could become one of the most important Chinese manufacturing hubs, well South Africa could be, outside of China.”
Francis is excited about the technology the Chinese will bring to the 60-year-old Japanese automaker’s plant.
“What we can still expect from Chery is to now revive that plant. And if we know the Chinese and if we know how they operate in China, I mean they’ve got super factories, they’ve got technology. Factories that are able to build faster, cheaper. They’re building better vehicles than a lot of people.”
Nissan’s decision to sell the plant was part of its restructuring plan which includes closing seven production facilities and cutting 20,000 jobs worldwide.
The Rosslyn plant sale is expected to be concluded by mid-2026. Nissan says it will continue to service its customers and sell cars in South Africa.
Francis hopes they’ll bring some of their cheaper models sold in Europe. “South Africans want more for less,” he says.
To listen to the full discussion between Francis and 702’s Gugs Mhlungu, click the link below.
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