Our managing editor recently met with President of Nissan Europe and Africa, Jordi Vila and posed a question that make be on many people’s/customer’s minds: Nissan in South Africa – What Next?
Nissan South Africa made headlines locally for—some may say—less-than-ideal reasons. It announced that it had reached an agreement to sell its production facility in Rosslyn. This comes after 60 years of operation at the plant just outside Pretoria.
The local operation produced iconic models such as the SA-only 1400 ‘Champ’ bakkie, the NP200 half-tonner, and—most recently—the Navara. It served 45 other countries with new products from the Rosslyn facility, including Angola, Ghana, Kenya, Nigeria, Botswana, Namibia, Lesotho, and Eswatini.
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Change of Ownership, not Closure
The plant, which was severely underutilized in recent times, was bought by Chery SA. The Chinese automaker has sold over 80 000 new vehicles in South Africa since re-entering the market in an official capacity in 2021. It has now taken the next step to setting down even deeper roots on the African continent.
Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa and Europe president, is quick to point out: “It is important to note that this plant is not closing down. It is changing ownership and will remain in operation. This was very important for us, as it means all the factory workers still maintain their jobs.”
“We also hope that Chery will use some of the local supply network that we have built up around our operations. If they do so, they can take advantage of the benefits of the APDP (Automotive Production and Development Programme).”
The latter is a government initiative that aims to reward localisation of manufacturing operations as well as sourcing components from local suppliers. The end goal is to increase employment and bolster the local manufacturing sector via a system of rebates and incentives.
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Business as Usual
But what does that factory sale mean for Nissan owners in SA? “This is a great question, one that we are sure many current and future customers—as well as dealers—are also asking.”
Vila says it is important to keep doing what they are doing on a daily basis. “More than a year ago, we said that we are here to stay—even though we sold the factory. The best way to show our commitment is to keep doing what we are doing.”
“We will keep assuring our clients and our dealers that we are here to stay. This is the fact. We will keep all dealerships open, keep selling and servicing cars. It is business as usual for us from this point of view, and we will continue to communicate this.”
“South Africa is important for us. It is still the biggest market in Africa and an important part of the African strategy.” His words are backed up by actions.
New Products on the Horizon
“This year we will launch new products in South Africa. Before the year ends we will launch the all-new Tekton SUV at a big event. Soon after we will launch the all-new Patrol. Right-hand drive production will start towards the end of this year (2026), so we will introduce the Patrol early in ’27.”
Fans of the all-conquering Patrol will have no diesel powertrain option to choose from. Vila confirms that the large SUV will only be sold with petrol engines for the foreseeable future. He also confirmed: “We will follow up with a seven-seat SUV next year as well.” Vila didn’t reveal any more info when pressed. There is a strong possibility that a revised X-Trail will also be introduced during 2026.
And what of the company’s EVs? Nissan SA was the first to sell an EV locally. The first Leaf went on sale in 2013, but its latest namesake will not follow suit. “There are no plans to bring the Leaf or any of our other EVs to SA. We have to study the market extensively before we can bring any EVs to SA.”
No News Yet
What exactly will happen with the ‘old’ Nissan plant? We chatted with Chery SA for some clarification as to what we can expect. They are keeping pretty mum about their plans, for now. Company spokesperson Verene Petersen says that Chery will finalise by the third quarter of this year which models will be produced locally. And that manufacturing will start around mid-2027.
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