A landmark moment for South Africa’s automotive industry with the opening of Chery’s new manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria.
Friday, 3 July, marked a landmark moment for South Africa’s automotive industry with the opening of Chery’s new manufacturing facility in Rosslyn, Pretoria. The facility officially changed ownership from Nissan South Africa last week following the fulfilment of all regulatory approvals and required conditions.
Although Jetour operates independently in South Africa, the brand falls globally under the Chery Group, one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers, with annual sales of more than 2 million vehicles across 100 countries and regions.
“Jetour’s first 22 months in South Africa since launching in September 2024 have surpassed any of our initial expectations. Entering one of the country’s most competitive automotive markets with bold ambitions, we have established ourselves as one of South Africa’s fastest-growing automotive brands, and we couldn’t be prouder,” says Vice President for Jetour South Africa, Nic Campbell. “Today is an important moment for Jetour, and reinforces our long-term commitment to our customers and to South Africa and the African market as a whole”.
June 2026 saw Jetour record 2 054 vehicle sales, capturing approximately 5.3% of the passenger vehicle market, and moving to 9th-place position in South Africa’s overall new vehicle sales rankings. July sales are expected to surpass this performance.
Jetour’s journey into South Africa started with the launch of the spacious, family-oriented seven-seater X70 Plus and the stylish, sporty Dashing, both of which were met with a strong response from South African consumers. This early success led to rapid growth in the brand’s customer base and dealer network, with sales targets being achieved well ahead of schedule.
Recognising the outstanding support it provides to its dealer network, which has grown to more than 55, last year saw Jetour awarded Gold Status in the 2025 National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA) Dealer Satisfaction Index (DSI) Survey. This accolade reflects the strength of Jetour’s partnerships with its dealers and their shared commitment to long-term growth.
Sales and excitement around the brand expanded quickly last October with the launch of the much-anticipated T-Series, capturing a new customer group drawn to a rugged-looking SUV with modern technology, safety and comfort. Not long thereafter, 70 top-spec, black Jetour T2 SUVs were deployed as VIP convoy vehicles for the G20 Summit held in Johannesburg last November, a powerful symbol of just how far this brand had come within such a short space of time.
Another significant development last year was the announcement of Jetour as the official vehicle partner of the DHL Stormers. The three-year partnership brings together two brands that share a commitment to performance, reliability and building strong, loyal communities.
In April this year, Jetour extended it range with the introduction of the T1 i-DM & T2 i-DM, a new generation of plug-in hybrid SUVs designed for modern urban lifestyles that combine adventure capability, performance, efficiency and intelligent electric mobility. And of course, the standout moment was the Jetour T2 winning the prestigious South African Car of the Year Award, the first Chinese brand to do so in the awards’ 40-year history. The Jetour T2 will begin being manufactured locally at Chery’s Rosslyn manufacturing plant from 2027.
Prioritising seamless after-sales service and ensuring the availability of parts has been Jetour’s strategy from day one. The brand’s parts distribution centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, is an advanced 5000sqm facility, engineered for efficiency and scalability, delivering exceptional service with a 99% pick rate for service parts.
Attending the day’s handover ceremony of Chery South Africa’s manufacturing plant in Rosslyn was a delegation from Chery Group’s senior leadership, including Chairman of the Chery Group, Mr Yin Tongyue, along with Deputy President Paul Mashatile who delivered a keynote address.
With this commencement of a major new investment in local automotive manufacturing in Pretoria, Jetour lays the foundation for its next stage of growth, and really brings the brand’s vision of being Built Here. Loved Here. to life.
For more information, go to www.jetour.co.za.
