Lepas South Africa has welcomed the official opening of the Chery Rosslyn manufacturing plant in Pretoria, an important milestone for the broader Chery Group and a strong signal of its long-term commitment to the South African market.
The new manufacturing facility marks Chery’s transition from vehicle importer to local manufacturer in South Africa, further strengthening the Group’s presence in one of Africa’s most important automotive markets.
Lepas, which forms part of the Chery Group’s growing South African portfolio, was introduced locally in 2026 as the Group’s premium SUV brand. Its arrival reflects the Group’s strategy of offering South African customers a wider choice of brands, products and powertrains, including petrol, hybrid and all-electric options.
While the Rosslyn plant represents a major manufacturing milestone for Chery, it also supports the Group’s broader local ambitions, including long-term investment, localisation, job creation, skills development and a growing automotive ecosystem in South Africa.
“We are proud to be part of a Group that is investing meaningfully in South Africa,” says Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery South Africa. “The opening of the Rosslyn manufacturing plant is an important statement of intent. It shows that Chery Group is not only participating in the local market, but is committed to building a long-term future here.”
The Rosslyn facility is one of South Africa’s longest-standing automotive manufacturing sites, originally established in 1963. Chery has confirmed that it will invest in upgrading the plant’s facilities and utilities, with initial production intended to commence in mid-2027.
During the ramp-up period in the third and fourth quarters of 2027, planned production is expected to total 15,000 units. Chery has also committed to retaining all 692 existing employees at the facility, while creating close to 3,000 direct and indirect jobs across manufacturing, supply chain and services.
For Lepas, the plant opening adds further weight to the Group’s South African growth story. The brand enters the market at a time when Chery Group is expanding its product offering, growing its dealer network and strengthening its position across passenger, SUV and new-energy vehicle segments.
“The opening of the Rosslyn plant gives customers and dealers further confidence in the Group’s commitment to South Africa,” adds Botes. “For a new brand such as Lepas, that matters. It strengthens the foundation from which we can build our presence, grow our network and introduce products that are relevant to local customers.”
Chery Group has stated that its long-term vision is to develop the Rosslyn facility into a comprehensive automotive hub, encompassing manufacturing, research and development, supply chain operations and skills development. The investment forms part of a wider ambition to establish South Africa as the Group’s African manufacturing, export, research and development, and operational headquarters.
The official opening ceremony was attended by approximately 350 guests, including South African Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Tshwane Executive Mayor Nasiphi Moya, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. Chairman Yin Tongyue, Executive Vice President Zhang Guibing and Vice President Charlie Zhang.
Speaking at the opening, Yin Tongyue, Chairman, President and founder of Chery Automobile Co., said the company’s global philosophy is built around operating locally and contributing locally.
“At Chery, we live by one philosophy: ‘In Somewhere, For Somewhere, Be Somewhere.’ It means wherever we invest, we commit. We become part of the local economy, part of the community, part of the country’s future. Today proves that commitment. We have moved from being an importer to a manufacturer — and from a market participant to a long-term partner in South Africa’s industrial story,” he said.
The opening of the Rosslyn plant follows a period of strong growth for Chery Group in South Africa. Since entering the local market in 2021, it has become one of the country’s fastest-growing automotive brands, supported by an expanding range of brands and vehicles and a growing customer base.
For LEPAS, the milestone reinforces the strength of the Group behind the brand and the long-term vision supporting its local rollout.
“As Lepas continues to establish itself in South Africa, we do so with the backing of a Group that is investing in the market, in people and in the future of mobility,” says Botes. “That gives us a strong platform from which to grow.”
