Pretoria in Gauteng stands as South Africa’s automotive hub with three major car factories, though one site is undergoing a significant transition.
Nissan’s Legacy and Chery’s Takeover
South Africa’s smallest province has served as a key automotive center, producing vehicles from luxury sedans to utility trucks. The plant manufactured popular models like the NP300 Hardbody and NP200 bakkies, alongside the NV350 Impendulo for the minibus taxi sector.
The company announced in January 2026 its intention to sell the Rosslyn factory to Chery Group, with the transaction concluding in July. Chery is now retooling the facility to produce vehicles across its brand portfolio, including the Grootman bakkie and multiple crossover models from its Chery, Jaecoo, and Lepas marques, as well as Jetour SUVs. Production is slated to begin in 2027, featuring internal combustion, hybrid, and electric powertrains.
BMW and Ford’s Continued Operations
BMW’s Rosslyn plant, established in 1968 as the company’s first manufacturing site outside Germany, has produced South African-exclusive models including the 530 MLE and 333i. The facility assembled the 3 Series sedan from 1983 to 2018 before shifting to the X3 SUV, capitalizing on global market trends. Earlier this year, BMW marked the production of its 100,000th fourth-generation X3 at the plant, which also assembles the world’s only plug-in hybrid version of the model.
The firm produced the iconic Model T from a wool shed before expanding to a dedicated engine plant in Struandale in 1964. Ford moved vehicle assembly to Silverton in 1985, where it currently produces the Ranger and VW Amarok bakkies through its partnership with Volkswagen.
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