Jetour backs local production

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA 
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – JETOUR believes the opening of Chery Group’s new vehicle manufacturing plant in Rosslyn, Pretoria, marks a major milestone in its expansion strategy and reinforces its long-term commitment to South Africa and the broader African market.

The manufacturing facility officially changed ownership from Nissan South Africa to Chery last week after all regulatory approvals and conditions were fulfilled, signalling a significant investment in the country’s automotive sector.

Although Jetour operates independently in South Africa, it forms part of the Chery Group, one of the world’s largest vehicle manufacturers, selling more than two million vehicles annually across over 100 countries and regions.

Jetour South Africa Vice President Nic Campbell said the development reflected the group’s confidence in the local market.

“Jetour’s first 22 months in South Africa since launching in September 2024 have surpassed any of our initial expectations,” Campbell said.

He noted that the brand had entered one of the continent’s most competitive automotive markets with ambitious growth targets and had emerged among the country’s fastest-growing vehicle marques.

The company sold 2 054 vehicles in June, capturing about 5,3 percent of South Africa’s passenger vehicle market and climbing to ninth position in the national new vehicle sales rankings.

July sales are expected to exceed that performance.

Jetour entered the local market with the X70 Plus and Dashing sport utility vehicles before broadening its range with the T-Series, which attracted buyers seeking rugged styling combined with advanced technology and safety features.

The brand’s profile received a further boost when 70 Jetour T2 sport utility vehicles were deployed as VIP convoy vehicles during the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November.

In April, Jetour introduced the T1 i-DM and T2 i-DM plug-in hybrid models as part of its electrification strategy.

The award-winning Jetour T2, the first Chinese vehicle to win the South African Car of the Year title, is scheduled to enter local production at the Rosslyn plant in 2027.

Jetour has also expanded its dealer network to more than 55 outlets and operates a 5 000 square metre parts distribution centre in Midrand, aimed at strengthening after-sales support.

Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Chery Group Chairman Yin Tongyue attended the Rosslyn handover ceremony.

– CAJ News