Lepas Northcliff welcomes Chery Group’s major Manufacturing investment in South Africa

Lepas Northcliff, part of the Digi Cars Group family of dealerships, 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, and giving our customers even greater confidence in the brands we represent.

Lepas was introduced to South Africa in 2026 as Chery Group’s premium SUV brand, offering customers a wider choice of products and powertrains, including petrol, hybrid and all-electric options. As a young brand in the local market, Lepas benefits directly from the scale, investment and long-term commitment behind its parent Group.

The Rosslyn plant opening reinforces that commitment in several ways:

• Confirmation of Chery Group’s long-term investment in South Africa, not just a short-term market entry
• Continued job creation, with all 692 existing Rosslyn employees retained and close to 3,000 additional direct and indirect jobs expected
• A growing local automotive ecosystem supporting manufacturing, research and development, and skills development
• A stronger platform for new brands like Lepas to grow their dealer network and product range locally

Established in 1963, the Rosslyn facility is one of South Africa’s longest-standing automotive manufacturing sites. Chery has confirmed 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, forming the foundation for a much larger long-term manufacturing footprint in South Africa.

Since entering the South African market in 2021, Chery Group has become one of the country’s fastest-growing automotive groups, supported by an expanding range of brands and a growing customer base. For Lepas, this momentum matters. It means the brand is backed not just by a promising product range, but by a Group actively investing in people, infrastructure and the future of mobility in South Africa.

Chery Group’s long-term vision for Rosslyn extends well beyond assembly lines, with plans to develop the site into a comprehensive automotive hub spanning manufacturing, research and development, supply chain operations and skills development, as part of a wider ambition to establish South Africa as the Group’s African manufacturing, export, research and development, and operational headquarters.

As Lepas continues to establish itself in South Africa, Lepas Northcliff is proud to be part of a Group that is investing meaningfully in the local market. Visit Lepas Northcliff to explore the current Lepas range and experience firsthand the design, technology and elegance behind this exciting new addition to the Chery Group family.