South African President Cyril Ramaphosa’s stated backing for domestic electric vehicle production was highlighted as Chinese automaker Chery announced plans to build new energy vehicles at its recently acquired Rosslyn plant outside Pretoria. Chery acquired the facility from Nissan South Africa earlier this year and says it will invest hundreds of millions of dollars to upgrade it, with assembly of the first locally manufactured Chery Cross slated for the second half of 2027. The company aims to eventually produce 50,000 vehicles annually and use South Africa as a manufacturing, export, and research hub for the continent, while committing to retain the plant’s 692 workers. Ramaphosa’s comment about supporting electric vehicle manufacturing, made during his 2024 State of the Nation address, underscores the government’s ambition to grow the automotive sector and preserve jobs amid the global shift toward electrified mobility.