Jetour to Build T2 at Rosslyn Plant in 2027
Chinese automaker Jetour plans to begin producing its T2 model at the Rosslyn plant north of Pretoria in 2027.
Updated on Nov. 8, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Jetour plans to start producing its T2 model at the Rosslyn plant in South Africa in 2027, a facility Chery inaugurated in July 2026. The announcement was made at the Africa Forward Summit in Johannesburg, which brought together around 300 representatives from the automotive, government and business sectors.
Why it matters
Fuel prices remain high in South Africa, prompting Chinese automakers including Jetour, Great Wall Motor and Chery to expand hybrid and electric offerings. Local production could affect vehicle availability and pricing for South African buyers.
The Rosslyn plant is projected to reach an annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles and employ more than 3,000 people at full capacity. Jetour aims for new energy vehicles to make up more than 30 percent of its sales by 2028, though the timeline for reaching that share is not yet confirmed.
The players
Jetour
Jetour is a Chinese automotive brand under Chery Automobile that is expanding its hybrid and electric G, T and X series in African markets.
Chery
Chery is a major Chinese automaker that officially inaugurated the Rosslyn plant north of Pretoria in July 2026.
The details
Jetour is committed to expanding local production in Africa through vehicle assembly, technician training and local sourcing. Ke advocated a gradual transition combining fuel-efficient engines with plug-in hybrid technology, citing limited charging infrastructure.
Timeline
July 2026: Chery inaugurated the Rosslyn plant.
Mid-2027: The Rosslyn plant is scheduled to begin production.
2028: Jetour targets new energy vehicles at more than 30 percent of sales.
Roadmap
Chinese manufacturers including Jetour, Great Wall Motor and Chery are expanding hybrid and electric offerings in South Africa, where high fuel prices are driving demand. The Rosslyn plant extends this trend by moving assembly onto local soil rather than relying on imports.
South African buyers may see more locally assembled hybrid and electric options as production ramps up from 2027. Fuel costs and limited charging access remain key factors when considering a switch from petrol or diesel.
The takeaway
Local assembly could make new energy vehicles more accessible in South Africa, but charging infrastructure will shape how quickly buyers adopt them. Watching whether the 2027 production date holds will show how much of this plan materialises.
What happens next
The Rosslyn plant is scheduled to begin production in mid-2027, when Jetour's T2 model output is expected to start.
Further reading
Explore more on Electric Vehicles to see how hybrid and electric models are reshaping South African car ownership.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Star.
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