Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa’s (SA) automotive sector is undergoing a structural shift, marked by a massive surge in imports and the rapid expansion of Chinese car brands.

Speaking at the Chery International Factory Acquisition Celebration in Rosslyn, Mashatile noted that Chinese manufacturers have aggressively grown their domestic market share in recent years, permanently shifting the country’s trading dynamics.

The government has thrown its full weight behind the move. Mashatile confirmed that national, provincial, and local authorities are working together to ensure Chery’s local investment thrives, creates jobs, and establishes the country as a primary export manufacturing hub.

“We are quite excited, we are happy about this investment,” Mashatile said, pointing to the massive regional potential. “We have committed to supporting Chery to make sure that this investment can grow, create jobs here and also be used as a hub to produce vehicles for other markets, particularly in the continent.”

With the African Continental Free Trade Area unlocking access to a massive consumer base, Mashatile highlighted that the Rosslyn facility places the manufacturer in the perfect strategic position. “As we know, the continent of Africa is a market of more than 1.4 billion people. So, for them being here, they are at the right place because this is a gateway into the African continent. They will use this as the hub to expand.”

–ChannelAfrica–