South Africa emerges production base for Chinese brand Jetour’s T1 and T2 SUV models
Chinese vehicle manufacturing company Jetour has recently announced its plan to manufacture the primary models in its rugged T-series, dubbed T1 and T2, in South Africa.
Black News 
Chinese vehicle manufacturing company Jetour has recently announced its plan to manufacture the primary models in its rugged T-series, dubbed T1 and T2, in South Africa.
- Jetour, a Chinese vehicle manufacturer, will produce its T1 and T2 models in South Africa at a facility in Pretoria acquired from Nissan.
- The company plans to create at least 3,000 new jobs and produce up to 50,000 vehicles annually at this location.
- Jetour has quickly become one of South Africa's best-selling car brands, surpassing established names like Nissan, Kia, and Mercedes-Benz.
- Retrofitting of the manufacturing plant is planned over the next 12 to 18 months to support various SUV models and powertrains.
Jetour’s parent company, Chery Automobile, acquired Rosslyn in January this year; this facility, previously owned by Nissan, will now be used for the production of SUVs in South Africa’s capital city, Pretoria.
In March, data-based reports confirmed that the company is now among the best-selling car brands in South Africa. Jetour has outperformed several established luxury brands, including popular names like Nissan, Kia, and even Mercedes-Benz.
Jetour has revealed that this car manufacturing initiative will positively impact economic development in South Africa. This initiative is projected to create at least 3,000 new jobs for South Africans.
According to its current plan, Jetour has planned to equip its new facility with the ability to enable the production of as many as 50,000 vehicle units annually.
Jetour sets ambitious plan to dominate SA's car market
The company has also declared that, within a period of 12 to 18 months, it will embark on recommissioning and retrofitting procedures to make sure its newly acquired facility can withstand the manufacturing demands of different SUV models and powertrains.
The Vice President of Jetour South Africa, Nic Campbell made a remark emphasizing the significance of this manufacturing initiative for South Africa when he said that producing “the Jetour T-Series locally positions South Africa as an integral part of Jetour’s global ambitions and underscores the growing influence of Chinese automakers in our market.”
Jetour did not expect the level of acceptance it received in South Africa. In a short while after its arrival, it has sold over 4,500 SUVs.
It has also revealed plans to improve its latest models with new features this year. In the meantime, the brand has already introduced models with four internal combustion engines along with two plug-in hybrids.
China has emerged as the world’s largest market where different car models are in direct competition. To outwit competitors and ultimately sell more vehicles, Chinese brands are embarking on strategic overseas expansions, and one of those brands is Jetour.
Victor Awogbemila
