Chery group and Wuhu Chery Technology (Chery Tech) this week hosted its first supplier investment conference in Rosslyn, Pretoria, as part of the Chinese car maker’s efforts to build a localised automotive supply chain ecosystem in South Africa.

Chery Tech is a Chery group business and focuses on auto parts manufacturing, supply chain management and automotive services.

Chery acquired the Nissan plant in Rosslyn earlier this year, and aims to start vehicle production towards the back-end of next year.

The assembly project has a 40% localisation target by 2028.

This week’s supplier investment conference brought together public sector leaders, industry associations, international component manufacturers and local suppliers, in an effort to familiarise Chery’s global supplier network with the South African industry.

A key objective was to introduce a Chinese delegation of 23 Chery Automobile component suppliers to South African suppliers and industry stakeholders.

The engagement created an opportunity for the delegation to assess local capabilities, identify potential partners and explore future investment opportunities.

“Our goal is to build an integrated supply chain ecosystem that supports sustainable localisation and drives technological growth,” says Chery South Africa CEO Tony Liu.

According to Chery Tech the initial localisation phase at the Nissan plant will focus on intelligent electronics, body and chassis systems, interior and exterior trim, and specialised integration modules.

Chery Tech and its affiliate enterprises presented a range of technologies and capabilities at the conference, including advanced cockpit and driver-assistance systems, high- and low-voltage wiring harnesses, chassis and aluminium components, thermal management systems, braking technologies, smart seating, fuel cell pumps and electrolyser technologies.

A key topic at the conference was the need to increase local production of new-energy vehicle (NEV) components, thereby reducing dependence on imports, while also creating opportunities for South African manufacturers to participate in the growing NEV economy.

Delegates also discussed the development of a local battery value chain, with South Africa’s mineral wealth presenting an opportunity to support greater beneficiation, advanced manufacturing, as well as battery-related technologies.

Representatives from the Automotive Industry Development Centre, Tshwane Automotive Special Economic Zone, Gauteng Growth and Development Agency, Department of Trade, Industry and Competition and Industrial Development Corporation also outlined the incentives, infrastructure and investment support available to suppliers establishing local operations.