Chery Selects Omoda C4 for Landmark South African Manufacturing Debut
Chinese automaker Chery Group confirms local production of the Omoda C4 crossover in South Africa, offering petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrain options.
POLICY WIRE — Pretoria, South Africa — Chinese automotive giant Chery Group has officially selected the Omoda C4 crossover SUV as the inaugural model for its new local manufacturing operations in South Africa.
Production is scheduled to commence at the company’s recently acquired facility in Rosslyn, Gauteng, starting in the third quarter of 2027. Before local assembly begins, the vehicle will enter the South African market as a fully imported model early next year.
The Omoda C4 is positioned as an entry-level crossover, designed to sit below the C5, C7, and C9 models within the brand’s premium lineup. It is expected to provide a competitive alternative to Chery’s current top-selling vehicles in the region, the Tiggo 4 and Tiggo Cross.
To accommodate diverse consumer needs and charging infrastructure availability, the manufacturer will offer the C4 with three distinct powertrain configurations: internal combustion engine (ICE), hybrid electric vehicle (HEV), and battery-electric vehicle (BEV).
Tony Liu, CEO of Chery Group South Africa, confirmed that the initial production focus at the Rosslyn site will be the hybrid variant of the Omoda C4. The facility is currently undergoing upgrades as part of a broader localization strategy intended to expand the domestic supplier base and increase the use of South African-sourced components.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
