Chinese automaker Chery buys Nissan plant in Africa as EV production shifts to new markets

Chinese automaker Chery has acquired a Nissan manufacturing plant in Africa, marking a strategic transition from exporting vehicles to establishing local production hubs on the continent. This move is centered in Nairobi, Kenya, and reflects a broader trend of Chinese automotive companies expanding their physical footprint within African markets.

Industry analysts attribute this shift to favorable conditions in Africa, including rapid urbanization, an emerging middle class, and supportive government policies. By localizing production, Chinese manufacturers aim to capitalize on what is viewed as one of the industry's final major growth frontiers.