Stellantis to Expand Vehicle Lineup in South Africa Plant Amid Rising Demand

Global automaker Stellantis is doubling down on its presence in South Africa with plans to expand its vehicle lineup at the company’s Rosslyn plant, in response to surging local and regional demand for affordable, fuel-efficient cars.

The Rosslyn facility, which was inaugurated in 2024, has become a cornerstone of Stellantis’ strategy to strengthen its footprint in Africa. The company currently produces vehicles under brands such as Peugeot and Opel, but with rising demand, Stellantis confirmed it will add more models to its assembly line starting in 2026.

Industry experts note that this move reflects the growing importance of Africa as an automotive market, particularly as middle-class car ownership continues to rise. South Africa remains the continent’s largest automotive hub, exporting vehicles across sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

The expansion is also expected to boost local employment and supply chain development, with Stellantis committing to increase the use of local content in its manufacturing processes. Reports suggest that hundreds of new jobs could be created, supporting both the automotive and parts industries.

“Africa represents a key growth frontier for Stellantis. By expanding our production in South Africa, we are not just assembling vehicles — we are investing in the continent’s mobility future,” said Samir Cherfan, Stellantis Middle East & Africa COO.

The development comes amid heightened competition in South Africa’s automotive sector, with rivals like Toyota and Volkswagen also scaling their local operations. However, Stellantis’ strategy of offering affordable cars tailored to African markets gives it a unique positioning.

As South Africa pushes for greater industrialization and foreign investment, Stellantis’ move signals confidence in the country’s ability to remain a manufacturing hub — while also meeting the mobility needs of a fast-urbanizing population.

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