South African president visits Nissan global headquarters

South African automotive industry has flourished under the Automotive Production and Development Programme as a global exporter of fully built-up vehicles

ROSSLYN, South Africa (Aug. 28, 2019) – Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of the Republic of South Africa, visited Nissan’s global headquarters and the company’s Oppama Plant in Japan today.

The visit follows Nissan Group of Africa’s 10th April announcement of continued investment and deepening of the relationship between Nissan and South Africa.

Nissan President and CEO Hiroto Saikawa met with Ramaphosa, South African and Japanese government officials at Nissan’s headquarters; “Our $200 million investment in South Africa, which we announced earlier this year, shows our commitment and confidence in the country’s important role as a gateway to the African continent,” Saikawa said. “We hope to continue supporting South Africa’s economic development.”

Managing director for Nissan South Africa, Shinkichi Izumi said, “Nissan’s $200 million investment to locally produce the new Nissan Navara is a hallmark to providing sustainable employment, equity and growth within South Africa to deepen the bilateral economic cooperation and investment with the government.”

“Nissan has long been a close partner of South Africa,” Ramaphosa said. “Its history in our country stretches back to the 1960s and continues to this day, most notably with the company’s recent R3 billion investment in the production of a new Navara model.”

Nissan sees South Africa as a key strategic partner and entrance to the continent thanks to the country’s vigorous financial services sector, a leading manufacturing base that’s able to meet the needs of the continent, favourable markets in Africa and globally through various free trade agreements.

South African automotive value proposition

A recent study by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers revealed that Japanese manufacturers with operations in South Africa produce more than 50 percent of all vehicles in Africa. Nissan’s growth strategy for Africa aims to position the company among the top three car brands by 2020, as well as a leading manufacturer and exporter of vehicles to Africa.

Nissan has a strong footprint across the continent, with a capacity of just over 100 000 vehicles in South Africa. Production of the Navara in South Africa will establish Rosslyn as a light commercial vehicle hub, providing key support to Nissan’s wider activities within the continent and beyond.