Not Indonesia: Chery Builds Its First Integrated Industrial Hub in South Africa

JAKARTA, Jakartaweekly.com — While Indonesia remains primarily a sales market for Chery Group, the Chinese automaker has chosen South Africa as the location for its first integrated industrial hub, combining artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, new energy vehicles (NEVs), and renewable energy within a single ecosystem.

The company inaugurated its Rosslyn Plant in Pretoria, South Africa, where it also showcased AI-powered robotics as part of its broader strategy to transform itself from an automaker into a global technology company.

The event featured live demonstrations by a humanoid robot and a robotic dog performing real-world tasks, underscoring Chery’s ambitions to integrate AI and robotics into future mobility solutions.

The Rosslyn facility marks a significant milestone for Chery as it establishes its first fully integrated industrial ecosystem in Africa. The ecosystem spans raw material management, vehicle manufacturing, renewable energy development, circular economy initiatives, passenger and commercial vehicles, smart agricultural equipment, solar energy, mineral resource management, robotics, and recycling.

Chery Auto Chairman Yin Tongyue said the company remains committed to its philosophy of “In somewhere, For somewhere, Be somewhere” in every market where it expands.

“We strive to become part of the local economy, local communities, and the future of every country where Chery invests,” Yin said.

During the inauguration ceremony, the humanoid robot Mornine joined the master of ceremonies to open the event, while the robotic dog Argos carried out operational tasks, including welcoming guests, serving beverages autonomously, and patrolling the venue.

Yin said the demonstration highlighted the capabilities of embodied intelligence, enabling robots to interact with the physical environment and perform tasks autonomously to support business operations.

The technology is being developed through AiMOGA Robotics, which has become one of the key pillars of Chery’s strategy to integrate new energy vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics.

According to the company, AiMOGA Robotics has been deployed in more than 50 countries and supports over 100 application scenarios, ranging from automotive retail services and public services to international forums and large-scale business events.

The Rosslyn Plant also reflects Chery’s strategic shift from a vehicle exporter to a company building integrated industrial value chains in global markets.

The same technology-driven strategy is being applied across brands under the Chery Group, including iCAR. In Indonesia, that vision is represented by the iCAR V23, a boxy electric SUV that combines smart technology with a distinctive design.

Meanwhile, iCAR Indonesia Country Director Marshall Ma said AiMOGA Robotics demonstrates how Chery is turning artificial intelligence into practical solutions for everyday use.

“As part of Chery Group, iCAR is bringing that spirit of innovation to Indonesia through electric vehicles that combine intelligent technology with distinctive design,” Marshall said.