Automakers mull plant sharing to cut costs

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Chinese automaker Chery Group is considering a partnership with other manufacturers to make vehicles in South Africa. The firm is weighing up forming a joint venture, developing its own greenfield facility or making use of another manufacturer's existing plant. It currently produces its vehicles in China, and building its own African factory would be costly, it says.  

• Chery manufactures EVs like the Chery eQ5, iCar V23, QQ Domi, Luxeed S7 and plug-in hybrids like Tiggo 8. 

• Local production could reduce consumer prices. An assessment by Chinese automaker Great Wall Motor says local assembly in South Africa could lead to a 4% gain in margins over importing completely built-up vehicles. 

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