Nissan is making a fresh push into South Africa with the launch of its new Tekton SUV, just months after ending vehicle manufacturing in the country.
The Japanese carmaker launched the India-built Tekton this week as it shifts towards an import-based business model in South Africa.
The starting price is R339,999.
The launch comes after Nissan sold its manufacturing assets at its Rosslyn plant in Pretoria to Chinese automaker Chery.
The deal marked the end of more than 50 years of Nissan vehicle production at the site.
Nissan says it remains committed to the South African market despite ending local production.
The Tekton is the first in a series of new models the company plans to introduce as it attempts to strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive vehicle market.
Nissan has already launched the new X-Trail and plans to introduce an upgraded Navara and the eighth-generation Patrol SUV during the current financial year. More models are expected from next year.
The company’s challenge comes as Chinese vehicle manufacturers continue expanding their presence in South Africa, particularly in the SUV segment.
Chery has now taken over Nissan’s former Rosslyn facility and plans to begin vehicle production there in 2027.
Nissan Africa President Jordi Vila said the company had stopped manufacturing in South Africa as part of efforts to maximise production capacity at other plants.
For Nissan, the Tekton launch marks a new phase in its South African business, with imported vehicles now at the centre of its strategy.
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