FAW South Africa Produces 25,000th Vehicle at Coega Plant

FAW Vehicle Manufacturers South Africa has reached a major production milestone, with its Coega plant in Nelson Mandela Bay, Eastern Cape, producing its 25,000th vehicle in August 2026.

Since the first vehicle rolled off the production line in 2014, the plant has grown into an important production base for FAW Jiefang in Africa.

Production Grows from 1 to 25,000 Vehicles

The Coega plant officially began production in July 2014 with a total investment of 600 million rand from FAW Group and the China-Africa Development Fund. At the time, it was one of the largest Chinese industrial investment projects in South Africa.

Production has increased steadily over the years. The plant reached 5,000 vehicles in 2019, passed the 10,000-vehicle mark in 2023 and reached 20,000 vehicles in July 2025.

It took just 11 months to produce the next 5,000 vehicles, bringing the total to 25,000. The faster production pace reflects growing demand for FAW Jiefang trucks in the local market, as well as the plant's improving production capabilities.

JH6 and J7 Strengthen Product Lineup

FAW South Africa has focused on local customer needs and continued to adapt its trucks to the demanding long-distance transport conditions in Southern Africa.

Heavy-duty models such as the JH6 have gained increasing recognition from local fleet operators for their fuel efficiency, durability, after-sales support and overall operating costs.

In March 2026, FAW South Africa launched the new-generation J7 flagship truck, further expanding its product lineup and strengthening the brand's competitiveness in the South African market.

The 25,000th vehicle comes at the beginning of a new product cycle for FAW South Africa and provides a stronger foundation for future growth.

Investment Drives Plant Upgrades

FAW South Africa is continuing to invest in the Coega plant to improve production efficiency and accelerate digitalization.

By early June 2026, the plant had completed 20 production equipment upgrade projects, while a digital production project in the final assembly workshop had also gone into operation.

In the second half of 2026, the company plans to further digitalize its logistics operations.

The upgrades are expected to increase the plant's annual production capacity from its original designed capacity of 5,000 vehicles to 8,000 vehicles by 2028.

FAW South Africa is also expanding its investment in local skills development. A new training facility has been established at the plant, with around 2,500 people having completed training there to date. The program has received recognition from local government and labor unions.

Expanding Beyond South Africa

Vehicles produced at the Coega plant serve the South African market and are also exported to countries within the Southern African Development Community, as well as markets on Indian Ocean islands.

FAW Jiefang is using South Africa as a base to expand its presence in other African markets. The company has become one of the largest exporters among commercial vehicle manufacturers in South Africa.

The development of the Coega plant marks another step in FAW Jiefang's global expansion and highlights the growing presence of Chinese commercial vehicle brands in Africa.

With the 25,000th vehicle marking a new starting point, FAW South Africa plans to continue improving its products, production efficiency and customer support while expanding its business across the African market.

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