Chery announces new UK research hub as it eyes local car production
Chinese automaker Chery plans to open a research and development centre in England and is preparing to manufacture vehicles in the UK.
Chery, which produces the Jaecoo and Omoda models, disclosed plans for a dedicated research and development centre in England, located at the UTAC Millbrook testing complex in Bedfordshire. The site provides more than 70km of specialised tracks for adapting vehicles to UK conditions and will later support work on autonomous technology and artificial intelligence. Chery has secured a deal with Nissan to assemble its cars at the Sunderland plant, marking the first mass-market Chinese car production in Britain slated for 2027.
The firm’s market share in the UK has climbed to almost 8%, up from 3% the previous year, and its Jaecoo 7 hybrid topped sales in March. In February, Chery launched its Lepas brand targeting younger families, while executives said the R&D centre will create local engineering jobs, though investment details were not disclosed.
Why it matters
The move signals deeper Chinese investment in the UK auto sector and could reshape competition and jobs.
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