Chery despises Italy, will build Chinese electric cars in Spain

The electricity market still seems volatile, at least as far as Italy is concerned. It seems clear to everyone that, at least for now, the reference market for EVs is China, which however is also investing heavily in Europe. If on the one hand Italy is trying to attract investment in our country, on the other hand there are those who have thought well to hit the boots.

The reference is to Chinese carmaker Chery, which is considering setting up a base in Spain, where the EV market currently has an adoption rate of 12%, half that of Portugal and France.

A strategy to expand into Europe starting in Spain is probably part of an ambitious plan to create three brands in Europe, launching multiple models for each, by 2026.

It’s not just electric cars for Chery

The Chinese brand, however, is not interested in bringing only electric cars to Europe. The house, in fact, it will also want to sell traditional combustion vehicles in the EU, as well as gas-powered vehicles, including a luxury SUV it already sells in China, as well as affordable EVs.. Among the latter, Chery plans to launch the model Method 5which should have a starting price list approximately 37 thousand euros.

Spanish production

A confirm the agreement between the government and the car manufacturer was also confirmed by the Spanish industry minister, who reported on the formalization of the partnership in the next few days. In particular, production is expected to take place in Barcelona, ​​​​where electric, combustion and hybrid vehicles will be built.

It is not clear what (or if) Spain offered China to facilitate the deal, but it is known that the regional government of Catalonia sent senior officials to China to meet with Chery executives.

Spain is also opening two tenders this year for electric car companies asking for a total of 1.7 billion euros in loans and subsidies for the production of electric vehicles, which is part of an incentive program that is based on European crisis aid funds, Automotive News Europe reported.

Chery, the Italian song

Last March there was talk of a possible Italian song. According to the news, the managers of the company have been in talks with our country, but the agreement has now completely stopped. Indeed, any possible agreement could fail, so much so that the automaker would currently prefer to continue relations with Spain.

Who knows if Italy will at least make it get a fast track from Tesla.