Chery’s European expansion could start from Spain

The Chinese auto industry may soon see a new chapter written in Europe. Chery, the Chinese car giant, is in advanced talks to establish a manufacturing presence in Spain, as reported by Automotive News Europe. Discussions are ongoing between representatives of the Spanish government and EV Motors, a local company.

Hope is widespread in the Spanish Ministry of Industry, which expects the conclusion of a formal agreement in the coming days. The main topic of discussion is the possibility of Chery taking over the old Nissan plant in Barcelona for the production of its cars. Former Nissan factory in Barcelona it is now in the hands of Silence, the Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer, and the local groups QEV and EV Motors, with the aim of turning it into a production center for electric vehicles. EV Motors, which took full control of the company in March, played a key role in negotiations with Chery.

EV Motors also plans to manufacture its own pickups and electric cars under the Ebro brand, opening the door to possible manufacturing and business deals with Chery. A complete restart of the plant could lead to the creation of approximately 1,600 jobs. It was not clear whether Chery received public assistance from the Ministry of Industry. Chery had no comment on the news, but it is known that the company was looking for a site in Europe for the production of its cars.

In addition to Spain, Chery would also have talks with Italy. Recently, rumors circulated that the Italian government was trying to lure Chery to start manufacturing cars in the country. According to available information, Chery continues to communicate with the Italian authorities, but has received little feedback. Either way, setting up a plant in Italy or Spain, where sales of electric cars are still low, would be in line with Chery’s strategy of offering a mix of internal combustion engines, hybrids and fully electric vehicles.