Chery, close to an agreement with Spain for its European factory?

Chery will be close to the agreement to start produce cars in Spain. According to a report by Automotive News Europe, which cites the Spanish government and local company EV Motors as leading the talks, the Chinese automaker has chosen this country to open its first European factory.

Apparently, the Spanish Ministry of Industry is confident that the agreement can be formalized in the future. The talks between the parties would focus on the possibility that Chery uses the old Nissan factory in Barcelona to make its cars.

The former Nissan factory in Barcelona has been sold to Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer Silence and local groups QEV and EV Motors, which planned to turn it into a hub for electric vehicles. EV Motors took full control of the organization in March and would play a key role in negotiations with Chery.

EV Motors also plans to release its electric and car models under the Ebro brand, which could lead to possible manufacturing and commercial deals with Chery. The reopening of the production plant would allow the restoration of approximately 1,600 jobs. The Industry Ministry declined to say whether Spain had given public aid to Chery. The Chinese carmaker, however, for now did not want to comment on what emerged. We already know, however, that Chery was looking for a site in Europe where it could build its cars.

In addition to Spain, it emerged that Chery was also in talks with Italy. Indeed, some time ago it was said that the Italian Government was seriously considering this car manufacturer with the aim of bringing it to produce cars in our country. According to what was said, Chery is still in contact with the Italian authorities but has received little comment.

Either way, setting up a plant in Italy or Spain, where electric vehicle sales are relatively low, would fit well with Chery’s strategy of selling a mix of internal combustion engines, hybrids and fully electric vehicles.

At this time, all that remains is to wait for the news to understand if there will really be an agreement with Spain.