Chery, the Chinese state-owned giant, is making waves in Europe, choosing Barcelona as its investment hub. With plans to create 1250 jobs and produce 50,000 vehicles annually by 2027, Chery's partnership with Spanish automaker EV Motors signifies a significant step in Catalonia's reindustrialization.
Spain celebrates this victory as it revitalizes its industrial landscape, while Saarland (Germany) faces the potential loss of over 4000 jobs as negotiations with the Ford plant in Saarlouis stall. Chery's decision deals a blow to Germany's automotive sector, highlighting a broader trend of Chinese manufacturers expanding their presence in Europe.
Chery's investment follows BYD's mega project in Hungary, signaling a growing Chinese footprint in European manufacturing. These moves are driven by potential tariffs resulting from an EU investigation into Chinese subsidies for electric vehicles, prompting companies like Chery to explore local production to circumvent these barriers.
Based in Wuhu, Chery, founded just over a quarter-century ago, has established itself as a global player in the automotive industry. With nearly 1.9 million vehicles produced last year, Chery remains committed to both internal combustion engines and electric vehicles.