Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Chery Expands UK Presence With Research Hub and Factory Talks
Chery is a Chinese car company that has been selling more cars in Britain.
It plans to open a place in Bedfordshire where engineers can test and improve its cars for British roads.
The centre is expected to open in late autumn 2026.
Chery is also talking with Nissan about possibly building cars at Nissan’s Sunderland factory.
This plan is not final because the agreement would be non-binding.
Nissan may have extra factory space after moving some car production onto one line.
Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo brands have become popular in the UK.
These plans would give Chery a stronger local presence beyond importing cars.
Chery plans to open a research and development centre at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire in late autumn 2026.
The centre will develop vehicle systems suited to British roads, including chassis, steering and driver-assistance technology.
Chery is discussing a non-binding agreement with Nissan to manufacture cars at Sunderland from fiscal 2027.
Nissan may use spare capacity after consolidating Qashqai, Juke and Leaf production onto one line.
Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo brands have helped its UK sales and market share grow rapidly.
- Who
- Chery, with Nissan involved in possible UK manufacturing talks.
- What
- Chery plans a UK research centre and is exploring manufacturing vehicles at Nissan’s Sunderland plant.
- When
- The research centre is planned for late autumn 2026; possible manufacturing could begin from fiscal 2027.
- Where
- The research centre will be at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire, while possible manufacturing would take place in Sunderland.
- Why
- Chery wants to adapt vehicles to British roads and expand its UK operations; Nissan could use spare production capacity.
- Research centre
- Planned at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire.
- Opening date
- Late autumn 2026.
- Manufacturing proposal
- A non-binding agreement could allow Chery vehicles to be built at Nissan’s Sunderland plant from fiscal 2027.
- Initial research areas
- Chassis, ride and handling, steering, and advanced driver-assistance systems.
- UK sales
- Chery’s group sold 53,600 cars in Britain last year and is expected to exceed that figure in 2026.
- Market share
- The group’s UK market share approached 8% in July, compared with about 3% a year earlier.
- Popular model
- The Jaecoo 7 was the UK’s third best-selling car during the first six months of the year.