Key Facts
- ✓ Chery is the owner of brands such as Jaecoo and Omoda.
- ✓ The company plans to establish its European headquarters in Barcelona.
- ✓ Chery is partnering with Ebro EV Motors to reindustrialize the former Nissan factory in the Zona Franca.
- ✓ A research and development center has already been opened in Cornellà.
- ✓ Production at the Zona Franca facility is expected to start this year.
Quick Summary
Chinese automaker Chery is solidifying its presence in the Spanish region of Catalonia with the establishment of a new European headquarters in Barcelona. The facility is set to act as the central command post for the company's operations throughout the continent.
This strategic expansion builds upon recent local investments, including a partnership with Ebro EV Motors to revive the former Nissan manufacturing plant in the Zona Franca and the inauguration of a research and development facility in Cornellà. Although the specific employment figures for the new headquarters have not been disclosed, the initiative is expected to provide substantial support to the automaker's growing regional project.
Strategic Expansion in Catalonia
Chery, the Chinese automotive manufacturer known for brands such as Jaecoo and Omoda, is deepening its investment strategy in the Catalan market. The company has confirmed plans to install its European headquarters in Barcelona. This new office is designed to function as the primary decision-making hub for all of the company's activities across Europe.
The decision highlights the region's growing importance as a strategic gateway for Chinese automakers entering the European Union. By centralizing control in Barcelona, Chery aims to streamline its operations and better navigate the complex regulatory landscape of the European automotive market.
Building on Existing Foundations
The establishment of the headquarters is not an isolated event but rather a reinforcement of an already active footprint. Chery has been rapidly increasing its physical presence in the area over the past year. This includes a significant collaboration with Ebro EV Motors focused on the reindustrialization of the historic Nissan facility located in the Zona Franca.
In addition to the manufacturing partnership, the automaker has also launched a dedicated research and development (I+D) center in the nearby municipality of Cornellà. These combined efforts demonstrate a long-term commitment to the region's industrial capabilities and workforce.
Project Status and Future Outlook
Sources close to the Generalitat (the Catalan government) have confirmed that Chery has formally communicated its intention to move forward with the headquarters plan. The project is currently in a crucial phase, with the entire operation pending the official start of production at the Zona Franca facility, which is scheduled for later this year.
While the specific labor impact of the new headquarters remains unknown, the move is anticipated to add significant organizational weight to the overall project. As production gears up, the Barcelona headquarters will likely serve as the coordinating body for the new manufacturing output and distribution networks.
Conclusion
The arrival of the Chery European headquarters in Barcelona marks a pivotal moment for the company's international expansion. By choosing Catalonia as its continental base, the automaker is signaling strong confidence in the region's economic stability and industrial potential. As the company prepares to begin local production, the synergy between its manufacturing, R&D, and administrative divisions is expected to create a robust operational ecosystem in Southern Europe.
