Chery, the Chinese automaker behind the Jaecoo and Omoda brands, has announced the establishment of a research and development facility in the UK as it accelerates its expansion into the British market. The new R&D centre is scheduled to open in late autumn at UTAC Millbrook, an existing vehicle testing facility in Bedfordshire that serves automotive and aerospace companies. The facility provides access to over 70 kilometers of purpose-built test tracks that will allow Chery to develop and refine vehicles specifically for UK road conditions.
The company’s growth in Britain has been striking. In July, the combined sales of Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo brands represented nearly 8% of the UK market share, a significant increase from 3% the previous year, according to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The Jaecoo 7 model, which gained attention for its low price and technological features, became the top-selling model in the UK earlier this year, though the vehicles are currently imported rather than produced domestically.
Chery has already secured an agreement with Nissan to manufacture vehicles at Nissan’s Sunderland manufacturing plant beginning in 2027, marking the first large-scale Chinese automotive production in Britain. Gary Lan, chief executive of Chery’s UK operations, stated that the company’s ambitions extend far beyond simply importing vehicles, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on long-term market development. The company is part-owned by the Chinese state and recently launched a fourth UK brand, Lepas, targeting younger families in the European market.
Beyond vehicle development, Chery indicated plans to use the R&D facility for work on autonomous vehicles and artificial intelligence technologies. The company has expressed intentions to recruit local engineering talent and create jobs in the region, though specific investment amounts and employment figures were not disclosed. The expansion reflects the broader competitive pressure Chinese manufacturers are placing on traditional European automakers through cost advantages derived from state subsidies, lower labour costs, and control over battery production.
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