Chinese automaker Chery Automobile will now have a factory in Europe, after signing an agreement on Tuesday with Spanish company EV-Motors to take over the former Nissan factory in Catalonia.
The two companies have created a joint venture, which will allow the Chinese manufacturer to produce its models in Spain, making it their first production unit in Europe.
According to a statement from EV Motors, production of Chery Automobile will start later this year, and will help recover some of the 1600 direct jobs that were lost with the closure of the Nissan factory in 2021.
It is worth noting that the Nissan factory in Barcelona was partially taken over by the Spanish electric motorcycle manufacturer Silence and local engineering groups QEV and EV Motors, with the aim of transforming the unit into a center for electric vehicles. However, EV Motors acquired full control of the center in March.
Meanwhile, Chery plans to launch the brands Omoda and Jaecoo in the European market this year. The Omoda 5 crossover will arrive at dealerships in the spring, while Jaecoo will debut with an SUV. The luxury brand Exlantix is expected to be launched in the European market later on.
