Chery UK R&D Centre: Next Step in Chinese Carmaker's Expansion 2026

Chery's UK R&D centre marks a significant milestone in the Chinese carmaker's aggressive expansion into Britain. The company, which owns the Jaecoo and Omoda brands, announced plans for a new research and development facility in England, signaling a long-term commitment to the UK market.

Gary Lan, CEO of Chery UK, stated, "We waited over 20 years for the right time to enter this market, and our ambition has always gone much further than simply bringing vehicles here." This sentiment reflects the company's long-term vision, which now includes local R&D and manufacturing.

Chery's UK Expansion Strategy

Chery has been rapidly gaining traction in the UK, with its brands accounting for nearly 8% of the market share in July, up from 3% the previous year. The company's success is driven by models like the Jaecoo 7, often dubbed the "Temu Range Rover" for its low price and tech features. This growth has prompted Chery to invest heavily in local infrastructure, including the new R&D centre.

R&D Centre at UTAC Millbrook

The new facility will be located at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire, a site already used by engineering and motorsport companies, as well as the Ministry of Defence. Chery will gain access to over 70km of purpose-built test tracks, allowing it to fine-tune vehicles for UK roads. The centre is expected to open in late autumn, with future plans to work on self-driving cars and artificial intelligence.

Manufacturing Plans

Chery has also signed a deal with Nissan to build cars at its Sunderland plant, starting from 2027. This would mark the first mass-market Chinese car production in Britain. The R&D centre is seen as a complementary step, ensuring that vehicles are tailored to local preferences and conditions.

Market Impact and Data

The arrival of Chinese carmakers like Chery has put pressure on traditional European rivals, who are struggling to compete on price and technology. The table below highlights Chery's growing presence in the UK market.

This rapid growth underscores the demand for affordable, feature-rich vehicles. Chery's investment in R&D and local manufacturing is expected to further solidify its position.

Key Takeaways

• Chery's new UK R&D centre at UTAC Millbrook will open in late autumn.
• The facility provides access to 70km of test tracks for vehicle development.
• Chery plans to manufacture cars in the UK via a Nissan partnership from 2027.
• UK market share for Chery brands jumped from 3% to 8% in a year.
• The R&D centre will also focus on autonomous driving and AI technologies.

FAQ

Chery's commitment to the UK market is clear. With the new R&D centre and manufacturing plans, the company is poised to become a major player in the British automotive industry.

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