- Chinese automotive giant, Chery, is reportedly exploring options that would allow it to produce its Chery-branded vehicles at Jaguar Land Rover (JLR)’s UK production sites.
- The move would mirror other Chinese OEMs which have set up manufacturing bases in Europe, such as Leapmotor’s Spanish plant and BYD in Hungary.
- Chery recently began selling a range of SUVs in the UK, which includes plug-in hybrid powertrain options – with fully-electric models coming later down the line.
Chery eyes up UK production
Back in 2024, Chinese automaker Chery expressed an interest in setting up a UK manufacturing plant. Now, as has been reported in the Financial Times, that interest has been renewed, with the firm exploring a proposal that would allow it to produce models at existing Jaguar Land Rover production facilities within the UK.
Chery only joined the UK car market this year, selling a range of petrol and plug-in hybrid powered SUVs. Fully-electric Chery models are also expected to launch in the UK in the future.
The news comes as UK Prime Minister Kier Starmer heads to China, looking to further cooperate on trade between the two countries. Following US President Trump’s tariff threats, there seems to be a growing openness from many countries towards automotive trade with China, which was also seen earlier this month when Canada announced a new trade agreement that will allow up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs to be imported every year under a favourable 6.1% import tax.
If the proposal comes to fruition, it wouldn’t be the first time that Jaguar Land Rover and Chery have worked together. The two currently operate a 50:50 joint venture within China called ‘Chery Jaguar Land Rover’, which allows it to manufacture models within China such as the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport, as well as upcoming EVs such as a Freelander EV.
Executives from Jaguar Land Rover make up part of the 50-plus businesses accompanying Prime Minister Kier Starmer on his trip to Beijing, and this local manufacturing proposal is expected to be discussed as part of the trip. Depending on the outcomes of the talks, we could hear more in the next few weeks on how this proposed Chery and JLR UK production agreement would work.
