Chery plans European HQ for commercial vehicles in Liverpool
The Chery Group is already active in several European countries with its passenger car brands, Jaecoo and Omoda. Following its debut in Spain in March 2024, the company rapidly expanded to the UK, Italy, and Hungary. Chery has also operated a development centre near Frankfurt since 2018—and the market launch of Jaecoo and Omoda in Germany is imminent.
With around two years of experience in the European passenger car market, Chery is now preparing to expand into the commercial vehicle sector. To achieve this, its division, Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV), plans to establish a European headquarters in Liverpool, UK. The site is expected to create high-quality jobs in engineering, software development, research and development, and operational roles.
Liverpool’s Mayor, Steve Rotheram, stated: “Chery Commercial Vehicle’s landmark decision to base its European HQ in our city region is a fantastic vote of confidence in our advanced manufacturing and green innovation sectors.”
“We are not just bringing products to the UK—we are building a British business,”CCV President Gong Yueqiong explained. “Our ‘In UK, For UK, Be UK’ strategy reflects our belief that true globalization comes from deep localization. By recruiting local talent, collaborating with UK institutions, and adapting to local needs, we aim to become a valued contributor to the UK’s automotive industry and economy.”
It remains unclear which vehicles CCV intends to sell in Europe. The company offers a broad portfolio, ranging from the Rely-branded pickup truck to Karry vans and light trucks, and even C&C semi-trailers, covering nearly every application. Through its joint venture, Chery Wanda, the company also produces buses. Across almost every vehicle category, CCV provides both battery-electric vehicles and internal combustion engine models.
UK trade magazine Autocar suggests that the initial focus will likely be on electric vans from Karry, while diesel-powered heavy-duty trucks from C&C seem less likely. However, C&C already offers a fully electric tractor unit, the Tractor New Energy 6×4.
Incidentally, Karry’s electric vans have been available in Germany for some time through indirect channels. The Saxon importer Ari Motors has adapted Karry models for the European market and sold them under its own branding, such as the Ari 901.
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