Chery to Produce Cars in Europe Despite Tariff Impact

TapTechNews June 15th, according to Reuters, Zhang Jian, vice president of Chery Automobile and president of European business, said on Thursday local time that although the EU's policy of imposing tariffs on imported Chinese electric cars would have a certain impact on the company's export business, but Chery will produce cars locally in Europe, which will help reduce part of the impact of the imposed tariffs.

According to the proposal, the products exported by Chery Automobile to the EU will be subject to a 21% tariff. Zhang Jian said that the company expects to start producing electric cars at the recently acquired Barcelona factory in Spain by the end of this year, which is its first production base in Europe.

Zhang Jian revealed that the current factory in Barcelona is not large enough to support Chery Automobile's medium and long-term plans in Europe, and the company is considering building a second factory, but refused to disclose more details about this factory. Chery is one of the Chinese automakers seeking to expand its business in Europe, and despite facing tariff issues, the company still firmly promotes its expansion plan in Europe.

According to TapTechNews' previous report, on April 19 this year, Chery Automobile Company and Spanish Ebrol Company held a signing ceremony for an electric vehicle cooperation agreement in the Barcelona Free Trade Zone. The two sides will set up a joint venture in the local area to jointly develop new electric vehicle products. Chery will become the first Chinese automaker to produce cars in Europe.