Chery Auto presents its European Operations Center and an R&D Institute in Barcelona

Chery Auto is expanding its European Operations Center and R&D Institute in Cornellà de Llobregat, Barcelona, marking a significant milestone in its European strategy and localization efforts. This move further establishes Catalonia and Spain as strategic pillars in the company’s European and global expansion.

This new facility is Chery Auto’s first regional operations center outside China and will serve as the central platform for its European activities, integrating operational management, regulatory compliance, supply chain coordination, finance, and public affairs. Alongside the R&D Institute, the center will consolidate key capabilities in operations, technology, and industrial collaboration, enhancing market responsiveness and regulatory adaptation.

The project will support the local industrial ecosystem by creating highly skilled jobs in engineering, innovation, product development, and operations. It will also promote local talent and strengthen collaboration with regional institutions.

“This is not only an important milestone in Chery Auto’s global trajectory, but it also marks a new stage in our long-term commitment to Europe”

Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Auto

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Europe is central to Chery Auto’s global strategy, serving as both a key market and a benchmark for innovation, sustainability, and regulatory standards.

Chery Auto is committed to a localization strategy of operating “in Europe, with Europe, for Europe,” aiming to integrate into the regional industrial ecosystem and build long-term alliances. Establishing this operations center demonstrates Chery Auto’s commitment to meeting European standards and developing local capabilities and talent.

Institutional support and long-term vision

The inauguration was attended by Miquel Sàmper, Minister of Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia; Antonio Balmón, Mayor of Cornellà de Llobregat; Pol Gibert, Secretary General of the Department of Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia; and Pere Navarro, Special Delegate of the State at the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona, along with representatives from the Government of Catalonia and regional institutions. Partners from the industrial, academic, and institutional spheres also attended, reflecting the strong support for Chery Auto’s development in Spain.

The guests were received by Yin Tongyue, Chairman of Chery Auto; Zhang Guibing, President of Chery International; and Zhu Shaodong, Vice President of Chery International and CEO for Europe, along with other senior executives from the company.

“This is a moment that symbolizes the tangible beginning of a project with a future-oriented vocation and a profound impact on our country. Catalonia occupies a central place in Chery Auto’s European strategy and, therefore, we are talking about a strategic commitment. The automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by decarbonization, digitalization, and technological innovation. Faced with this challenge, Catalonia wants to be part of the solution, and projects like this place us fully within it,” noted the Minister of Business and Labour of the Government of Catalonia, Miquel Sàmper.

“Having Chery Auto’s new European Operations Center and R&D Institute in Cornellà represents an important opportunity to consolidate the city as a center of innovation and strategic development within the metropolitan area, offering top-tier technological facilities in a privileged location thanks to our position and transport connections. Likewise, the trust placed by this Chinese multinational represents an economic boost for Cornellà, helping to build alliances that generate employment and attract talent,” stated the Mayor of Cornellà de Llobregat, Antonio Balmón.

Chery Auto has steadily expanded its presence in Europe, now serving over 100,000 users in the region, with strong growth expected in the coming years.

“The global automotive industry is undergoing a profound transformation towards new energies, smart mobility, and sustainability. Chery Auto will continue to develop diversified technological paths based on real market needs, while placing a strong emphasis on data protection, privacy, regulatory compliance, and sustainability, aligning fully with European standards,” stated the CEO of Chery Europe, Mr. Zhu Shaodong.

In Catalonia and Spain, Chery Auto has established a growing industrial presence through manufacturing and R&D activities, providing a strong foundation for further European expansion. As the automotive industry advances toward electrification, smart mobility, and sustainability, Chery Auto will continue to invest in diversified technologies, aligning with European standards for data protection, environmental responsibility, and regulatory compliance.

“This is not only an important milestone in Chery Auto’s global trajectory, but it also marks a new stage in our long-term commitment to Europe. As a company born in China and growing globally, Chery Auto has always been committed to technology. Our goal is to build a competitive automotive brand on a global scale, and behind every achievement is the trust of our users worldwide and the continuous drive to improve our products and technologies,” stated the Chairman of Chery Auto, Mr. Yin Tongyue.  

About Chery Group

Chery Auto was founded in 1997 and is a leading automobile manufacturer in China, and the first independent brand to exceed five million in both sales and exports. With operations in more than 130 countries, it has become a diversified group focused on automotive innovation and global development.

It has maintained the position of China’s leading passenger vehicle exporter for over two decades and is among the fastest-growing automobile manufacturers globally. In the 2025 Fortune Global 500 list, Chery Auto ranked 233rd.