Chery is on the verge of entering the European market and setting up shop in Spain as the first Chinese car manufacturer in Europe. The electric car production company has finalized its plans to set up in the Barcelona Free Zone, taking over the land previously occupied by Nissan until the end of 2021. This decision comes after Nissan’s closure of its factory in mid-2020, after 42 years of operation.
The negotiations, which have been expedited with the assistance of the Ministry of Industry, are expected to be completed shortly. A formal event is planned in Barcelona next week to announce Chery’s agreement to assemble its vehicles at the Free Trade Zone factory. The Catalan government, Generalitat, and City Council will all be present at the event.
Chery’s entry into the Barcelona Free Zone marks a positive development for the reindustrialization process in the area. The company plans to manufacture electric car models at the site, which could help with reemployment opportunities for former Nissan workers who are currently out of work.
This move also aligns with Spain’s goal of transitioning towards a more sustainable future through promoting green technologies such as electric vehicles. In fact, other companies have also been involved in this process, with Silence, an electric motorcycle manufacturer owned by Acciona being one of them since 2022. However, challenges such as decreased demand for electric mobility products have led to temporary employment arrangements for some workers.
Overall, Chery’s arrival in Spain signifies a significant step forward towards revitalizing Spain’s industrial sector and creating new job opportunities while promoting sustainable practices within it.
