China’s Chery Automobile is working on smaller passenger vehicles for Europe as part of its wider growth plans in the region, Reuters reported citing a senior executive.
The move would mark a shift from the company’s current emphasis on SUVs, as Chery looks to widen its passenger vehicle offering in Europe.
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Its brands in the market include Chery, Omoda and Jaecoo, which have supported its European expansion.
According to the report, the timeline for the new platform has not been disclosed.
The group also launched the Lepas brand last year.
The line-up currently features three SUV models, including the L6, which was presented in Europe during Milan Design Week.
Chery’s head of engineering Peter Matkin, quoted in the report, said the company had focused on SUVs because they are “what everybody’s asking for” in both Chinese and overseas markets.
He also said Chery is developing a new vehicle platform that will support models measuring less than four metres in length, with those vehicles set to arrive at a later stage.
Chery already has vehicle assembly operations in Europe through a joint venture at a former Nissan factory in Spain.
It is also considering additional production growth in the region through partnerships with other carmakers, allowing it to use existing plants.
The planned entry into smaller vehicles is part of Chery’s broader effort to build its presence in Europe while increasing its regional manufacturing base.
Chery Commercial Vehicle recently launched its Future Super Commercial Vehicle (FSCV) strategy at the Commercial Vehicle Show in Birmingham, UK, where it introduced the electric Delivan light commercial vehicle on the global stage.
Chery said Delivan, as the first product under the FSCV strategy, represents a new generation of intelligent commercial vehicles designed for urban logistics, last-mile delivery and fleet use.
The company also confirmed its move into the UK and wider European markets as an OEM, with an offering that includes vehicles, charging, servicing, telematics, digital programmes, aftermarket support, warranty and lifecycle services.
