China is set to continue its dominance in the UK car market as it mulls over plans to build a manufacturing plant to support the rollout of its petrol and electric car models.
Chinese carmaker Chery, one of the country’s largest exporter of cars, is eyeing the UK to be its European hub when launching its two car brands, Omoda and Jaecoo.
The move would mark a significant investment and challenge by China into the UK electric market industry.
China already has a foothold across Europe as one in four electric vehicles sold in Europe will be made in China by the end of the year.
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Chery plans to launch popular brands in the UK this year
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Victor Zhang, UK country manager at Chery, said: “Localisation is something the industry must be doing in the future – it is of great importance.
“The UK has a lot of potential and it has a unique positioning, especially with its universities linked to the car industry.
“The UK Government is showing a positive attitude towards foreign investment, and the UK is a good possibility for us. We are taking this very seriously.”
Chery plans to launch its Omoda and Jaecoo brands in the UK later this year.
The carmaker has reportedly already signed up over 60 dealers across the UK to sell the two brands with ambitious plans to expand this to 100 dealerships and sell 10,000 cars by the end of the year.
The first vehicles set to hit UK stores include the petrol-powered Omoda 5 and electric Omoda E5.
The Omoda 5 will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while the electric E5 is fitted with a 204 bhp motor and a 61 kwh lithium battery which offers a range of 250 miles.
Both models will be fitted with dual 10.25-inch screens, 360-degree cameras, electric seats and acoustic glass.
The Omoda 5 is expected to be priced from £24,000, while the E5 is predicted to come in at under £34,000, relatively more expensive for an EV.
Meanwhile, Jaecoo is set to launch its first model this September with the Jaecoo 7. The SUV will feature a 1.6-litre petrol engine and is estimated to be priced at around £35,000.
Chery noted how five more models from Omoda and Jaecoo are expected to arrive in the UK by the end of 2025.
This month, Transport Secretary Mark Harper warned that if China tries to undercut competition for electric vehicles in the UK by making prices too low, he will take action.
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Speaking at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders conference, Harper stated that the UK could be pushed to put tariffs on Chinese imports of electric vehicles.