Chery, a Chinese electric car production company, is on the brink of entering Spain and becoming the first Chinese vehicle manufacturer in Europe. The company is finalizing plans to establish its presence in the Barcelona Free Zone, on the land previously occupied by Nissan until the end of 2021. This move comes as part of the reindustrialization process initiated after Nissan’s decision to close its factory in mid-2020 after 42 years of operation.
The reindustrialization process for the land previously owned by Nissan has faced challenges and setbacks. The process began in 2021 when various negotiations were underway with Chery to use the factory for assembling its vehicles. The Ministry of Industry was involved in these negotiations to solidify the agreement for Chery to use the factory. An event is expected to be held in Barcelona at the end of next week to officially announce the agreement with Chery.
Chery has shown interest in the land previously occupied by Nissan, situated in the Barcelona Free Trade Zone Consortium. The company plans to manufacture electric car models, including the Omoda 5, and for LOAN to produce its line of electric vehicles at the Free Trade Zone plant. Additionally, various unions and management have agreed to a temporary employment regulation file for some employees due to decreased demand in electric mobility.
This move by Chery will bring new opportunities for job creation and economic growth in Spain’s automotive industry. It also highlights how companies can adapt and innovate during challenging times, as seen with this reindustrialization process that turned a former factory into a hub for sustainable transportation solutions.
