07:34 11-04-2026

Chery launches Paris R&D center to develop compact electric cars for Europe

The Chinese automaker Chery is expanding its presence in Europe with the announcement of a new research and development center in Paris. This facility will serve as a key hub for developing future models under the Omoda and Jaecoo brands, including urban electric vehicles.

The primary focus will be on the compact car segment, which remains one of the most popular in Europe. This involves B-segment models around 4 meters in length, positioning them as direct competitors to hits like the Renault 5 and Peugeot e-208. The choice of Paris is strategic, as the region offers a strong engineering base, access to certification centers, and reflects real-world urban driving conditions.

This new center will be the second in Europe, following the German division in Raunheim, and the seventh in the company's global structure. Meanwhile, the Omoda and Jaecoo brands are already gaining traction in the market thanks to their competitive pricing and distinctive design.

The next step involves entering the mass-market electric vehicle segment, where price will be a key factor. New models are expected to cost less than 30,000 euros.

Overall, Chery is preparing a significant push into the European market, where competition in the compact electric car segment is intensifying. Chinese brands are acting strategically, and local development tailored to European requirements could become their main advantage against traditional automakers.