The ‘Chery’ on the cake – Liverpool China Partnership welcomes automotive announcement

Liverpool China Partnership has announced that Chinese firm Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV) has chosen Liverpool to establish its first European headquarters. This development is considered a significant achievement for the city’s advanced manufacturing industry. The announcement was made on 29 January 2026 during a UK trade mission to China, positioning Liverpool as the key location for CCV’s European research and development, engineering, and commercial activities.

This strategic investment places the Liverpool City Region at the forefront of Europe’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle (EV) sector. The new headquarters is anticipated to generate numerous highly skilled jobs focused on software development, engineering, and R&D. Furthermore, CCV intends to work closely with local academic institutions and research centres to develop autonomous vehicle technologies and innovations in new energy vehicles.

The partnership also offers promising prospects for local businesses, particularly suppliers involved in the advanced manufacturing supply chain. Liverpool’s longstanding automotive heritage, supported by existing infrastructure and home to major manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover and Ford, was a key factor in CCV’s location decision. This solid foundation supports the city’s ambitions to become a hub for cutting-edge automotive innovation.

Alderman Gary Millar, Chair of Liverpool China Partnership, expressed enthusiasm about the announcement, stating: “Liverpool China Partnership joins our City Region and national leaders in welcoming CCV to Liverpool. An exciting moment for the city and for all those essential partners who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this key project happen.” He highlighted the collaboration among numerous stakeholders and emphasized the move’s significance in enhancing the UK’s reputation for advanced research, innovation, and skilled employment. Dr Julia Wang, Vice Chair of LCP and Liverpool John Moores University’s Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for International Relations, added that the project’s success underscores the vital role of public and private sector partnerships in attracting foreign direct investment to the region

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