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Chery Automobile has confirmed plans to open a new UK research and development centre at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire, marking another major step in the manufacturer’s long-term commitment to British drivers.
Scheduled to open in late autumn 2026, the facility will help Chery develop and refine passenger vehicles specifically for UK roads and customer expectations. Initial work will focus on vehicle chassis development, ride and steering, and advanced driver-assistance systems, with autonomous driving and artificial intelligence expected to become part of its work in the future.
The new centre will allow Chery engineers to use feedback from UK motorists to influence future vehicle development.
Gary Lan, CEO of Chery International UK, explained: “UTAC Millbrook allows us to turn UK customer insight into product development, from ride and steering to active safety systems.”
For customers, this could mean future Chery vehicles that are more closely calibrated for British roads, including local driving conditions, road surfaces and everyday customer preferences.
It also demonstrates that Chery’s ambitions extend beyond simply importing vehicles. The company intends to recruit local talent and create highly skilled automotive engineering roles as its UK research capabilities grow.
UTAC Millbrook is one of the UK’s most advanced automotive testing and development locations.
The Bedfordshire site includes more than 70km of specialist test tracks, covering high-speed driving, steep gradients, durability testing and off-road conditions. It also provides facilities for developing connected and automated vehicles, electric vehicle batteries, crash protection and driver-assistance technology.
This gives Chery access to a wide range of environments in which future vehicles and technologies can be assessed before reaching British customers.
Kirsty Andrew, Vice President of UTAC UK, described the announcement as the beginning of a long-term engineering relationship rather than simply an arrangement to test individual vehicles.
Chery has expanded rapidly since officially launching its own passenger-car brand in the UK. The wider Chery Group also operates the OMODA and JAECOO brands, which have experienced significant growth among British customers.
According to Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders data, Chery, OMODA and JAECOO collectively accounted for approximately 7.7% of UK new-car registrations during July 2026. The Chery brand alone registered more than 21,000 vehicles between January and July.
The Bedfordshire centre follows a separate non-binding agreement between Chery International UK and Nissan to study the possibility of Nissan manufacturing Chery passenger vehicles at its Sunderland plant. Production has not yet been confirmed, but the study includes the possibility of manufacturing beginning during Nissan’s 2027 financial year.
Together, these developments underline Chery’s ambition to establish a lasting presence in the British automotive market through local research, engineering, employment and potentially manufacturing.
At Glyn Hopkin Chery, customers can already discover the latest TIGGO SUV range, including the compact TIGGO 4 Super Hybrid, the versatile TIGGO 7, the seven-seat TIGGO 8 and the flagship TIGGO 9 Super Hybrid.
With modern technology, practical interiors and a seven-year or 100,000-mile vehicle warranty, the Chery range provides an exciting choice for drivers searching for a well-equipped petrol, hybrid or plug-in hybrid SUV.
Explore the latest Chery models or contact Glyn Hopkin Chery in Colchester or St Albans to arrange your test drive.
