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Chery to Open UTAC R&D Centre in 2026

8/20/2026

38 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Chery Automobile will open an R&D centre at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire in autumn 2026.
The centre, described as a “Centre of Excellence,” will provide over 43 miles (70 km) of test tracks for chassis dynamics, steering feel and ADAS.
The Jaecoo 7 SUV became the UK’s best-selling car in March, selling more than 53 000 units.
In June, Chery signed a non-binding MoU with Nissan to explore building cars at Sunderland from fiscal 2027.

History

Historical Context

In 1986, Nissan opened the Sunderland plant, quickly reaching over 500,000 vehicles a year and becoming the region’s largest employer. After decades of growth, the site now hosts Chery’s planned 2026 R&D centre and a Nissan-Chery MoU, showing how foreign manufacturers use the UK’s skilled workforce and test facilities to accelerate electric-vehicle development.

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Story summary

Chery Automobile will open an R&D centre at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire in autumn 2026.
The centre, described as a “Centre of Excellence,” will provide over 43 miles (70 km) of test tracks for chassis dynamics, steering feel and ADAS.
The Jaecoo 7 SUV became the UK’s best-selling car in March, selling more than 53 000 units.
In June, Chery signed a non-binding MoU with Nissan to explore building cars at Sunderland from fiscal 2027.

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