'Landmark' moment as major Chinese car firm Chery Commercial Vehicle chooses Liverpool for first Europe HQ
A major Chinese car firm has unveiled plans to establish its first European headquarters in Liverpool, creating a number of ‘high quality’ jobs.
The site will act as the central hub for Chery Commercial Vehicle's (CCV) European operations, supporting research, engineering, innovation and commercial development from within Liverpool.
Liverpool City Council said the decision marks one of the ‘most significant projects’ for the city’s advanced manufacturing sector in recent years, positioning the city region at the forefront of Europe’s electric vehicle (EV) sector.
Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, said the ‘landmark’ move will ‘create high quality jobs and long-term economic benefits, helping to further strengthen our region’s reputation at the forefront of cleaner, smarter transport’.
The collaboration is expected to expand opportunities for local suppliers within the advanced manufacturing supply chain, and accelerate the exchange of knowledge in electric, autonomous, and new energy commercial vehicle technologies.
Liverpool City Council and Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will work closely with Chery Commercial Vehicle, regional partners and national government to ensure the project delivers lasting social and economic benefits for residents and businesses across the city and wider region.
Liverpool and China share a relationship stretching back more than 190 years , including Liverpool’s longstanding connection with Shanghai, one of its closest international partner cities.
Councillor Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said: “Chery Commercial Vehicle’s choice of Liverpool for its commercial vehicle European base is a major vote of confidence in our city’s capabilities, our workforce and our long-term vision for clean, inclusive growth.
“This partnership has the potential to reshape the future of the car manufacturing sector in our city region – bringing new technologies, new skills and new opportunities to Liverpool and beyond.”
Gong Yueqiong, General Manager of Chery Commercial Vehicle said Liverpool offers the ‘perfect environment’ for the company’s amibitions.