Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV) makes announcement as city council leader visits China alongside PM
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaking during the 2026 UK-China Business Council at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, during his visit to China. (Image: PA)
Chinese vehicle giant Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV) has chosen Liverpool as the home of its first European headquarters in a move which officials say could generate high-value jobs for residents local residents – and will help Liverpool and the North West to stay at the cutting edge of Europe’s rapidly expanding electric vehicle industry.
The new headquarters will serve as the nerve centre for CCV’s European activities, overseeing research, engineering, innovation and commercial growth from Liverpool.
Chery Commercial Vehicle’s launch is anticipated to create high‐value employment across engineering, software development, R&D, and operational positions. The company is also set to work with Liverpool’s research institutions and innovation hubs, linking international expertise with local academic capabilities.
The new facility’s location remains under wraps, but several major automotive companies including Jaguar Land Rover and Ford already operate from the Speke and Halewood districts. CCV aims for “deep localization” in the UK, meaning it aims to create research, engineering, talent and commercial partnerships locally and to work closely with the country’s existing automotive sector.
The headquarters will serve as a gateway for joint ventures and cutting-edge energy technology showcases throughout the region, reports the Liverpool Echo.
CCV is among China’s best-known automotive exporters and is leading innovation in next-generation commercial vehicles, including electric, hydrogen and autonomous platforms. It’s aiming to lead the sector’s electric vehicle push through its Future Super Commercial Plan (FSC-P). Liverpool political leaders believe CCV’s investment in the area underscores the city’s rising status as a European hub for green mobility, data-driven engineering and sustainable manufacturing.
Liverpool City Council leader Cllr Liam Robinson has travelled to China this week for the deal’s announcement. His journey coincides with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s visit to the nation, where is holding discussions with President Xi Jinping.
Speaking before his journey, Cllr Robinson told the Liverpool Echo: “This is really positive news for the city.”
He added: “From our perspective, to be recognised as the place they want to bring their whole European headquarters to is fantastic. Effectively this will be the headquarters of all Chery Commercial Vehicle’s European operations so it will include things like engineering, innovation, commercial development for the whole of Europe, based here in Liverpool.
“We are really pleased that we have been able to achieve this. There has been a lot of very detailed work from our team, working with Chery, to pitch the city and demonstrate the strengths we have got. This includes the fact we are already at the heart of a really strong automotive cluster.
“We already have a skilled workforce, particular with our strengths in graduate retention now, there is that talent pipeline locally. And longer term there is the strategic location of the Port of Liverpool, Liverpool Airport and Manchester Airport not far away for direct flights back to Europe.
“We have always recognised our strong heritage with China, we have one of the oldest Chinese communities anywhere in the world. So this shows a really strong future with China, when the government is resetting relationships with China.
“We want to make sure that Liverpool is at the forefront of that and that we can get the economic benefits that can come from that as part of these partnerships.”
Prime Minister Keir Starmer (left) and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing (Image: PA)
Gong Yueqiong, general manager of Chery Commercial Vehicle, said: “We are not just bringing products to the UK-we are building a British business.
“Our ‘In UK, For UK, Be UK’ strategy reflects our belief that true globalization comes from deep localization. By recruiting local talent, collaborating with UK institutions, and adapting to local needs, we aim to become a valued contributor to the UK’s automotive industry and economy.
“Our strategy reflects our confidence in the UK’s talent, infrastructure, and commitment to green technology.
“Liverpool offers the perfect environment for Chery Commercial Vehicle’s European ambitions. Our goal is to become a responsible corporate citizen, fully integrated into the local community.”
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, added: “Chery Commercial Vehicle’s landmark decision to base its European HQ in our city region is a fantastic vote of confidence in our advanced manufacturing and green innovation sectors.
“This 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 Combined Authority has worked very closely with Liverpool City Council and Chery Commercial Vehicle to help make this investment possible, and we’ll continue to support Chery Commercial Vehicle’s plans for further growth, so it delivers lasting benefits for communities and businesses across our region.”