Automotive News – Late August 2026
The Chinese car giant Chery Automobile will open a new research centre in Bedfordshire later this year, as it builds up its presence in the UK.
The Research and Development (R&D) Centre of Excellence will be based at UTAC Millbrook, a large testing facility widely used by the motor industry and the Ministry of Defence.
The move, described by the company as a “major expansion” of its global R&D footprint, comes as it is also exploring the possibility of building cars in this country.
Gary Lan, the chief executive of Chery International UK, said: “The establishment of our UK R&D Centre of Excellence is the next step in our long-term plan for the UK.”
Sourced from BBC news website
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UK vehicle production down as pressures persist.
- UK vehicle production down -11.6% in July to 63,655 units, driven by weaker exports and summer shutdown timings.
- Car production falls -10.6% while CV output declines -34.4%.
- Electrified model production records first rise of the year with four in 10 cars built either EV or hybrid.
- Sector welcomes ZEV Mandate review, calling for meaningful reform alongside action on energy costs and trade threats to safeguard UK investments.
UK vehicle production fell -11.6% in July to 63,655 units, according to the latest figures published today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The decline reflects weaker exports, down -15.9% to 47,377 units, as well as earlier scheduling of routine summer maintenance shutdowns at some plants.
Car production declined -10.6% to 61,767 units as a 9.3% rise in output for UK buyers failed to offset a -15.8% fall in exports. Shipments to all major markets were down, including the EU (-15.2%), the US (-17.7%), Turkey (-18.5%), China (-36.9%) and Japan (-24.4%). Commercial vehicle output also fell sharply, down -34.4% to 1,888 units, with deliveries to UK customers and export markets down -49.6% and -18.5% respectively.
Sourced from SMMT
