Key Points
- Chinese car manufacturer Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV) will establish its first European headquarters in Liverpool.
- The headquarters will serve as the central hub for CCV’s European operations, covering research, engineering, innovation and commercial development.
- The project is expected to create high-value jobs in engineering, software development, research and development, and operational roles.
- The announcement coincides with Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trade visit to China and strengthens Liverpool’s advanced manufacturing and electric vehicle sectors.
- Liverpool City Council describes the move as one of the most significant projects for the city in recent years.
Liverpool (Liverpool Standard) January 30, 2026 – Chinese car manufacturer Chery Commercial Vehicle has selected Liverpool for its first European headquarters, marking a major boost for the city’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The decision, announced by Liverpool City Council, positions the headquarters as the central hub for CCV’s European operations, including research, engineering, innovation and commercial development. Local authorities highlighted the move’s potential to create hundreds of high-value jobs across engineering, software development and operational roles.
What does the new headquarters entail?
The Liverpool site will support CCV’s growth in the electric and new-energy vehicle sector, enhancing collaboration with local research institutions and innovation centres. According to Liverpool City Council, it will also open opportunities for local suppliers in the manufacturing supply chain.
As reported by Neil Hodgson of TheBusinessDesk.com, the project comes amid Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s trade visit to China and echoes historical ties, such as Jaguar Land Rover’s joint venture with Chery near Shanghai in 2014.
Why is this significant for Liverpool?
Council leader Liam Robertson described the investment as a huge opportunity that recognises Liverpool’s strengths and places it at the forefront of advanced manufacturing. Liverpool City Region authorities hailed it as a fantastic vote of confidence in the area.
How many jobs will it create?
Reports indicate the headquarters could generate hundreds of new jobs, focusing on high-value positions in research and development. No specific location within Liverpool or exact opening date has been confirmed, though operations are slated to begin in 2026.
What are the broader implications?
The development aligns with speculation about Chery utilising spare capacity at Jaguar Land Rover plants in Merseyside, potentially deepening UK-China automotive ties. It underscores Liverpool’s rising role in Europe’s electric vehicle landscape.
The announcement has been covered widely by outlets including Bernama-Xinhua, Motoring Research and Autocar, confirming its status as a landmark moment for the region.
