Manufacturing Strategy

Nissan, Chery explore Sunderland manufacturing partnership

James McLoughlin
James McLoughlin Assistant Editor
Published
2 min
Nissan Sunderland plant
Chinese automaker explores UK assembly through Sunderland partnership.

Nissan and Chery International UK have signed a non-binding MoU to explore building Chery-brand vehicles at Sunderland from 2027, reflecting a wider shift by Chinese automakers towards localised manufacturing across Europe.

In a statement in early June, Nissan said this non-binding MoU includes the possibility that Nissan would aim to begin manufacturing Chery International UK passenger vehicles on the plant's production Line One as soon as the 2027 financial year, which began in April this year.

Nissan has confirmed that, under the terms of its MoU with Chery International UK, it would remain the sole owner of the Sunderland facility and the team at the plant would continue to be employed by Nissan.

“This is an important step forward for our operations," commented Massimiliano Messina, chairperson of Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe & Oceania (AMIEO). 

"We are looking forward to working with Chery International UK in the coming months to finalise a position that is optimal for both companies.”

Nissan's production line consolidation in Sunderland

This news comes shortly after Nissan's announcement in May that it would be consolidating production of its Leaf, Juke and Qashqai models at the Sunderland plant to a single production line (Line Two).This freed up Line One and cleared the way for talks with Chery to, as a spokesperson said, "assess future opportunities to secure full plant utilisation".

The decision to merge the two production lines in Sunderland came as part of the automaker's broader Re:Nissan recovery plan in which the company has been "taking decisive actions to enhance performance and create a leaner, more resilient business that adapts quickly to market changes" in reaponse to what it has described as "a challenging business environment".

Nissan to cut 900 jobs in Europe

Although Nissan stated that no jobs in the UK would be lost as a result of the merging of the two production lines at the Sunderland plant, it announced on the same day that it had begun talks with staff in Europe surrounding proposals including the partial closure of its warehouse in Barcelona and switching to an importer model for the Nordic markets.

“As part of the Re:Nissan approach, we have opened discussions with our European employees with a view to simplifying our structures, reducing complexity, and ensuring we operate in a sustainable and profitable way," a spokesperson explained.

As a result, Nissan confirmed around 900 jobs across Europe would be cut, representing approximately 10% of its European workforce. It has not yet confirmed which roles or regions are at risk of job losses.

Chery's growth in the UK market

Manufacturing Chery vehicles on UK soil would be a significant step for the automaker, representing the rapid growth of its brands in the UK market. Falling under the Chery International UK umbrella are marques including Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo and Lepas – a new EV brand set to launch in the UK later this year.

According to data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Jaecoo 7 has been the third-most popular new car so far in 2026, with more than 20,000 units registered in the UK for the year-to-date.

With Chery only having entered the UK market in August 2024 with its Jaecoo and Omoda brands – later introducing the Chery brand and soon its fourth UK marque in Lepas – the market penetration and rapid infrastructural growth of Chery brands reflects the famous "China speed" that Chinese OEMs are known for.

As sales have grown, so too has Chery's retailer network – reaching a total of 126 dealerships in Great Britain by May this year.

So alongside this growth, exploring UK production seems like a natural next step for Chery as it pursues its "In UK, for UK, be UK" strategy.

Chery's acquisition of Nissan's South Africa plant

A deal between Chery and Nissan in the UK would not be the first time Chery has benefitted from Nissan's existing infrastructure and its Re:Nissan recovery strategy.

In January 2026, Chery SA agreed a deal with Nissan for the acquisition of the latter's manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, South Africa. The agreement saw Chery SA take ownership of the land, buildings and associated assets of Nissan's factory in Rosslyn and its nearby stamping plant.

It was confirmed that the majority of associated Nissan employees would be offered employment by Chery SA on "substantially similar terms and conditions" as their previous contracts with Nissan.

"Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners," stated Jordia Vila, president of Nissan Africa, following the acquisition. "External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan. "

He added: "Through this agreement we’re able to secure employment for the majority of our workforce thereby also preserving opportunities for our supplier network. This move also ensures that the Rosslyn site will continue contributing to the South African automotive sector."

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