Chery says two premium European brands are vying to use their new electric vehicle (EV) platform, and it’s signing a deal with one of them. “Two premium European marques want to use our platform, and a deal will be signed with one of them, a more premium brand than us,” said Chery chairman Yin Tongyue in remarks reported by AN Europe.
He confirmed the deal will be signed during his trip to Europe, which began last week. He also confirmed Chery is also in talks with two other brands over possible team-ups. Geely’s latest premium EVs are from their premium Exeed brand, marketed under the Sterra sub-brand in China, and set to be called Exlantix models in Europe.
The Chery chairman didn’t confirm who any of these brands are; his company already has a joint venture with JLR, and builds vehicles like the Jaguar E-Pace and Land Rover Discovery Sport in China.
As the chairman was talking at an event promoting a new electric SUV, Chery is expected to loan that model’s E0X electric vehicle platform. The ES sedan and ET SUV are sized similarly to the Tesla Model S and Model X, and offer dual-motor all-wheel drive powertrains, air suspension, and 800V electrical systems.
In addition to partnering with European brands, Chery is also looking to start building vehicles in Europe – specifically, at a plant in Barcelona, Spain which Nissan shut down in 2021.
In related news, VW announced last year they will jointly design two EVs with Xpeng, and will likely use an Xpeng platform. Audi has confirmed a partnership with MG and SAIC Motor, with reports suggesting they’ll use an EV platform from the premium IM Motors brand.
Stellantis has invested €1.5bn in Chinese carmaker Leapmotor, and will have a 51-per-cent stake in a new joint venture firm that will be responsible for the company’s global export and distribution network plus manufacturing operations outside of China.
