Chinese automotive giant Chery is reportedly in discussions to acquire two production facilities owned by Volkswagen in Germany. The factories in question are located in Dresden and Osnabrück, and this move could mark a significant step in Chery’s strategy to bolster its presence in the European market.
In recent months, insiders have revealed that various Chinese automakers showed interest in these plants, following Volkswagen’s contemplation of shutting them down as part of a broader cost-reduction initiative. Chery’s interest underscores its ambition to expand its footprint in Europe, making this development a topic of significant interest within the industry.
While Chery has confirmed its intention to manufacture vehicles in Germany, it has not officially acknowledged whether negotiations with Volkswagen are underway. According to Charlie Zhang, Vice President of Chery International, any final decision will be contingent upon clarifying factors such as labor union agreements, supply chain logistics, and operational costs.
Should an agreement be reached, Chery aims to utilize these facilities to produce vehicles under its new brand, Lepas, which was unveiled on April 2, 2025. The Lepas lineup will consist of redesigned versions of Chery’s existing Tiggo series, offering options in internal combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and fully electric powertrains. The production will include two compact SUVs and a mid-size SUV.
While Chery’s plans for the German market appear to be advancing, its investment intentions for Turkey remain unclear. Recent reports speculated about a potential $1 billion investment in a factory located in Samsun. The veracity of these claims is yet to be confirmed, and further updates are anticipated in the near future.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on Chery’s potential expansion into the German market and its implications for the automotive industry. Feel free to share your opinions in the comments section below.
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