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Chinese automaker Chery has officially announced plans to open a new research and development centre at the renowned UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, UK. Set to open this autumn, the facility will focus on chassis tuning and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), with a specific emphasis on customising vehicles for the UK market. This move is part of Chery’s “long-term strategic growth plan for the UK” and signals a deeper commitment to the region, as the company eyes broader global expansion.
Chery, one of China’s largest car manufacturers, entered the UK market earlier this year under its own brand, while its sub-brands Omoda, Jaecoo, and Lepas have already established a presence. The new R&D centre will allow Chery to leverage the 43 miles of test track at Millbrook, which includes specialised surfaces for durability, noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing. The facility will also work on vehicle dynamics tailored to UK roads, a crucial step for winning over local consumers.
“The establishment of our UK R&D Centre of Excellence is the next step in our long-term plan for the UK,” said Gary Lan, CEO of Chery International UK. “We waited over 20 years for the right time to enter this market, and our ambition has always gone much further than simply bringing vehicles here. Our approach is ‘In somewhere, For somewhere, Be somewhere’: building a lasting presence, investing in local capability, and developing products around the people who drive them.”
This development comes on the heels of a major milestone: last month, Chery became the first Chinese automaker to exceed 200,000 vehicle exports in a single month. The company’s global push has been accelerating, and the UK R&D centre is a key piece of that puzzle. However, industry observers note that the implications extend beyond Europe. With the UK centre focusing on advanced chassis and ADAS tuning, it could also serve as a testbed for vehicles destined for North America, where Chery has yet to make a formal entry.
Exclusive perspective: A bridge to the US market?
While Chery has not publicly confirmed plans to enter the United States, the company’s investment in a high-profile UK R&D facility suggests a strategic pathway. The UK and US share many vehicle safety and emissions standards, and vehicles developed at Millbrook could be adapted for US homologation with relative ease. Moreover, Chery’s partnership with the UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground — a facility used by global automakers including Ford, Tesla, and Toyota — gives it access to world-class testing infrastructure that could support US regulatory requirements.
Chery’s CEO has previously hinted at a long-term vision that includes North America. In a 2024 interview, he stated that the company was “studying the market carefully” and would not rush in without a solid foundation. The UK R&D centre could be that foundation, allowing Chery to refine its vehicles in a similar regulatory environment before crossing the Atlantic.
Competitive landscape and local impact
The UK automotive sector is experiencing a shift as Chinese brands increase their footprint. Chery joins MG (owned by SAIC) and BYD, which have already established R&D or sales operations in the country. The new centre will create local jobs in engineering, testing, and vehicle development, contributing to the UK’s reputation as a hub for automotive innovation. Millbrook itself has been a key asset for many manufacturers, and Chery’s presence adds to its diverse client list.
Analysts believe that Chery’s focus on ADAS and chassis tuning is a smart move. European and UK consumers are increasingly demanding advanced safety features and refined driving dynamics. By localising these aspects, Chery can differentiate itself from other Chinese brands that often rely on a one-size-fits-all approach.
What’s next for Chery?
With the UK R&D centre set to open in autumn 2025, the immediate priority will be to tune the Omoda 5, Jaecoo 7, and Chery Tiggo 8 Pro for British roads. The company has also confirmed that the Lepas brand, which focuses on budget-friendly EVs, will follow. Meanwhile, global export numbers continue to climb. In August 2025, Chery shipped over 210,000 vehicles, cementing its position as the leading Chinese exporter.
For the US market, the timeline remains uncertain. However, the UK centre’s focus on ADAS and chassis development — areas where US regulations are particularly stringent — suggests that Chery is laying the groundwork. As trade tensions between the US and China evolve, a UK-based R&D facility could offer a neutral, high-quality testing ground that avoids some geopolitical friction.
Conclusion
Chery’s new UK R&D centre is more than a local investment; it is a strategic asset for global expansion. By combining world-class testing facilities with a long-term commitment to local markets, the company is positioning itself to compete with established automakers in Europe, and potentially, the United States. For now, the focus is on perfecting vehicles for UK drivers, but the ripple effects could be felt across the Atlantic.
