Liverpool China Partnership has welcomed news that Chinese company Chery Commercial Vehicle (CCV) has selected Liverpool as the site for its first European headquarters, marking a major milestone for the city’s advanced manufacturing sector.
Announced on 29 January 2026 during a UK trade visit to China, this move establishes Liverpool as a central hub for CCV’s European R&D, engineering, and commercial operations.
The investment positions the Liverpool City Region at the forefront of Europe’s fast-growing electric vehicle (EV) market.
The headquarters is expected to create numerous high-value roles in software development, engineering, and R&D.
CCV plans to collaborate deeply with local research centres and academic institutions to advance autonomous and new-energy vehicle technologies.
The partnership will provide new opportunities for local suppliers within the advanced manufacturing supply chain.
The decision leverages Liverpool’s automotive heritage and existing infrastructure, which already hosts major manufacturers like Jaguar Land Rover and Ford.
Alderman Gary Millar, Chair of Liverpool China Partnership (LCP) said: “Liverpool China Partnership joins our City Region and national leaders in welcoming CCV to Liverpool. An exciting moment for the city and for all those essential partners who worked so hard behind the scenes to make this key project happen. For example, congratulations to CCV, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, Liverpool City Council, the Department of Business and Trade, China-Britain Business Council and all others who played a role. A pioneering and effective example of collective soft power at its very best.”
He added: “Liverpool’s new status as the European HQ for CCV is more than just a deal—it’s a testament to the UK’s appeal for cutting-edge R&D, innovation and access to highly skilled jobs and resources. By deepening local supply chains and championing next-gen manufacturing, this move perfectly aligns with our Modern Industrial Strategy to build a competitive, future-proof automotive industry.”
Dr Julia Wang, Vice Chair of LCP and Liverpool John Moores University’s Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor for International Relations added: “The value of collaboration cannot be underestimated; our partners in the public and private sectors, including my own university sector, have been critical in helping attract this ‘gear shift’ project and one that has successfully acted as a further catalyst for FDI investment in our region.”
Liverpool China Partnership (LCP) was founded in 2015 as a legacy outcome from the UK’s International Business Festival. It has become an award-winning, highly effective and pioneering partnership of academic institutions, health and culture organisations, Liverpool City Council, and businesses.
It is run by a team of volunteers led by former Lord Mayor Alderman Gary Millar as Chair and Dr Julia Wang as Vice-Chair. LCP actively supports organisations engaging with key partners in China, and has welcomed and hosted over 200 delegations visiting Liverpool and the UK. Collectively it is believed it has helped play a role in attracting at least £200 million worth of investments into the City Region and UK.
