OMODA | JAECOO manufacturer CHERY Automobile drives European production and development forward
(Paris, 16. October 2026). The Chinese automobile group CHERY Automobile, whose brand OMODA | JAECOO is imported in Austria by Colmobil GmbH, is elaborating its long-term European strategy. At the Paris Motor Show 2026 the company presented new developments around the European production capacity setup, local vehicle development, and cooperation with European industrial partners. A key component is the production project in Barcelona, where the first JAECOO 5s are scheduled to roll off the manufacturing line as part of a pilot production at the end of 2026. Together with four European research and development centers and the expansion of regional supply chains, the group pursues the goal of further anchoring its activities in the European automotive industry.
Vehicle production in Barcelona: series launch planned for 2027
A key component of the European localization strategy is the development of local manufacturing capacity. In Barcelona, Spain, CHERY Automobile's production project continues to expand. JAECOO 5 is scheduled to be produced for the first time at the Barcelona site as part of a pilot production by the end of December 2026. The regular start of the production is scheduled for the first quarter of 2027. The group thus reaches an important milestone on the path from pure vehicle trade to a stronger industrial presence in Europe.
The initiative is linked to the EBRO project, which CHERY Automobile is pushing forward together with its Spanish partner EV MOTORS. The cooperation is expected to create more than 1000 local workplaces. With the gradual establishment of European production capacities, the manufacturer is also pursuing the goal of expanding cooperation with regional suppliers and creating the conditions for a stable and efficient supply chain in the long term. Local manufacturing should thus not only increase proximity to European sales markets, but also contribute to the company's further integration into the European automotive industry.
Four European development centers for regional demand
In addition to the vehicle production, the local research and development builds another focus of the European strategy. OMODA | JAECOO draws upon the four research and development centers in Spain, France, Germany, and Great Britain. These form the basis of the European development network which is aimed for adapting the brand's vehicles and technologies more closely to the European market requirements.
The focus is particularly on regional customer needs, different driving habits and compliance with European technical standards. The findings from European markets should be increasingly incorporated into the product development and technical coordination of vehicles. The goal is to not only align the development of new models with global requirements, but to take regional specifications into account at an early stage as well. With the greater involvement of European development sites, OMODA | JAECOO strives to tailor its products even more specifically to the actual terms of use and expectations of European customers.
Industrial partnerships and long-term anchoring in Europe
Beyond the production and development, CHERY Automobile relies on closer cooperation with European industrial companies, research institutions, universities, and suppliers. At the Paris Motor Show, the automobile group, together with partners, presented a new initiative to build a sustainable industrial and research ecosystem. IIt focuses on exchange between research and industrial applications, technological innovations, sustainable production processes, as well as responsible procurement and the further development of regional supply chains. The initiative follows the company-wide guiding principle „In Somewhere, For Somewhere, Be Somewhere“, with which CHERY Automobile underlines its claim not only to offer vehicles in international markets, but also to establish itself permanently through local structures and long-term cooperations. In Europe, this intends to create greater networking between vehicle development, production, and supplier industries and to further advance the company's integration into European automotive value creation.
OMODA | JAECOO is also continuing its European expansion. The brand is present on 23 European markets in the meantime and is working in parallel to expand regional sales, service and after-sales structures. In Austria, Colmobil GmbH, as the official importer, is responsible for the distribution and further development of the brand. The domestic network now includes 35 dealerships. The JAECOO 5, which is already available as a hybrid (HEV) and fully electric variant (BEV) at the Austrian dealerships, has recently further expanded the existing model range. CHERY Automobile's increasing European anchoring forms an important part of OMODA | JAECOO's long-term development strategy.
For further questions, please contact:
Press office OMODA | JAECOO
Mag. Bernhard Bauer
burn communications GmbH
+43 650 763 60 44
Images: © Colmobil/L. Tobler
