Chinese Automaker Selects Spain for First European Factory

SAIC Motor Corp. has chosen Spain as the site for its first European car factory. The decision is designed to help the company address European Union tariffs on vehicles imported from China. The project marks the company's initial manufacturing presence on the continent. Company statements indicate the plant will support local production and distribution within European markets.

Union tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles took effect earlier this year. The duties raised costs for vehicles shipped directly from China to European buyers. Local assembly in Spain would allow the company to avoid or reduce those duties on cars produced at the new site. The company has not released details on the plant's expected capacity, timeline, or investment amount.