Chinese State-Linked Chery to Open UK R&D Hub Alongside MoD Site

Chery, part-owned by China's government, will open an R&D centre at UTAC Millbrook in Bedfordshire by late autumn 2026, sharing the site with the Ministry of Defence. Work starts with chassis tuning and driver-assist tech, then autonomous driving and AI. No investment or job figures disclosed. Chery's UK brands held nearly 8% market share in July 2026.