Omoda y JAECOO They have taken a further step in their European strategy by officially confirming that They will manufacture cars in Spain.Specifically, at the former Nissan facilities in Barcelona's Free Trade Zone. The plant, now managed by EBRO Under the umbrella of the Chinese group Chery, it will become the nerve center of its industrial landing in our country, with the stated objective of starting production "as soon as possible", although without a fixed date on the calendar.
The decision to produce in Catalonia (Spain) is part of a roadmap that aims to move from being a mere importer to a industrial actor integrated into the European marketAccording to the company's management, locating part of the manufacturing in Spain will improve logistics, gain credibility with the local consumer and, at the same time, put them in a better position to benefit from public aid that prioritizes vehicles assembled in European territory.
From the Nissan era to the EBRO and Chery era…
The Free Trade Zone factory put an end to the production of Nissan at the end of 2021leaving a significant industrial void in the Barcelona metropolitan area. Less than three years later, the facilities have been revived by the Spanish firm EBRO and Chery, one of China's largest car brands and parent company of the Omoda and JAECOO brands.
To date, the renamed EBRO Factory has focused on the assembly of EBRO's own models (s400, s700, s800 y s900)all of them derived from Chery's Tiggo range. These vehicles are assembled from SKD (Semi Knock Down) kits shipped from China, a format that allows production to begin with contained investments and a relatively light industrial structure.
The next step in the roadmap involves incorporating the models of this same plant. Omoda and JAECOO as new product linesIn this way, the former Nissan complex will be consolidated as the key European hub for the group's brands, with a special focus on electrification and the southern European market.
Local production for Omoda and JAECOO: when and how…
Although the company has not publicly set a specific date to restart the assembly line for its models, management in Spain insists that The goal is to start "as soon as possible".Francesco Colonnese, vice president of Omoda and Jaecoo in our country, has reiterated that the industrial plan is proceeding as planned and that the adaptations of the production lines are progressing in coordination with EBRO.
The available information suggests that The first models from the two brands to be released in Barcelona will be the Omoda 5 EV and Jaecoo 5 EVBoth are 100% electric. This choice is not accidental: manufacturing these vehicles within the European Union would help circumvent the protectionist tariffs imposed on electric cars produced in China, thus reducing one of the main additional costs when competing in the European market.
Initially, the production of Omoda and JAECOO will follow the same scheme as that of the EBRO models: assembly from SKD kits from ChinaThis approach facilitates a quick start, limits investment risk, and allows for calibrating demand before making the leap to deeper manufacturing with greater local integration of components.
A step-by-step plan to strengthen the industrial fabric…
The company anticipates a progressive localization of production at the EBRO Factory. The first major milestone will be the start of welding and painting work at the Free Trade Zone plant, scheduled for October or November. With this move, the factory will cease to be merely an assembly center and will take a significant leap forward in its industrial capacity.
The implementation of these new production phases will entail the creation of between 150 and 200 new jobs direct. The stamped parts will continue to arrive from China at first, but the plan is that, later on, this activity will be moved to the old Nissan plant in Montcada i Reixac, which today is mainly dedicated to receiving components.
The timeline for completing this relocation of structural components is not immediate. Estimates suggest it could take until stamping is permanently established in Montcada. In the meantime, the focus will be on consolidating production in Barcelona, fine-tuning processes, and ensuring that quality meets the standards required for European markets.
Objective: 40.000 cars in Spain and greater market share in Europe…
In parallel with their industrial project, Omoda and JAECOO have set themselves ambitious business goals in the Spanish marketAfter rapid growth in 2024 and 2025, where they reached almost 24.000 registrations, the company aims to reach 40.000 units sold in 2026, almost double the current volume.
The brand has gradually gained presence until it has positioned itself with a market share close to 3,2% in the private sector channelAccording to the company's own data, it has also deployed a sales network of over 100 points of sale in record time, with the goal of reaching approximately 115 dealerships by the end of the year. This extensive network is one of the cornerstones of its short- and medium-term growth projections.
Management insists on the idea of offering a “smart shopping”Based on a combination of technology, design, and competitive pricing compared to traditional brands, the current range blends efficient combustion engines with hybrid and plug-in hybrid systems—a formula the company believes is more aligned with the real demands of Spanish customers in a context where... The pure electric car is still advancing at a slower pace than expected.
Public aid, the Auto+ Plan and a competitive advantage…
The industrial commitment of Omoda and JAECOO In Barcelona, the company seeks to maximize access to the Auto+ Plan subsidies, which prioritize vehicles manufactured in Europe. By producing locally, the group improves its financial stability and reinforces its image as a manufacturer committed to national employment. This strategy allows it to offer a plug-in hybrid SUV with a more competitive price, avoiding tariffs and consolidating the Free Trade Zone as a strategic hub for the electric mobility in southern Europe, thus differentiating itself from other Asian importers.
On a technological level, the SHS system guarantees a electric autonomy a leader in its category, combined with future releases such as the Omoda 5 EVThe range will be expanded with the new Omoda 7 y JAECOO 8designed to cover all market segments with ZERO emissions labelThese models are geared towards a customer who prioritizes efficiency and connectivity, positioning themselves as the best value for money cars for families looking for a versatile, technologically advanced vehicle adapted to the new demands of environmental sustainability.
Despite geopolitical instability and rising fuel prices, demand for electrified vehicles It remains stable in Spain. The brand is confident that rising energy costs will encourage more drivers to buy new car with hybrid or pure electric technology. With a clear roadmap, Omoda and JAECOO intend to dominate the sector of compact SUVs electrified, offering efficient transport solutions that respond to a complex economic environment where fuel savings and technical innovation are determining factors.
More Chinese competition and a market in full transformation…
The calendar towards 2026 will be accompanied by the arrival of more Chinese brands to the Spanish marketThis is expected to intensify competition in the electric and budget-friendly vehicle segment. Omoda and Jaecoo see this move not only as a threat, but also as a factor that could accelerate the adoption of new technologies and expand the range of options available to consumers.
The company defines itself as pioneers in this process in SpainHaving combined its commercial expansion with direct investment in industrial infrastructure, the company's long-term goal is to become one of the best-selling brands in the country by the end of the decade, leveraging both its product range and the development of its network of dealerships and official service centers.
Taken together, the decision to produce Omoda and JAECOO vehicles at the former Nissan plant in Barcelona implies a change of scale in the presence of these brands in Spain and in EuropeThe combination of local manufacturing, progressive electrification, and high sales targets paints a picture in which the Free Trade Zone could consolidate itself as one of the key centers of the new wave of Chinese-made automotive industries on the continent, with a direct impact on employment, technology, and competitiveness for the sector.
Images | Omoda – JAECOO
