The company Geely, one of the Chinese car manufacturers, has confirmed its arrival in Spain with the purchase of a part of Ford's factory in Almussafes. This operation will allow the production of a multi-energy model, which will include hybrid and pure electric versions, and is considered a strategic move to circumvent European tariffs.
Other Chinese companies, such as SAIC (owner of the MG brand), are also exploring options to establish themselves in the Valencian Community. The interest of these firms is based on the need to produce in European territory and on the technological revolution that the electric vehicle represents, a sector in which China has invested significantly.
The People's Republic of China has strongly committed to electromobility, as it did not have a consolidated internal combustion engine industry. This strategy has allowed them to lead the transition towards electric vehicles, concentrating their research and development on batteries, software, and electronic control. Currently, China manufactures more than 70% of electric vehicles worldwide.
The Asian country strongly committed to electromobility due to its lack of a combustion engine industry and is now beginning its European conquest with factories on the continent.
The Chinese government has invested more than 29 billion euros between 2009 and 2022 in direct subsidies to manufacturers and tax exemptions for consumers of new energy vehicles. Furthermore, it has promoted the entire ecosystem, from material extraction to battery cell manufacturing, controlling nearly 70% of the global battery market.
SAIC Motor's decision to choose Spain for its European factory, over other options such as Hungary, underscores the strategic importance of the Valencian Community. The MG brand, owned by SAIC, is looking for a large plot of land for its plant, with Valencia among its priorities.
