Chery begins producing vehicles at Dalian factory

Gasgoo.com (Shanghai September 6) - Chery has begun production of the new Eastar at its factory in Dalian, Liaoning, Economic Observer News reported today, citing statements from sources within the manufacturer, as well as from Dalian Free Trade Zone officials. The news signifies that Chery has finally begun producing vehicles at the site, which has been under construction for almost three years now.

Commenting on the new site, Chery Board Chairman and General Manager Yin Tongyue remarked that its location will be useful as the manufacturer looks to make further inroads in foreign markets. The site's location in the northeast of China, far from Chery's other factories in Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Guizhou and Inner Mongolia, makes it especially suitable for producing vehicles bound for countries overseas. The site, which has cost the manufacturer a total of 4.7 billion yuan ($741.82m), will eventually grow to boast an annual production capacity of 200,000 vehicles.

The Eastar (pictured), also known as the J26, is primarily targeted at overseas markets. Meanwhile, Production of the Tiggo SUV is expected to begin at the site next year.