Aumovio and Chery Partner to Build Hybrid Cars in Europe

The companies are localizing production to bypass new import limits facing Chinese hybrid vehicles.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Auto Parts

Aumovio and Chery Partner to Build Hybrid Cars in Europe

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Aumovio, a spinoff of Continental, has entered a partnership with Chery Automobile to shift production to Europe. This move comes as the European Union prepares a potential 350,000-unit annual import cap on Chinese hybrid cars to address trade imbalances.

Why it matters

The partnership aims to bypass proposed European Union trade barriers that could limit Chinese hybrid vehicle imports by as much as half. By localizing production, the companies hope to maintain market access despite new regulations intended to rebalance trade with China.

The proposed European Union policy sets a 350,000-unit annual import cap for hybrid vehicles and limits annual growth to 6%. These measures are expected to cut projected shipments from China to Europe by 50% if finalized.

The players

Aumovio

A German-based spinoff of Continental that specializes in advanced braking systems and vehicle electronic components.

Chery Automobile

A major Chinese vehicle manufacturer that has collaborated with Aumovio on automotive technology for over two decades.

Maros Sefcovic

A high-level European Union official responsible for leading trade negotiations in Beijing regarding import policies.

The details

Aumovio will leverage its existing R&D capabilities and European production network to manufacture Chery vehicles locally. The supplier, which provides airbag control units and braking systems to Chery, aims to circumvent looming trade restrictions by establishing an EU-based assembly line. This strategy allows Chery to continue its expansion while avoiding the severe import volume constraints being proposed by European regulators.

2001: Aumovio and Chery began their business relationship.
October 2026: Maros Sefcovic visited Beijing for trade negotiations.
October 15, 2026: The Aumovio and Chery production partnership was officially announced.
December 2026: A potential effective date for the new European Union import caps.

The Home Front

Automakers are increasingly localizing production to navigate rising protectionist trade policies in international markets. This shift follows the trend set by the European Union's proposed import cap for Chinese hybrid vehicles to curb reliance on overseas manufacturing.

Prospective car buyers in the European market should track how local production shifts might influence the availability and maintenance support for hybrid models. If you own or plan to purchase a vehicle from a non-EU brand, verify warranty and service network details as manufacturers adjust their regional assembly strategies.

The takeaway

Manufacturing partnerships are becoming a primary tool for companies to maintain market presence amidst stricter international trade regulations. Owners of hybrid vehicles should monitor local service availability as brands transition their assembly locations to comply with new regional mandates.