Chery Plans New Australian R&D Centre

The manufacturer intends to open a local research facility to refine vehicle software for domestic road conditions.

Updated on Oct. 23, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

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Chery is planning to establish a research and development centre in Australia to better adapt its vehicles to local conditions. This move follows ongoing collaboration with local firms to calibrate software and driver-assistance systems for regional roads.

Why it matters

Local research and development is necessary because Australian weather, driving habits, and road environments differ significantly from those found in China. By localising software and testing, Chery aims to optimise performance for the specific needs of the Australian market.

The iCaur V25 electric SUV underwent 30,000km of road testing locally alongside 15,000km of dedicated trials for driver-assistance and automatic parking systems.

The players

Chery

Chery is a Chinese automobile manufacturer that is expanding its presence in the international market through regional research and development initiatives.

Premcar

Premcar is a Melbourne-based engineering firm that provides testing and validation services for automotive manufacturers.

The details

Engineers from Chery are working with Melbourne-based firm Premcar to validate the upcoming Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid. Testing efforts focus on refining electric power steering and lane-support functions to match the unique requirements of the Australian landscape.

May 2025: Tiggo 7 PHEV Australian validation programme was conducted.
August 2026: The partnership between Chery and Premcar was announced.
Late 2026: Chery is scheduled to open a UK R&D Centre of Excellence.
End of 2026: Lepas vehicle deliveries are due in Australia.
February 2027: The Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid is scheduled for Australian deliveries.

Roadmap

This investment signals a shift toward deep local integration for Chinese automakers as they seek to compete with established brands in the Australian market. By mirroring the strategy of opening an R&D Centre of Excellence in the UK, Chery is positioning itself to bypass reliability issues common to imported software.

Drivers can expect better-calibrated driver-assistance and parking systems that reflect actual road conditions rather than generic overseas settings. These improvements are designed to enhance the reliability of vehicle software for local commuters and long-distance travellers.

The takeaway

Investment in local R&D suggests a long-term commitment to the Australian market beyond simple vehicle importation. Consumers should monitor upcoming test-drive reviews to see how these software refinements perform compared to unmodified international imports.