Chinese automakers expansion into Spain

In early July 2026, SAIC Motor announced a new plant in Ferrol capable of assembling up to 120,000 hybrid and electric vehicles annually and unveiled the MG 07, an 800‑volt D‑segment electric sedan with a claimed 840 km range.

Around the same time, historic Spanish brand Santana prepared a market comeback through a partnership with Chinese automaker BAIC. Using BAIC’s BJ40 Pro platform, Santana developed the Cajal off‑road SUV, positioned above €50,000 and equipped with selectable four‑wheel‑drive, rear‑axle reduction and three differential locks.

By late July, Santana officially launched the Cajal, confirming European homologation of the Chinese chassis. The vehicle is assembled at Santana’s Linares factory in Jaén, measuring 4.79 m long with a 2.76 m wheelbase. It is offered with a 2.0‑litre turbo‑gasoline engine (245 hp) or a 1.6‑litre turbodiesel (163 hp), both paired with an eight‑speed automatic transmission. An electric‑range‑extender variant is planned.

The Cajal includes modern safety and driver‑assist features such as ABS, multiple airbags, rear‑view camera, traction‑control with front and rear differential locks, and will be sold through Santana’s authorised dealerships in Spain. These developments illustrate a coordinated Chinese push to secure manufacturing capacity and brand presence in the Spanish market while leveraging local partners for regional compliance and distribution.