# SAIC Motor plant security concerns in Ferrol > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/saic-motor-plant-security-concerns-in-ferrol > Updated: 2026-08-11T04:21:03.000Z. Sources: 19. Developments: 2. SAIC Motor has announced plans to establish its first European electric vehicle assembly plant in Ferrol, Galicia, with an initial investment of approximately 200 million euros. The project, slated for construction in 2027 and operation by 2028, is expected to create up to 1,000 direct jobs. The announcement has prompted security alerts from Spain’s Ministry of Defense and the National Intelligence Centre (CNI). Officials are concerned about potential industrial espionage due to the plant’s proximity to the Ferrol military arsenal and Navantia shipyards, which are strategic hubs for the Spanish Navy and involve advanced technology. In response to these concerns, the Spanish government and regional authorities have defended the project as a strategic industrial opportunity. Minister Óscar López has called for ‘absolute tranquility,’ asserting that the investment is compatible with national security. Navantia and the Navy have indicated they will reinforce protection against cyberattacks and electronic espionage. Additionally, MG spokesperson José Antonio Galve stated that the company intends to ‘fully safeguard’ Spain’s national security while emphasizing the project’s economic importance for the region. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-11: Spanish defense agencies raise security concerns over SAIC Motor plant in Ferrol Spanish defense and intelligence agencies have raised security concerns over a proposed SAIC Motor factory in Ferrol due to its proximity to a naval base, despite government and company assurances. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spanish-defense-agencies-raise-security-concerns-over-saic-motor-plant-in-ferrol ### 2026-08-09: SAIC Motor plant in Ferrol sparks Spanish security concerns SAIC Motor's planned 200 million euro vehicle plant in Ferrol, Spain, has sparked security concerns from Defense and intelligence officials regarding potential espionage near strategic naval facilities. 16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/saic-motor-selects-ferrol-spain-for-new-automotive-plant --- Cite as: SAIC Motor plant security concerns in Ferrol. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/saic-motor-plant-security-concerns-in-ferrol