Today is May 7, 2026, and there’s quite a buzz surrounding EBRO, the Spanish car manufacturer that’s making waves in the automotive industry. With plans to ramp up production to between 25,000 and 30,000 cars this year, EBRO is aiming to double its sales from last year. That’s a big leap from the roughly 14,000 vehicles they sold in 2022! Chairman Rafael Ruiz has even hinted at a potential net profit this year, which would be a welcome recovery after a loss of 16.3 million euros (about $19.2 million) last year.
It’s worth noting that EBRO isn’t just a new player on the block. The company had paused sales back in 1987, only to make a triumphant return in 2024. Currently, they manufacture four different models, and their ambitious plans also include a joint venture with the Chinese carmaker Chery. With a 60% stake in this partnership, they aim to produce vehicles at a former Nissan plant in Barcelona, which has the capacity to churn out up to 200,000 cars annually. Chery is gearing up to kick off production at this plant by the end of 2023 or early 2024, with a Chery electric vehicle slated to roll off the lines in Barcelona.
Production Goals and Market Dynamics
Now, why is this significant? Well, the production levels EBRO is targeting could very well include Chery models, which would be a game changer in the European market. Local authorities are quite optimistic about this investment, viewing it as a boost to commercial ties between Spain and China. Plus, producing cars in Spain allows Chery to dodge those hefty EU tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs) that can reach as high as 35.3%. With the current landscape of a price war among EV makers, every bit helps.
Interestingly, the electric vehicle market is booming both in Europe and China, with EV registrations in Europe jumping by roughly 28% in 2025. That’s quite a contrast to the North American market, which has seen a decline in EV sales. In fact, the European market is recovering nicely after a dip, showing an increasing appetite for battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). Chery and other Chinese manufacturers are capitalizing on this growth, with a significant portion of their production now being electric.
The Future Looks Bright
As the world shifts toward greener technologies, the partnership between EBRO and Chery places them in a prime position to cater to the growing demand for electric vehicles. The fact that over 60% of vehicles produced by Chinese manufacturers are now electric speaks volumes about the direction of the industry. In 2025, Chinese manufacturers sold over 7 million BEVs, marking a 33% increase, while PHEV sales also saw significant growth.
With all these developments, it’s clear that the automotive landscape is changing rapidly, and EBRO is right in the thick of it. As they aim for that ambitious production target, the excitement is palpable—not just for the company, but for the future of electric mobility in Europe as a whole. It’s a thrilling time to be in the car market, especially with innovations and partnerships reshaping the industry landscape.
For more detailed insights, you can check out the source of this information here, and learn about the broader trends in electric vehicle sales here.