Chery launches Teesport import route for UK dealers

Chinese carmaker Chery has opened a dedicated import route via Teesport, enabling around 5,000 vehicles from China to enter the United Kingdom each month. The move is designed to speed deliveries to its northern dealer network, offering faster stock replenishment and improving sales opportunities for UK dealers.

Key takeaways

• Chery now uses Teesport as a UK entry point for imports.
• Approximately 5,000 vehicles will arrive from China each month.
• The route targets faster deliveries to northern dealer franchises.
• Shorter lead times aim to improve stock levels for dealers.

New Teesport import route

The Teesport facility on the north‑east coast provides a deep‑water gateway for roll‑on/roll‑off vessels carrying Chery's production. By routing ships directly to Teesport, the company bypasses more congested southern ports and reduces handling steps.

Chery expects the facility to handle the reported 5,000 vehicles per month, with pre‑scheduled berths and dedicated customs clearance teams to maintain a steady flow into the UK market.

Impact on northern dealer network

Dealers in northern England, Scotland and Wales will receive stock earlier, cutting the typical four‑ to six‑week lead time that previously applied when using southern ports.

Earlier arrivals allow showrooms to display a broader range of models, respond quicker to customer demand and potentially increase turnover during peak sales periods.

Chery's broader UK strategy

The Teesport link forms part of Chery's effort to expand its presence in the UK, complementing existing distribution centres in the Midlands and the south.

By diversifying entry points, Chery reduces reliance on any single port and builds resilience against disruptions such as congestion or labour strikes, supporting long‑term growth targets.

What this means for dealers

Shorter lead times mean dealers can keep showrooms stocked with the latest models, improving the ability to meet customer requests promptly.

Dealers should liaise with Chery's logistics team to adjust ordering cycles and take advantage of the faster replenishment offered by the Teesport route.

Frequently asked questions

How many vehicles does Chery plan to import through Teesport each month?

Chery has announced that the new Teesport channel will bring around 5,000 vehicles from its Chinese factories into the United Kingdom each month. This figure reflects the volume the company expects to handle under the dedicated schedule, providing a steady supply for its dealer network across the north of the country.

Which regions of the UK will benefit most from the new route?

The primary beneficiaries are dealers situated in northern England, as well as those operating in Scotland and Wales. By entering the country through Teesport, which lies on the north‑east coast, vehicles can be moved inland more directly, shortening the journey compared with arrivals at ports further south such as Southampton or Felixstowe.

What advantages does the Teesport route give dealers compared with using traditional southern ports?

Using Teesport reduces the sea‑to‑showroom journey, cutting handling time and freight costs associated with longer haulage from southern terminals. The closer proximity to northern distribution centres means quicker customs clearance and faster road transport, enabling dealers to replenish stock more frequently and respond to market demand with less risk of out‑of‑stock situations.