TMTPOST -- Chinese automaker Chery has postponed the start of vehicle production at its Barcelona plant to the fourth quarter of 2025, marking a delay of about a year from the previously scheduled timeline, according to Pedro Calef, CEO of its Spanish partner Ebro. In September, Ebro had announced an earlier delay, pushing the launch to 2024 from late 2023 without specifying the new timeline. Speaking from the plant on Thursday, Calef emphasized that the project remains intact despite the revised schedule. “The project has not been cancelled. This is merely a readjustment,” Calef stated. “We are confident in a strong and enduring relationship with Chery for years to come.” Chery was not available for comment outside Chinese business hours. The delay, initially attributed to commercial factors, comes amid concerns over European Union tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). However, Calef clarified that the tariffs should not impact the joint venture since production will occur within Europe. Notably, Spain abstained from the EU vote in October to impose higher tariffs on Chinese EVs. The Chery-Ebro partnership announced in April its goal to produce up to 150,000 vehicles annually by 2029, positioning the Barcelona facility as a key export hub for Chery in Europe. This effort aligns with the intensifying global price competition among EV manufacturers vying for market dominance.