Chery Readies Frankfurt Design Center

China’s Chery Automobile Co. says it will open a design and development center in Frankfurt, the company’s first facility in Europe.

The carmaker has begun hiring staff for the facility and expects to employ as many as 50 people there by the end of next year. In addition to engineers and designers, Chery is recruiting sales and marketing personnel for the facility.

Chery aims to launch its first vehicle in Europe early next decade. The vehicle likely will be a production version of the TX small crossover concept (pictured) unveiled by the company a year ago at the Frankfurt auto show.

The TX will be part of Chery’s new Exeed line of electrified vehicles. The crossover is expected to debut in Europe with a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The company also plans hybrid and all-electric options.