Chery Teases European Model

China's Chery Automobile Co. has released a sketch of the small crossover vehicle it plans to launch in Europe—and possibly the U.S.—early next decade under a new brand.

The carmaker will publicly unveil the vehicle, which is codenamed M31T, next month at the Frankfurt auto show. Chery says the vehicle will be built on an "all-new, high-quality” platform and designed for “young, urban, forward-thinking customers.”

As part of its expansion plans, Chery is scouting for a location for European design and engineering facilities to support the vehicle. The carmaker also wants to establish a European sales operation with import and distribution partners.

Last year Chery sold more than 700,000 vehicles. It exports more cars than any other Chinese automaker. The company says it has capacity in China to make more than 1 million vehicles per year.