Birth of 奇瑞, a State-Owned Carmaker

Chery Automobile was founded on 8 January 1997 as a state-owned enterprise by a group of officials from Wuhu city in Anhui province, eastern China. The driving force behind the company was Yin Tongyue, born in 1962 in a small village in Chaohu, Anhui. Yin had studied automotive manufacturing at Anhui Polytechnic University, graduated in 1984, and joined FAW Group (First Automotive Works) as a technician. After visiting major car-producing nations such as Germany and the United States, he worked his way up to workshop director at FAW before leading the creation of Chery.

The local Wuhu government established the company initially called Anhui Auto Parts Company with a registered capital of 1.75 billion RMB (~US$250 million) and imported a Ford production line for $25 million. Yin proposed developing a genuine Chinese car brand. The name chosen was Qirui (奇瑞), meaning “unique and auspicious” in Chinese; its English rendering, “CHERY,” was derived from the word “cheery” with one E removed symbolizing, per Chery’s official explanation, a refusal to be satisfied with the status quo.

On 18 December 1999, Chery produced its first car: the Chery Fengyun. Without a production licence, it could not initially be sold. In 2001, Wuhu partnered with SAIC Group, giving Chery a 20% stake and the licence to produce and sell cars. The Fengyun was launched at under 100,000 yuan and sold 28,000 units in its first year, generating 2 billion yuan in revenue.

Early Expansion (2001–2010): Going Global Before Going Premium

Chery’s early history was defined by two things: rapid product expansion at the budget end of the market, and an unusually early focus on exports. As early as 2001 coinciding with China’s entry into the World Trade Organization, Chery began exporting vehicles. By 2005, it had entered the Russian market, and by 2008, it was selling in over 80 countries.

During this period Chery relied on value-engineered vehicles — affordable family sedans, small hatchbacks, and early crossovers that prioritised price over refinement. The Tiggo family of SUVs, launched from 2005, proved particularly popular in emerging markets and would go on to become the backbone of the brand.

In March 2012, a landmark joint venture was announced: Chery and British luxury carmaker Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) agreed to invest an initial US$2.78 billion to establish Chery Jaguar Land Rover (CJLR), producing Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in China. The plant was built in Changshu, near Shanghai. The first Chinese-made Range Rover Evoque rolled off the production line on 21 October 2014. This venture validated Chery’s engineering credentials internationally, even as the partnership later showed financial strain (JLR revealed in May 2025 that CJLR lost $18.7 million in fiscal year 2024, with production expected to wind down before end of 2026).

 The Yaoguang 2025 Strategy and the EV Pivot (2022–2024)

In 2022, Chery announced its “Yaoguang 2025” five-year strategy. This committed the company to investing 100 billion yuan (~US$14 billion) over five years to pivot toward New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), spanning battery electric vehicles (BEVs), plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), extended-range electrics (EREVs), and fuel cell vehicles (FCVs). Five core technology platforms were identified for development:

• Mars Architecture: Modular vehicle platform supporting multiple powertrains

• Kunpeng Powertrain Systems: hybrid and electric propulsion, including the Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM/CEM launched in April 2025 claiming over 1,400 km of combined range
• Lingxi Smart Cockpit connected in-vehicle intelligence
• Falcon Intelligent Driving advanced driver assistance and autonomous features
• Galaxy Ecosystem digital and connectivity services

Chery accelerated its NEV strategy sharply in 2023, launching new models almost every two weeks from early 2024. It also joined Huawei’s HarmonyOS Smart Mobility alliance, co-creating the premium Luxeed brand (R7 SUV, targeting 300,000–400,000 RMB buyers) with Huawei’s promotional muscle.

Brand Portfolio (as of 2026)

Chery operates nine active brands:

Brand	Focus	Key Markets
Chery (main)	Mass-market, SUVs & sedans	Global
Chery New Energy	BEVs (sub-brand)	China
Fulwin	PHEVs (sub-brand)	China
Exeed	Premium/luxury SUVs	China, export
Jetour	Adventure SUVs	China
iCar / iCaur	Electric SUVs	China, select export
Luxeed	Co-created EV w/Huawei	China
Karry	Commercial vehicles	China
Omoda	Export crossover brand	64+ global markets
Jaecoo	Export premium off-road	64+ global markets
Exlantix	Premium export EV	Russia, Europe
Aiqar	Budget export EV	Armenia, Cambodia, etc.
Lepas	Export SUV	Asia-Pacific
Rely (revived)	Electric & ICE pickups	Global
Freelander	EV (licensed from JLR)	China, planned export

Omoda — The Global Crossover Brand

Omoda was simultaneously introduced alongside Jaecoo in April 2023 at an international convention in Wuhu, Anhui, though it had been selling vehicles in Russia under the Omoda name since 2022. Positioned as a stylish, technology-forward crossover brand targeting younger buyers, Omoda’s tagline is “The World’s Leading Crossover Brand.” By 2025, Omoda and Jaecoo had collectively expanded into 64 markets worldwide and achieved cumulative sales of 1 million units, prompting the launch of the Omoda 4 in April 2026 with a stated annual sales target of one million units per year by 2027.

Omoda Model Lineup

Omoda 5 / C5 (Gas & Hybrid)

The Omoda 5 (called C5 in some markets) is Chery’s volume export model and the car that launched the brand in the UK (August 2023), Australia (March 2023), New Zealand, and many other markets. It rides on Chery’s modular T1X platform, with a 2,630mm wheelbase. Exterior dimensions approximate the Nissan Qashqai and VW T-Roc.

C5 Powertrains

Variant	Engine	Power	Torque	Trans	|0–62 mph
C5 1.6T Petrol		1.6L turbo (AVL-developed	145 hp (2026 detuned)	7-speed DCT (Getrag)	~10.1 sec
C5 1.6T Petrol (original)	1.6L turbo	183–186 hp	N/A	7-speed DCT	7.3–7.8 sec|
C5 SHS-H Hybrid	1.5L turbo + 2 e-motors	1.8kWh battery		eCVT

Key Specs (C5)

Length	~4,490mm
Width	~1,870mm
Height	~1,620mm
Boot	380 litres
Fuel economy (petrol)	~30–34 mpg real-world (poor for class)
Fuel economy (hybrid)	~50 mpg (more competitive)
Euro NCAP	5 stars
Warranty	7 years / 100,000 miles

Verdict vs Rivals

Priced below the Nissan Qashqai, Kia Sportage, and VW T-Roc but offers similar or superior standard kit. The original petrol engine was noisy under load and the DCT gearbox clunky. The 2026 SHS-H hybrid is significantly smoother and more refined, described as comparable to Honda’s e:HEV system though still behind the Qashqai e-Power. Boot space at 380 litres is smaller than the Citroën C5 Aircross (580L) and MG HS (507L). Interior quality has improved with a redesigned cabin shared with the E5, featuring two 12.25-inch screens. Fuel economy on the petrol is a notable weak point with CO₂ of ~170g/km.

Omoda E5 (Battery Electric)

The electric sibling of the C5, the E5 uses the same body but with a smooth, grille-less front end. It launched in Indonesia first in February 2024, followed by the UK, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and other markets through 2024. A revised 2025/2026 model introduced a larger battery and standard heat pump, extending range to 267 miles (WLTP).

Powertrain & Specs

Spec                                             |	Detail
Motor	Front-wheel drive, single motor
Power	150 kW / 201–204 hp
Torque	340 Nm (251 lb-ft)
Battery (original)	61 kWh usable (64 kWh gross)
Battery (2025.5 some markets)	58.9 kWh
Range (WLTP)	~257–267 miles (430–430 km)
Range (real-world GCC est.)	~227 miles / 366 k
0–60 mph	6.9 seconds
Top speed	107 mph
Max DC fast charge	80 kW
AC charge	9.9 kW (on-board charger limited)
Towing capacity	Up to 750 kg
UK price	£33,065–£34,565 (before savings)

Verdict vs Rivals

The E5 competes against the Hyundai Kona Electric, Volvo EX30, Smart #1, Kia EV3, and Skoda Enyaq. Its 80 kW DC fast charging speed is a significant weakness compared to rivals; the Kona Electric and EX30 can charge much faster. Range is comparable to entry-level versions of competitors. The ride is firm, tyre noise is noticeable at speed, and the steering lacks feel at higher speeds.

However, it is priced temptingly below most rivals and offers a generous 7-year warranty. The 2025 update with heat pump improves cold-weather efficiency. Not yet available in the US market.

Omoda 7

A midsize SUV positioned between the 5 and 9, targeting the Toyota RAV4 segment. Launched in the UK in September 2025 and expanding globally. Available in both petrol and PHEV variants. Dimensions place it in the mainstream family SUV category. Set-up a notification to read the 🅟🅛🅤🅖🅖🅔🅓 🅘🅝 🅡🅘🅓🅔 article when published.

Omoda 9 (Flagship Crossover PHEV)

The top-of-range Omoda model (known in some markets as the Exeed) is a large, coupe-style SUV with a sophisticated tri-motor PHEV system.

Powertrain & Specifications

Specifications	Details
System	Tri-motor plug-in hybrid (SHS)
Total system power	395 kW (530 hp)
Electric-only range	169 km (105 miles)
Combined range	Up to 1,100 km (684 miles)
0–100 km/h	4.9 seconds
Drive modes	Eco, Normal, Sport, Snow, Sand, Off-road
Suspension	MacPherson front, multi-link rear with Continuous Damping Control
Length	4,775mm
Width	1,920mm
Height	1,671mm
Wheelbase	2,800mm
Cargo	660 litres (rear seats up) / 1,783L folded
Safety	Euro NCAP 5-star
Australia pricing	AU$61,990 before on-roads
Warranty (Australia)	8 years / unlimited km

Verdict vs Rivals

The Omoda 9’s tri-motor PHEV system is genuinely impressive on paper, 105 miles of electric range and 4.9 second 0–100 sprint put it ahead of rivals like the Mazda CX-60 PHEV on performance metrics, while it’s priced below the equivalent CX-60. It’s larger than a Mazda CX-60 but with only five seats. The coupe roofline slightly reduces rear headroom. The pop-out door handles and CDC suspension signal genuine premium intent.

 Omoda 4 (New in 2026)

The newest model, officially rolling off the production line in April 2026 as the brand’s millionth-unit milestone marker. Targets a younger demographic with “Cyber Mecha” styling, positioned in a compact/B-segment crossover space. Aimed at youth markets globally and is the centrepiece of Omoda’s 2027 annual-million-units plan.

Omoda C9 / Jaecoo Omoda C9 (2025)

A premium coupe-SUV sold under varying Omoda/Jaecoo co-branding in Southeast Asia. This is distinct from the Omoda 9 PHEV sold in Australia, the C9 uses a petrol powertrain.

Specifications

Specifications	Detailss
Engine	2.0L turbo petrol, 4-cylinder
Power	257 hp
Torque	400 Nm
Drivetrain	FWD or AWD
Transmission	Automatic
Length	4,775mm
Width	1,920mm
Wheelbase	2,800mm
Cargo	660L / 1,783L folded
Malaysia pricing (2WD)	RM 168,800
Drive modes	7 selectable modes
Suspension	CDC adaptive dampers

A PHEV version of the C9 also exists in some markets, with a claimed combined range of 1,100 km.

The Omoda vs the competition

Segment : Small/compact EV SUVs

Model	Power	Range (WLTP)	DC Charge	0–60 mph	UK Price (from)
Omoda E5	204 hp	257–267 mi	80 kW	6.9 sec	£33,065
Hyundai Kona Electric	204 hp	261 mi	100 kW	7.5 sec	£35,000+
Volvo EX30	268 hp	224 mi	153 kW	5.3 sec	£33,000+
Smart #1	272 hp	273 mi	150 kW	6.7 sec	£32,000+
Kia EV3	201 hp	373 mi	135 kW	7.7 sec	£33,000+
Skoda Elroq	204 hp	362 mi	135 kW	8.0 sec	£35,000+

Assessment:

The E5’s 80 kW charging cap is a genuine weakness, rivals charge at 100–153 kW. The Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq both offer substantially more range at similar or only slightly higher prices. However, the E5 is keenly priced and well-equipped. The 7-year warranty matches Kia and beats Volvo and Smart. It is competitive on price and standard kit but lags on charging speed and range versus the best in class.

Segment: Compact Petrol/Hybrid SUVs

Model	Engine	0–62 mph	MPG	UK Price	Cargo
Omoda 5 (SHS-H Hybrid)	1.5T + hybrid	N/A	~50 mpg	£25,740	380L
Jaecoo J7 (PHEV)	1.5T PHEV	57mi EV	~3.3L/100km	£27,460+	500L+
Nissan Qashqai e-Power	1.5T generator + e-motor	7.9 sec	48–50 mpg	£30,000+	504L
Kia Sportage HEV	1.6T hybrid	8.5 sec	48–53 mpg	£32,000+	587L
MG HS PHEV	1.5T PHEV	7.6 sec	claimed ~150 mpg	£28,000+	450L
Hyundai Tucson PHEV	1.6T PHEV	8.5 sec	claimed ~200 mpg	£35,000+	558L
Dacia Duster Hybrid	1.2T hybrid	10.5 sec	52 mpg	£24,000+	472L

Assessment:

On price, both the Omoda 5 and Jaecoo J7 significantly undercut Japanese and Korean rivals. The J7’s 5-star Euro NCAP result edges it ahead of the 4-star MG ZS and Renault Symbioz. Boot space in the Omoda 5 (380L) is a notable weak point vs Sportage (587L) and Qashqai (504L). Real-world fuel economy on petrol variants lags behind rivals, but the hybrid options close the gap. The Qashqai e-Power remains a superior driving experience. The J7 PHEV’s 57-mile electric range is competitive against the MG HS PHEV.

Segment: Large Flagship PHEV SUVs

|Model	System Power	EV Range	0–100 km/h	Price (AUS)
Omoda 9 SHS PHEV	395 kW (530 hp)	169 km	4.9 sec	AU$61,990
Mazda CX-60 PHEV	241 kW (323 hp)	61 km	5.8 sec	AU$70,000+
Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV	167 kW (224 hp)	87 km	8.5 sec	AU$60,000+
BYD Sealion 6 PHEV	294 kW (394 hp)	95 km	5.9 sec	AU$53,990+
Toyota RAV4 Plug-in	225 kW	75 km	6.2 sec	AU$65,000+

Assessment

The Omoda 9 is genuinely impressive here. Its tri-motor system with 169 km of electric-only range is class-leading, roughly double the Mazda CX-60’s. Its 4.9 second 0–100 time makes it the performance leader in the comparison. At AU$61 990, it’s priced between the BYD Sealion 6 and Toyota RAV4 PHEV while offering more power and electric range than either. The BYD Sealion 6 is a stronger value proposition at its lower price point, but the Omoda 9’s premium coupe-SUV styling and CDC adaptive suspension set it apart. The main caveat is that the Omoda/Jaecoo brand is still building reputation and dealer networks.

Brand Reputation and Reliability

Chery’s brands face the same challenge all Chinese brands do in Western markets: limited historical reliability data and initially poor owner satisfaction survey results. In the UK’s 2025 Driver Power survey, Chinese brands BYD and MG ranked at the bottom. Omoda and Jaecoo were too new to appear. However:

• Both Omoda 5/E5 and Jaecoo J7 earned 5-star Euro NCAP ratings, which is a meaningful safety benchmark
• All Omoda and Jaecoo vehicles come with 7-year / 100,000-mile warranties (matching Kia’s best-in-class cover)
• In Australia, the Omoda 9 offers an 8-year / unlimited-km market-leading warranty
• Chery’s development of crash test performance was highlighted in April 2025 when the Tiggo 8/9 passed extreme “seven-vehicle stack,” “100% full frontal collision,” and “high-speed spiral rollover” tests

Technology and Future Direction

Solid-State Batteries

In October 2025, Chery unveiled a solid-state battery module promising up to 1,500 km of range. The Exeed ES8 is slated to test the technology in 2026, with mass production targeted for 2027.

Kunpeng Super Hybrid

Launched in April 2025, Chery’s Kunpeng Super Hybrid CDM/CEM system promises over 1,400 km combined range for PHEV models, making it one of the most capable hybrid systems from any manufacturer globally.

Intelligent Driving

The Falcon intelligent driving suite supports up to L3 autonomy, with the Mo Jia Robot reaching L3 capability as showcased at the 2025 Hong Kong listing. Chery joined the Huawei Super Charging Alliance for EV infrastructure integration.

R&D Investment

In 2025, Chery’s R&D spending reached 14.715 billion ¥ (+39.6% YoY), with more than 400 core technologies across its five platforms. The company holds more invention patents than any other company in Anhui Province.

Chery’s EV Standing in Global Context

Metric	Chery 2025
Total vehicles sold	2.63 million
NEV units sold	~826,500 (+72.5%)
NEV revenue share	~33% of total
NEV gross margin	8.8%
Countries of operation	80+
Fortune Global 500	#233
R&D spend	¥14.7 billion
Consecutive years top China exporter	23

Compared to BYD (4.6 million vehicles, dominant EV market share) and Geely (3 million vehicles), Chery is third among Chinese automakers in volume but arguably the most globally distributed. BYD leads on battery technology and EV purity; Geely leads on premium brand strategy (Volvo, Polestar, Lotus). Chery’s edge is export breadth, hybrid technology diversity and the ability to offer compelling value at multiple price points simultaneously through its Omoda and Jaecoo sub-brands without cannibalizing each other or the parent Chery lineup.

The company’s challenge heading into the late 2020s is brand trust, EV profitability (currently at 8.8% gross margin vs ~25% for conventional models), and charging infrastructure competitiveness. But with solid-state batteries, the Kunpeng hybrid system, and aggressive global manufacturing localization, Chery is positioning itself as a formidable long-term player in the global electrified vehicle market.