One of the world’s biggest carmakers is about to make a big splash in the UK. Chery, China’s largest car exporter, is finally launching here under its own name, after quietly testing the waters with its Omoda and Jaecoo brands over the past year.
From this summer, Chery will officially start selling two brand-new SUVs in Britain. They’ve been tailored specifically for UK drivers, with local specs, competitive pricing, and modern features that won’t break the bank.
The first model will make its debut at this week’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, and both SUVs will be available nationwide shortly after through a new UK dealer network.
So, who is Chery?
Chery might not be a household name here (yet), but in China it’s a major player. It has been making cars since 1999 and sold over 2.6 million of them just last year, which is more than BMW managed globally.
The brand has been best known for its Tiggo range in China, a line-up of crossovers and SUVs covering everything from small city-friendly models to big seven-seaters. With a presence in 80 countries and over 3 million global SUV drivers, it’s far from a startup.
Chery’s UK Game Plan
The UK launch is led by Gary Lan, the boss of both Omoda and Jaecoo here, and Country Director Farrell Hsu, who promises that Chery’s focus is on high-quality vehicles that are affordable for everyday drivers.
They’ve already made waves with the Omoda and Jaecoo models, especially the plug-in hybrids. These hybrids can go over 700 miles on a full tank and charge, thanks to a 1.5-litre petrol engine paired with an EV battery – something Chery calls its "Super Hybrid System".
The Omoda 9 and Jaecoo 7 have both earned solid reviews, with the Omoda offering up to 93 miles of electric-only driving, better than most rivals in its price range.
And while they’re competing with names like BMW, Audi, and Volvo, they’re doing it at a fraction of the cost, all while packing in a ton of features, safety tech, and comfort.
Why should you care?
Let’s face it, owning a car in the UK isn’t cheap. Fuel, insurance, maintenance, it all adds up. That’s why affordable, tech-filled hybrids that can do serious mileage are worth paying attention to.
If Chery delivers on its promise of value without compromise, it could become the go-to for younger drivers looking to get more car for their money.
Quick facts about Chery
- Founded in 1996 by government officials in China’s Anhui province
- Built its first car in 1999
- Became the first Chinese brand to export full vehicles
- Sold more cars than BMW globally in 2024
- Known for smart, stylish, and affordable SUVs
The UK launch marks a new chapter for the brand, and if you’re in the market for a hybrid SUV that doesn’t cost a fortune, Chery might be worth a look.
Stay tuned, there’s more to come very soon.
