Chery's Triumphant Return to Australia: A Year in Review

Chinese automaker Chery has officially marked one year since its relaunch in Australia. The brand made a strong comeback in 2022 with the introduction of the Omoda 5 SUV, and has since expanded its lineup to include the five-seat Tiggo 7 Pro and the seven-seat Tiggo 8 Pro Max. This strategic expansion has paid off, with Chery delivering 3216 cars in 2024 so far, positioning itself between Land Rover and Volvo on the VFACTS sales charts.

A Celebratory Milestone

To celebrate this milestone, Chery hosted a lavish event for dealers and partners at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium. This celebration not only highlighted the brand's achievements but also set the stage for future expansions and introductions.

Upcoming Models and Future Plans

Tiggo 4 Pro

In addition to its current offerings, Chery has hinted at the introduction of the smaller Tiggo 4 Pro, which could be available in Australia for under $30,000 by the end of 2024. This model is expected to appeal to budget-conscious consumers looking for a reliable and stylish compact SUV.

Omoda E5

Another exciting addition to Chery's lineup is the Omoda E5, an electric version of the popular Omoda 5. Scheduled for release in the second half of 2024, the Omoda E5 is set to compete with the likes of the BYD Atto 3 and MG 4. Featuring a redesigned interior and new front-end styling, the Omoda E5 boasts a front-mounted electric motor delivering 150kW of power and 340Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Omoda 5 variant in Australia. With a range of 430km on the WLTP cycle and support for up to 80kW DC fast charging, the Omoda E5 promises both performance and convenience.

Omoda C9

Further expanding its portfolio, Chery has obtained approval for the Omoda C9 SUV. If launched, the Omoda C9 will take on established models like the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe. The approval documents indicate two variants of the Omoda C9: one with front-wheel drive and another with all-wheel drive, both featuring a 183kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. However, Chery Australia has yet to confirm the C9’s release, stating that the model is "under consideration."

Introduction of Jaecoo

In addition to expanding its model range, Chery is preparing to launch a spinoff brand, Jaecoo, in Australia in the second half of 2024. Unlike the global integration of the Omoda and Tiggo sub-brands under the Chery umbrella, Jaecoo will operate as a standalone brand with its own network. Chery Australia COO Lucas Harris has confirmed that Jaecoo will be a separate franchise, although some Jaecoo showrooms may be adjacent to Chery dealerships.

The Competitive Landscape

Jaecoo's arrival is part of a broader wave of new Chinese brands entering the Australian market in late 2024 and early 2025, including Zeekr, Geely, XPeng, JAC, GAC, and Smart. This influx of brands is expected to intensify competition and provide Australian consumers with a wider array of vehicle choices.

Conclusion

As Chery celebrates its successful return to Australia, the brand is poised for further growth and innovation. With new models on the horizon and the introduction of the Jaecoo brand, Chery is set to continue making waves in the Australian automotive market. Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth reviews as Chery and its new ventures unfold.