Chery, China’s 4th-largest auto manufacturer, might not yet be a familiar name to most Western European consumers. And yet, it has been China’s largest auto exporter for over 20 years. We travelled to Chery HQ in Wuhu, China, to attend the 2025 Chery International User Summit and learn how the company plans to become China’s number one.

Chery was first introduced to the Belgian market at the 2025 Brussels Motor Show, where the manufacturer launched the brands Omoda and Jaecoo. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. In total, Chery owns 12 different car and light commercial vehicle brands. And we’ll be seeing more of those soon.

Lepas, Jetour, and Exlantix coming to Europe

Two of those brands have already been announced for Europe: Lepas, which will sell vehicles from Chery’s affordable Tiggo model range, and Jetour, which produces rugged-looking SUVs. The Jetour G700 recently proved its worth by crossing the Yangtze River under its own steam, making it semi-amphibious.

But there’s more to come. Exeed, a more premium-oriented brand, is coming to Europe under the Exlantix name. Not the easiest name to remember, but Exeed would be confused with Kia’s compact SUV, the XCeed. The recently launched Omoda 9 SHS is known as the Exeed RX in its home market and other Asian countries.

More models for Omoda and Jaecoo

As for the existing brands, Omoda and Jaecoo, their model range is also growing in the short term. Currently, we have the Omoda 5, Jaecoo 7, and Omoda 9. In 2026, we expect the Omoda 4, Jaecoo 5, Omoda, and Jaecoo 8 to launch.

The Jaecoo 5 is related to the Omoda 5, which is currently for sale, but will debut the new SHS-H self-charging hybrid drivetrain. This hybrid system combines a 204 hp electric motor with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine that mainly serves as a generator but can also power the wheels if needed. It’s a similar setup to Honda’s e: HEV system.

Omoda 4 is an affordable “Cyber SUV”

The Omoda 4 (formerly known as the Omoda 3) will feature the same hybrid system but will also be available in gasoline and fully electric variants. It features a striking, angular design language called “Cyber Mecha”, meant to evoke similar vibes to the Tesla Cybertruck and Lamborghini Urus.

The inside, too, features some jet-fighter-esque elements, like the red cover over the start button. A more sporty Omoda 4 Ultra is also coming, but that’s mostly a cosmetic upgrade, as it gets the same hybrid powertrain. Prices should stay under €30,000 for all Omoda 4 models.

As for the Omoda 7, it’s a mid-sized plug-in hybrid SUV like its Jaecoo sibling. It features a curvy look, similar to the Omoda 5. Finally, the Jaecoo 8 will be a seven-seater plug-in hybrid SUV, meant to rival models like the Skoda Kodiaq and Peugeot 5008, with more premium features at a similar price.

Next-gen REEVs and BEVs in 2027

And there’s much more to come. Chery has announced that by 2027, its range-extended electric vehicles (REEV) and battery-electric vehicles (BEV) will enter a new generation, with massively expanded range and charging speeds thanks to efficiency gains and new battery technology.

The REEVs will feature an 800V battery system, similar to those in current high-end BEVs. It can fast-charge from 20 to 80 percent in just 12 minutes, while a more fuel-efficient gasoline generator and minor drivetrain losses should expand the total driving range to over 2,500 km.

The BEVs, meanwhile, will benefit from 1,000V batteries. That means fast-charging from 10 to 80 percent in 8 minutes, faster than any electric vehicle currently on the market. To achieve these speeds, Chery is also working on megawatt chargers with a capacity of up to 1.2 MW, although these might not make it to Europe.

Other Chinese manufacturers promise the same…

In short, Chery is working hard to develop both its technologies and its model range. But the competition is not waiting around, either. BYD, notably, has already introduced EVs with megawatt charging capability. And while Chery is dependent on CATL for its batteries, BYD can produce its own cells. The path to becoming number one might not be so easy after all…