Chery International User Summit 2023

If you have browsed for new or used Chery models on AutoTrader, you will know that the Chinese marque is on a product offensive, offering crossovers and SUVs filled with tech. But the Chinese brand doesn't just want to build cars and hope customers like them. They want the customer to help in the development process. 

We travelled to the 2023 Chery International User Summit, where there were three main pillars of the event. An explanation of Chery's new ecosystem under the "New Journey, New Life" banner, a showcase of already available and new technologies that will form part of that ecology. And a preview of models that will be arriving in global markets, including South Africa, soon.

 

Related: Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max 2.0TGDI 390T Executive (2023) Review

 

New Journey, New Life

Over 500 guests from over 40 countries, including Chery customers, came together on 15 October 2023 at the Chery headquarters in Wuhu, China, where the marque explained its new ecosystem when developing new vehicles for global markets. The company announced that it will invest over 1 billion Yuan over the next few years to create a more efficient and green manufacturing process and develop products that follow the "New Ecology, New Technology, and New Future" formula.

This means that not only will the brand be focussing on the tech that will complement your life and journey, such as augmented reality (AR) goggles and artificial intelligence (AI) that can go as far as monitoring your stress levels during commutes, but also intelligently make decisions with the built-in autonomous driving technology. 

While it might take some time to see the aforementioned technology on consumer models, Chery is highly focused on including the user in developing solutions for in imminent and existing models. Chairman, Chery, Yin Tongyue expressed on stage that Chery is not only of China but also the world and that in order to gain the trust of customers, the company needs to step into the shoes of the Chery user and develop vehicles accordingly. 

New Technology

At the main event, the Chinese automaker displayed merchandise and technology that are not always associated with vehicle purchases, such as intelligent glasses, beauty refrigerators, electric skateboards, intelligent lawnmowers, and robotic dogs. The aim of these intelligent technologies was to showcase the possibilities of devices that can be bought and used alongside your Chery vehicle to make your life more convenient. 

It also follows what the Executive Vice-President, Chery, Gao Xinhua said, that Chery wants to use tech to guide its future projects and developments. But the technology wasn't just limited to additional or optional items, but its vehicles too.

New Models

Chery

Unsurprisingly, the highlight of the event was the vehicles on display and some that are yet to come. From the Chery side, we can expect to introduce an all-wheel-drive and two plug-in hybrid models. The AWD model takes shape as a Chery Tiggo Pro Max that combines a 2.0 T-GDi with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, sending 187 kW and 390 Nm of torque to all four wheels. Pricing for this model is still not confirmed, but customers can expect to pay over R700 000 for the rugged variant.

Expected in 2025

For 2025, Chery plans to introduce two plug-in hybrid models, taking shape as a Tiggo 7 Pro e+ and a Tiggo 8 Pro Hybrid. While exact performance figures have not yet been released, We do know that both will utilise a single electric motor on the front axle as well as a 1.5 T-GDi engine.

Omoda

Enthusiasts of the Chery brand will know that the same automaker produces Omoda, however, it is aimed more towards the fashion-focussed buyer. The Omoda C5 landed in the early stages of 2023. However, a new offering will be hitting the showroom floors soon. 

Omoda C9

The Omoda C9, which was showcased at the 2023 Festival of Motoring, will arrive in the early stages of 2024. Like its smaller sibling, the C5, the Omoda C9 comes with a sleek sloping roofline and a futuristic front and rear design. The inside also impresses with massaging seats and an adjustment on the front passenger seat that provides a comfortable position with ottoman-like support for the legs. 

With the company focused on tech, one cannot miss the two 12.25-inch displays that execute the duties of the instrument cluster and infotainment display. Under the bonnet, customers can expect a 2.0-litre, T-GDi motor coupled to an 8-speed torque converter automatic transmission. This combination is said to produce 190 kW and 400 Nm of torque. 

C5 and brand-new E5

It has been revealed that the Omoda C5 will see an additional derivative join the model line-up. The new C5 GT variant exchanges the CVT with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as well as sees improvements in performance. The power will be sent to all four wheels instead of just two. 

Another exciting announcement from the Omoda brand is the E5. Based on the C5, the E5 is a full EV model motivated by a 150 kW and 340 Nm electric motor driving the front axle. Chery claims that the 61 kWh lithium-ion battery will provide customers with 450 km of range before it needs to be recharged. 

Jaecoo

For those lifestyle enthusiasts, the Jaecoo brand should appeal a lot. Jaecoo plans to introduce itself locally with its J5 model in the early stages of 2024. Customers will be able to choose between front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants motivated by what we expect to be the 1.6 T-GDi engine.

Later on, in the same year or in early 2025, customers can expect a larger J8 model range to arrive. This will be the flagship model of the range and will exclusively host 6 occupants in the cabin.