Chery

Corporate brand

Chinese automobile manufacturer known for affordable passenger vehicles, SUVs, electrified models, and a large export business.

Last updated October 30, 2026

AI crawler reads

No AI crawler has read this profile since Oct 28, 2026.

Overview

Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., marketed internationally as Chery, is a Chinese automaker headquartered in Wuhu, Anhui. Established in 1997 by officials from Wuhu and Anhui, the company began as a state-backed industrial project intended to develop engines, components, and eventually complete automobiles. Its first production car, the Fengyun, entered production in 1999. Chery initially relied on purchased, licensed, and reverse-engineered technologies, but over time built substantial internal engineering capabilities and developed its own engine, vehicle, software, and electrification programs. The company’s early growth was driven by inexpensive passenger cars aimed at China’s expanding mass market. The QQ city car, introduced in 2003, became one of Chery’s best-known products because of its low price and distinctive compact design. Chery also expanded into SUVs through the Tiggo family and later developed the Arrizo sedan range. Its early use of designs and components associated with foreign manufacturers generated legal and reputational challenges, including a 2003 lawsuit from General Motors concerning the QQ’s resemblance to the Daewoo Matiz. Chery settled that dispute out of court and subsequently emphasized engineering development, safety, powertrain research, and global production. Exporting has been central to the company’s identity. Chery began shipping vehicles abroad in 2001 and became one of China’s leading exporters of domestically branded passenger cars. It has used distributors, local assembly, and complete- or semi-knocked-down production to enter markets across Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania. In some markets, the Chery name has been adapted for trademark reasons, including the Chirey name in Mexico. Chery’s international portfolio has also expanded through Omoda, Jaecoo, Exeed, Exlantix, and other brands intended for different price points and market segments. Chery has repeatedly experimented with a multi-brand structure. Commercial-vehicle and value-oriented operations have included Karry and Cowin, while Exeed was created for premium vehicles and Jetour for family-oriented SUVs. The company also developed iCar for electric SUVs, Chery New Energy for battery-electric vehicles, Fulwin for plug-in hybrid products, and Luxeed through a technology and product partnership with Huawei. Its broader ecosystem includes the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture, which manufactures Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles in China. Chery was also involved in the creation of Qoros, although that business was later divested. Electrification has become increasingly important. Chery introduced an electric version of the QQ in 2009, established Chery New Energy in 2010, and later launched the eQ, eQ1, plug-in hybrid systems, and newer electric and extended-range products. Its powertrain capabilities include ACTECO engines, developed with engineering assistance from AVL and supplied to outside manufacturers in earlier periods. The company’s newer strategy combines internal combustion, hybrid, battery-electric, intelligent-cockpit, and connected-vehicle technologies. Chery’s export growth accelerated in the early 2020s. Its 2021 “Double 50” plan targeted 500,000 exports and US$5 billion in export revenue by 2025; the company exceeded the vehicle-export objective in 2023, when it reported 937,148 exported vehicles. In 2025, Chery Automobile completed a Hong Kong listing that raised approximately US$1.2 billion and valued the company at close to US$23 billion, according to the cited reference material. The listing changed its ownership structure and separated the listed automobile company from the wider Chery Holding organization. Chery remains positioned as a value-oriented but increasingly technology-led global automaker, with a portfolio spanning mainstream cars, SUVs, new-energy vehicles, premium products, and export-focused marques.

History

Chery was created on 8 January 1997 as a state-backed automotive project in Wuhu, Anhui. The initial plan focused on an engine plant and a supporting components industry, but the project soon expanded into complete-vehicle production. Yin Tongyue, an engineer and former FAW-Volkswagen workshop manager, was appointed to lead the technical effort. The company was formally incorporated in March 1997 and produced its first car, the Fengyun, in 1999. The Fengyun used a body derived from the SEAT Toledo and an engine produced with equipment acquired from Ford’s Dagenham operations. Chery lacked a national passenger-car production license at first and used an arrangement involving SAIC Motor to sell vehicles outside Anhui. SAIC held a minority stake during this period, but the relationship ended as tensions developed around Chery’s association with General Motors and the interests of SAIC’s management. Chery obtained its own national production authorization in 2003. The 2003 launch of the QQ established Chery as a major low-cost producer. The small car attracted buyers through its affordability, although owners also reported quality and durability concerns. GM subsequently alleged that the QQ resembled the Daewoo Matiz, and the case was settled in 2005. Chery also faced criticism over the origins of other designs and components, including the Fengyun. These controversies formed part of the company’s early transition from technology acquisition and imitation toward independent engineering. Chery broadened its technical base through engine purchases and collaborations. It used engines from Tritec and Mitsubishi during its early expansion, then introduced ACTECO engines from 2006 following cooperation with Austrian engineering firm AVL. Chery later supplied ACTECO engines to Fiat for use in the Linea. The 2007 A3 sedan, styled by Pininfarina, represented a further step toward in-house product development and became the first Chinese-developed vehicle to receive a five-star China NCAP rating. Rapid expansion brought both scale and organizational strain. Chery produced more than 500,000 vehicles in 2009 and announced a multi-brand strategy involving Karry, Rely, and Riich. The company later concluded that the large number of models and overlapping brands had weakened its focus. Rely and Riich were discontinued in 2012, and Chery entered a restructuring period often described as a return to a single core Chery identity. In 2010, Chery Holding was established as a broader conglomerate covering automotive and non-automotive activities. Chery continued to pursue foreign partnerships. A proposed Subaru manufacturing joint venture did not secure government approval, while the Chery Jaguar Land Rover joint venture was formalized in 2012. Its Changshu plant began producing the Range Rover Evoque in 2014. Chery was also a founding participant in Qoros, a joint venture that launched the Qoros 3 in 2013; Qoros was later sold and subsequently encountered severe financial difficulties. Chery revived its brand diversification after 2014. Cowin was developed as a low-budget marque, Exeed was introduced as a premium brand in 2017, and Jetour was launched in 2018 for value-focused family SUVs. Electrification progressed in parallel. Chery introduced an electric QQ in 2009, created Chery New Energy in 2010, launched the eQ in 2014, and brought the eQ1 to market in 2017. The eQ1 became a significant small electric vehicle in China before facing stronger competition from newer low-cost EVs. The company’s second attempted United States entry, through HAAH Automotive, was announced in 2020 but ended in 2021 after HAAH entered bankruptcy proceedings. Chery instead concentrated on markets where it could use distributors and localized assembly. It returned to South Africa in 2021, entered Mexico, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Turkey in 2022, and re-entered Australia in 2023. The Chery name was changed to Chirey in Mexico because of trademark constraints. From 2023, Chery accelerated its technology and brand expansion. It introduced iCar for electric SUVs, Exlantix as the export name for the Sterra electric line, and Luxeed through cooperation with Huawei’s Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance. Omoda and Jaecoo were launched primarily for overseas markets. The company has also used Fulwin and Chery New Energy to organize plug-in hybrid and electric products under the main Chery architecture. Chery’s overseas sales increased sharply during the early 2020s. It exported 269,154 vehicles in 2021, 451,337 in 2022, and 937,148 in 2023, with exports representing 52 percent of overall sales in 2023 according to the cited reference. In 2025, Chery Automobile completed a Hong Kong IPO, raising about US$1.2 billion. The transaction separated the listed automaker from the broader Chery Holding structure and placed ownership among Anhui and Wuhu government interests, employees, and private investors. Chery now operates as a diversified global automotive group centered on mainstream vehicles, SUVs, electrification, intelligent mobility, and overseas growth.

2025
Hong Kong IPO completed
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery Automobile raised approximately US$1.2 billion in a Hong Kong listing, according to the cited reference.
2023
International brand expansion accelerated
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery launched or expanded iCar, Exlantix, Luxeed, Omoda, and Jaecoo as part of its new-energy and export strategies.
2021
Double 50 strategy announced
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery set export targets of 500,000 vehicles and US$5 billion in export revenue by 2025.
2017
Exeed introduced
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery presented Exeed as a premium vehicle brand.
2012
Chery Jaguar Land Rover formalized
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery and Jaguar Land Rover created a Chinese manufacturing joint venture.
2010
Chery Holding established
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
The wider Chery Holding conglomerate was formed, covering automotive and other businesses.
2007
A3 sedan launched
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
The Pininfarina-styled A3 marked a step toward independent product development and achieved a five-star China NCAP rating.
2006
ACTECO engines introduced
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery began producing engines under the ACTECO name following technical cooperation with AVL.
2003
QQ launched and GM lawsuit filed
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
The affordable QQ city car debuted, while General Motors brought a design-copying claim later settled out of court.
2001
Exports began
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery started exporting vehicles from China, becoming an early Chinese branded passenger-vehicle exporter.
1999
Fengyun entered production
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery began producing its first automobile, the Fengyun sedan.
1997
Automotive project established in Wuhu
[1]Cheryen.wikipedia.org
Chery was established as a state-backed automotive enterprise in Wuhu, Anhui, with an initial emphasis on engines and components.

Products and positioning

Value-oriented, engineering-led, export-focused automaker with an expanding premium and new-energy portfolio.

SUV · 2005
Tiggo
The Tiggo family is Chery’s core SUV line and one of its most internationally recognized product ranges. It spans compact and midsize vehicles, with gasoline, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants depending on market. The range is positioned around practical packaging, competitive pricing, connected features, and export suitability.
Sedan
Arrizo
Arrizo is Chery’s principal sedan family. It was developed to replace older sedan naming conventions and to provide mainstream compact and midsize cars with contemporary styling, modern infotainment, and efficient powertrains. Availability and specifications vary by country.
Compact and electric cars · 2003
QQ and eQ
QQ began as a small, low-cost city car and became one of Chery’s best-known early products. The eQ line extended the compact-car concept into battery-electric vehicles, including the eQ1, a small EV that achieved substantial sales in China before competition intensified.
Automotive engines · 2006
ACTECO
ACTECO is Chery’s engine family, developed with assistance from AVL and introduced in the mid-2000s. The engines supported Chery vehicles and were also supplied to other manufacturers, including Fiat for selected Linea applications.
Premium vehicles · 2017
Exeed
Exeed is Chery’s premium-oriented marque. It began with the TX concept and subsequently developed SUVs and electrified products, including the Sterra line known as Exlantix in export markets. The brand targets customers seeking more equipment and refinement than Chery’s mainstream range.
SUV and family vehicles · 2018
Jetour
Jetour focuses on value-oriented midsize SUVs and family vehicles, particularly for customers in China’s lower-tier cities who place emphasis on space and travel utility. It has developed into a distinct brand within Chery’s broader portfolio.
Electric SUVs · 2023
iCar
iCar is an electric-vehicle brand aimed primarily at younger consumers. Its portfolio centers on compact and lifestyle-oriented electric SUVs, combining battery propulsion with software and connected-vehicle features.
Intelligent electric vehicles · 2023
Luxeed
Luxeed is a collaborative electric-vehicle brand developed with Huawei under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance. Chery supplies the vehicles while Huawei contributes intelligent cockpit, software, and assisted-driving technologies. The Luxeed S7 was its first product.
Export-market vehicles · 2023
Omoda and Jaecoo
Omoda and Jaecoo are primarily overseas-facing brands created to support Chery’s international expansion. Their portfolios emphasize crossovers and SUVs, with combustion, hybrid, and electric offerings adapted to different regional markets.

Controversies

2026
Chery recalls OMODA 5 in Malaysia over rear axle welding risk
Chery said a vehicle issue involving a 2023 OMODA 5 occurred in Malaysia with no injuries. Its investigation found the affected batch may have insufficient welding strength at the rear axle trailing arm weld, with a risk of weld tearing in extreme cases; the model with this structure had already been discontinued. Chery's Malaysia subsidiary, in coordination with Malaysia's road transport department (JPJ), launched a recall of affected OMODA 5 vehicles, inspecting relevant parts and replacing them free of charge as needed. The company also began a precautionary special risk inspection of the same batch of OMODA 5 vehicles in China and related markets and apologized for the inconvenience. The statement is dated October 11, 2026.
Source
2026
Chery included in China's recall over hidden door handles
China's State Administration for Market Regulation announced the country's largest automotive recall, covering 4.3 million vehicles from nine brands, over hidden door handles that may be difficult to open in an emergency. The remedy is installation of high-visibility warning labels and software updates to automatically lower windows after a crash. Chinese-made Tesla vehicles accounted for 2.98 million of the recalled cars; other affected brands include Xpeng, Xiaomi, Geely (Zeekr and Lynk & Co), Leapmotor, Chery, BAIC, Dongfeng and FAW Group (Hongqi).
Source
2026
Chery among automakers in China recalling vehicles over hidden emergency door releases
Chery was among eight other automakers, alongside Leapmotor, Dongfeng, BAIC BluePark and FAW, that filed recalls with China's market regulator on the same day as part of a broader action. Eleven automakers in China issued related recalls addressing the same hidden emergency door release problem, with nine manufacturers, including Tesla, agreeing to install warning labels helping occupants locate the releases. Xiaomi, Xpeng, and Geely-owned brands Zeekr and Lynk & Co. were among the other manufacturers issuing recalls. More than 4 million vehicles in total were affected across the full scope of the crackdown.
Source
2026
Chery recalls 8,878 Omoda 5 vehicles in Malaysia over rear axle weld strength risk
On the evening of October 11, 2026, five days after the incident, Chery headquarters and its Malaysia subsidiary issued statements confirming the vehicle involved was a 2023 Omoda 5 and that no personal injury occurred. Chery said an investigation found the batch may have insufficient local welding strength of the rear axle trailing arm, with weld tearing risk in extreme cases, and that models using this structure had already been discontinued. Chery Malaysia placed 8,878 Omoda 5 vehicles (affected 5C and H versions) under recall for inspection and free replacement of parts where necessary, enabled VIN-based recall checking on its website, and Chery launched risk screening of same-batch models in China and other related markets. Chery Malaysia said current models on sale are not affected by the recall.
Source
2026
Chery recalls 8,878 OMODA 5 vehicles in Malaysia over rear axle welding risk and inspects same batch in China
Chery issued a statement regarding an issue with a 2023 OMODA 5 vehicle in Malaysia. An investigation found that the batch may have insufficient welding strength at the rear axle longitudinal arm, with a risk of weld seam tearing under extreme conditions. Chery's Malaysian subsidiary, in coordination with Malaysia's Road Transport Department (JPJ), initiated a recall of the 8,878 affected OMODA 5 vehicles, inspecting the relevant components and replacing them free of charge where necessary. Chery also launched a preventive special risk inspection of the same batch of OMODA 5 models in China and related markets, stated it would disclose the results to the public, and apologized for the inconvenience to users.
Source
2022
Chery Arrizo 5 and Tiggo 7 recalls announced
Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. announced recalls covering 121,881 Arrizo 5-series vehicles and 24,750 2016-model Tiggo 7 vehicles. The Arrizo 5 vehicles may have improperly secured transmission cooling oil pipes; the Tiggo 7 pipes may crack and leak because of insufficient structural strength. Chery said it would replace the affected pipes free of charge.
Source
2021
Chery recalls Arrizo 5e electric vehicles
Chery decided to recall 1,407 Arrizo 5e electric vehicles manufactured from July 20, 2018 through May 28, 2019. The notice says component assembly consistency fluctuations could, in extreme cases, lead to a high-voltage connection loosening and battery thermal runaway. Chery said it would inspect and repair the batteries free of charge and replace modules or battery packs if necessary.
Source
2020
Chery Tiggo 5 recall announced
Chery announced a recall of 190,352 Tiggo 5 vehicles. According to the announcement, water or contamination could enter the engine ECU through its main wiring harness terminal, potentially causing the vehicle not to start or to lose power. Chery said it would install waterproof covers, inspect ECUs and replace faulty units free of charge.
Source
2020
Chery recalls 4,000 Arrizo 7e vehicles over engine-stall risk
Chery announced a recall of 4,000 Arrizo 7e vehicles manufactured from November 10, 2015, through November 17, 2016. The company said charging-control software issues could cause charging equipment damage or a slow-charge fuse to blow and, in extreme cases, trigger engine stalling. It planned free inspections and software updates, plus replacement of the slow-charge fuse.
Source
2006
Failed Visionary Vehicles agreement
Chery’s planned North American distribution arrangement with Visionary Vehicles became the subject of contractual litigation. Visionary Vehicles later won a lawsuit seeking recovery of losses from the failed collaboration.
Source

Marketing campaigns

2021Double 50
Global
Chery announced a strategic export program targeting 500,000 exported vehicles and US$5 billion in export revenue by 2025. The initiative reflected a shift toward international scale and localized overseas operations.
Outcome. Chery exceeded the vehicle-export target ahead of schedule, reporting 937,148 exports in 2023.
Source

Brand decisions

2025
Complete Hong Kong IPOOther
Background
Chery sought public-market funding and a revised ownership structure after operating within the Chery Holding framework.
Action taken
Chery Automobile raised approximately US$1.2 billion in Hong Kong at HK$30.75 per share.
Aftermath
The listing separated the automobile company from the wider holding group and brought government, employee, and private investors into the ownership structure.
IPO proceeds. Approximately US$1.2 billion (25 September 2025)
Source
2023
Launch export-oriented Omoda and Jaecoo brandsProduct launch
Background
Chery wanted dedicated international marques to accelerate growth outside China.
Action taken
It launched Omoda and Jaecoo and positioned them mainly for overseas markets.
Aftermath
The brands became central elements of Chery’s international expansion alongside Exeed and Chery-branded vehicles.
Source
2010
Create Chery HoldingStrategy
Background
Chery needed a broader corporate structure for automotive and non-automotive activities.
Action taken
It established Chery Holding as a conglomerate encompassing multiple businesses.
Aftermath
The holding company grew into a large group, while Chery Automobile remained the principal vehicle-manufacturing business.
Source
2009
Adopt a multi-brand strategyStrategy
Background
Chery sought to move beyond its low-budget image and cover commercial, premium, and passenger-vehicle segments with separate brands.
Action taken
It introduced or planned brands including Karry, Rely, and Riich and reorganized parts of its model range.
Aftermath
The expansion became overly complex; Rely and Riich were later discontinued and the company refocused on a smaller portfolio.
Source

Recent events

2027
Chery to launch new EV model in UK in early 2027[20]奇瑞计划2027年初在英国推出新电动车型news.google.com
Reported: 2026-10-15
Chinese automaker Chery plans to launch a new electric vehicle model in the United Kingdom in early 2027, as reported by Reuters.
Unconfirmed
XHEART completes strategic funding round[21]新芯航途完成战略轮融资finance.eastmoney.com
XHEART announced that it had completed a strategic funding round, with cumulative financing approaching 5 billion yuan. The reported participating investors included ChangXin Technology, SAIC, Chery, CICC Renault, and Joyson.
2026-10-30
Chery Auto reports first-three-quarter 2026 financial results[22]奇瑞汽车公布2026年前三季度财务数据finance.sina.com.cn
Reported: 2026-10-30
Chery Auto announced unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, reporting revenue of RMB 241.234 billion, up 12.29% year over year, and profit for the period of RMB 14.595 billion.
Unconfirmed
TIGGO7 and TIGGOX7 make global debuts[23]TIGGO7与TIGGOX7全球首发news.google.com
Reported: 2026-10-22
CHERY presented the all-new TIGGO7 and TIGGOX7 in global debuts at CHERY Brand Night.
Unconfirmed
Chery unveils CheryMind foundation model[24]奇瑞发布CheryMind基础模型autonews.gasgoo.com
Reported: 2026-10-21
At its 2026 global innovation conference, Chery unveiled CheryMind, a foundation model developed for physical AI.
Unconfirmed
Chery and USTC inaugurate 2050 Future Institute[24]奇瑞发布CheryMind基础模型autonews.gasgoo.com
Reported: 2026-10-21
Chery and the University of Science and Technology of China inaugurated the 2050 Future Institute at the conference. The institute is intended to connect fundamental research with industrial validation and support the development and scaling of new technologies.
2026-10-20
Chery's eight-inch silicon carbide wafers enter mass production[25]奇瑞八英寸碳化硅晶圆进入量产technode.com
Reported: 2026-10-20
Chery announced that its eight-inch silicon carbide wafers had entered mass production, with costs reduced by more than 30%.
2026-10-20
Chery unveils Ziwei automotive chip lineup[25]奇瑞八英寸碳化硅晶圆进入量产technode.com
Reported: 2026-10-20
Chery unveiled its Ziwei automotive chip lineup at its global innovation conference, including central computing, automotive silicon carbide and vehicle-control chips.
Unconfirmed
Chery reported to be considering acquiring the Jaguar brand; preliminary contacts made[26]奇瑞被曝有意收购捷豹品牌，双方已展开初步接洽news.cheshi.com
According to a report citing internal sources at Chery International, Chery intends to acquire the Jaguar brand and has already held preliminary communications; the report frames Jaguar's owner Tata as the counterparty, with Tata's willingness to release Jaguar-related rights described as the core issue. Two possible paths are outlined: an outright acquisition of the Jaguar brand by Chery with a one-time asset transfer, or an IP joint venture modeled on the Freelander arrangement in which Tata retains brand ownership and contributes brand IP and design know-how while Chery contributes its E0X platform, electrification and supply-chain capabilities. The report notes Jaguar's FY25-26 global retail volume was just over 10,000 units (industry estimate about 14,000) and ties the brand's fate to the Type01 EV's planned 2027 US launch. No agreement has been reached; the contacts are preliminary and unconfirmed by the companies.
Unconfirmed
Chery's new brand enters the UK market[27]奇瑞新品牌进入英国市场news.google.com
Reported: 2026-10-15
Chery is bringing a new brand to the UK market. Bloomberg's headline characterizes the new brand's design as resembling Land Rover; the report text is limited to the headline, so the new brand's name and launch details are not established in the supplied evidence.

Showing the 10 most recent.

Sources71 sources

Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/chery · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled