Chery has announced it will develop 39 new hybrid cars across its different product lines, consisting largely of plug-in hybrid and range-extender models.
According to Autohome, the move is a part of a new three-pillar business strategy that was detailed by brand executives during a “Hybrid Night” press conference last week at Chery’s headquarters in Wuhu.
The new approach will prioritise vertical integration, improved safety standards and open source technologies, the latter of which meaning Chery will make its new hybrid technologies available to other automakers. KGM SsangYong is already a signatory, with Chery platforms poised to underpin a new range of joint-developed hybrid SUVs.
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At least three new hybrid powertrains will be developed by Chery to accommodate different applications. That starts with the CDM/CEM powertrains, which will denote the systems fitted to mainstream passenger vehicles such as the Chery ‘Fulwin’ Tiggo Pro 8 and Tiggo Pro 9.
It allows for one of three 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine configurations paired with either a range-extender (REEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV) drivetrain. Chery claims the petrol engine will be able reach a thermal efficiency of 48 per cent, making it among the most efficient in the world.
The brand’s more performance-oriented cars under its Exceed, Luxeed and iCar sub-brands, will carry CDM-S and CEM-S hybrid powertrains, which pair either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with PHEV, REEV or plugless hybrid drivetrain options.
And finally, the off-road oriented Jetour sub-brand will carry CDM-O and CEM-E powertrains that pair either a 1.5-litre or 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with newly-developed dual electric motors and a brand-new off-road specific three-speed hybrid transmission.
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The powertrains will be made available on the plug-in hybrid Jetour G700, G900 and T1 models in China, and while Chery is yet to confirm the off-road sub-brand for Australia, it remains in with a strong chance as the brand gains a foothold in the Australian market.
Last year, Chery sold 12,603 cars, an increase of 113 per cent on the previous year. Sales are looking even stronger in the first three months of 2025, with the brand already clocking 6105 sales, an increase of 216.6 per cent on the same period last year.
The recent addition of Chery's self-described "premium" Jaecoo sub-brand will only build its momentum even further, while a hybrid version of the brand’s most popular car, the Chery Tiggo 4 small SUV, is expected to arrive later this year.
It will be followed by plug-in hybrid versions of the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8, which will go head-to-head against medium SUV stalwarts in the Toyota RAV4, Ford Everest and Hyundai Santa Fe.
