China’s Chery Automobile launched hybrid versions of its Omoda C9 and Jaecoo J7 sport utility vehicles in South Africa, marking the brand’s entry into the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment on the continent.
The launch represents the first plug-in hybrid offerings from Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo sub-brands in Africa, as competition intensifies in South Africa’s automotive sector. Other Chinese automakers including BYD (002594.SZ), GAC (601238.SS), and Great Wall Motor (601633.SS) have also expanded their presence in the market as local demand for electric and hybrid vehicles begins to grow.
“This is the first time that Omoda and Jaecoo have launched the plug-in hybrids for the local or the African market, and the move really is because that’s the way technology is going, because you get the best of both worlds,” said Hans Greyling, General Manager of Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa, in an interview with Reuters at the launch event.
Chery introduced the Omoda and Jaecoo brands to South Africa in 2023, starting with the fossil-fuelled Omoda C5 crossover. The Jaecoo J7 and Omoda C9 were added later, also with internal combustion engines. The newly launched plug-in hybrid Omoda C9 is priced at 999,000 rand ($56,275), while the hybrid Jaecoo J7 is offered at 689,900 rand.
The Omoda C9 features a 34.5 kilowatt-hour battery pack, providing an all-electric driving range of up to 150 kilometers. Combined with its hybrid system, the vehicle has a range of up to 1,100 kilometers — a feature that could appeal to consumers navigating South Africa’s sparse charging infrastructure.
Greyling added that the company has more launches planned in the coming months. “Probably in August we’re looking at a new model on the Jaecoo side, the J5, and then a month or two later we’re going to go back to the Omoda side and launch a mid-size C7 SUV,” he said.
The rollout signals Chery’s broader strategy to position its brands in Africa’s emerging NEV market, as automakers globally look to tap into demand in developing economies.