Two years after their debut at Auto Shanghai, automotive brands Omoda and Jaecoo made a high-profile return to the biennial event, showcasing an expanded lineup of electrified models. Among the highlights were the Omoda C5 HEV hybrid, the C7 SHS plug-in hybrid, and the all-electric Jaecoo J5 BEV, underscoring the marque’s “Born Global, Born NEV” strategy to prioritise new energy vehicles (NEVs) across international markets.
The brands confirmed 2025 would mark a significant push into South Africa, with the Jaecoo J7 SHS and Omoda C7 PHEV set to launch locally later this year. This forms part of a broader plan to introduce five new Super Hybrid System (SHS) models globally within the next 12 months, catering to rising demand for electrified vehicles. Central to this strategy are the Omoda C7 and Jaecoo J5, both slated to arrive in South African dealerships by late 2025.
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Omoda and Jaecoo’s growth trajectory has gained momentum, with the duo now ranking among South Africa’s top passenger vehicle brands. Despite offering only three models, the automaker reported 806 units sold in the region during the first quarter of 2025, led by the C5’s 559 registrations. Globally, NEV sales surged by 370% quarter-on-quarter, with hybrids, plug-in hybrids, and EVs projected to account for over half of total sales by year-end.
Europe has emerged as a key success story. In Spain, the J7 SHS secured a top-three spot in plug-in hybrid sales within a month of its launch, capturing 7% of the market. Similarly, the UK saw Omoda and Jaecoo become its fastest-growing car brands, driven by the J7 SHS’s 255 kW hybrid powertrain and 1,200 km combined range.
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“Our return to Auto Shanghai symbolises the electrified future we’re building,” said Shannon Gahagan, Brand and Marketing Manager for Omoda & Jaecoo South Africa. “These models blend advanced technology with the evolving needs of drivers. South Africa remains pivotal to our vision, and our latest hybrids will redefine intelligent mobility here.”
Chery Debuts First Bakkie
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Meanwhile, Chery unveiled its inaugural double-cab bakkie, the Himla, at the Shanghai Auto Show. Inspired by the Himalayan mountain range, the model will offer a diesel engine—a first for Chery—alongside a hybrid variant, with South African sales expected in 2026. The hybrid version will form part of Chery’s 19-model NEV rollout this year, including its new Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology. Boasting 46.5% thermal efficiency, the CSH system will feature in the Tiggo 7, 8, and 9 Pro.
“Super Hybrid technology aligns with sustainable growth and greener mobility,” noted Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Chery South Africa. “It will play a crucial role here as we expand our electrified lineup.”
The Himla joins a wave of Chinese bakkies targeting South Africa, including the BYD Shark, GWM’s Steed and P-Series, and the electric Riddara RD6.
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Chery also introduced Lepas, a global sub-brand aimed at younger, style-conscious buyers. The Lepas L8 SUV, revealed in Wuhu, China, will enter production late this year, with South African launches anticipated in early 2026. Designed to evoke luxury with gemstone-inspired grilles and leopard-like contours, the L8 offers a 970 mm rear legroom—surpassing rivals like the BMW X1—and configurable cabin modes, including “Nap” and “Cinema” features.
Lepas models will operate through independent dealerships, separate from Chery’s existing networks, and will not be sold in China. Powertrains are expected to include combustion engines, plug-in hybrids, and full EVs, leveraging Chery’s latest hybrid technology.
AiMOGA
In a nod to its tech ambitions, Chery unveiled AiMOGA, a humanoid robot capable of 41 independent movements and natural dialogue in 10 languages. Powered by Deepseek AI, the robot achieves 95% speech accuracy and can adapt to industry-specific tasks within an hour. Plans are underway to deploy AiMOGA in international retail and hospitality sectors, with potential applications as smart home assistants.
As Omoda, Jaecoo, and Chery advance their electrification and innovation agendas, 2025 is poised to reshape the automotive landscape, both in South Africa and beyond. Further details on upcoming models, including pricing and specifications, will be announced in the coming months.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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