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Omoda and Jaecoo, two independent brands under the Chery Group, showcased new vehicles at the Auto China 2024 show in Beijing.
Omoda, who entered the SA market in April 2023, followed by Jaecoo a year later in April 2024, showed off the Omoda E5 and debuted two off-road plug-in electric vehicles, J7 and J8, at the 18th Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.
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According to Omoda Jaecoo South Africa, the E5 and J7 PHEV are headed for the local market, while the J8 is to be confirmed. This follows the launch of Jaecoo’s debut high-tech model, the J7, in South Africa earlier this month.
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Additionally, the Omoda C9 was unveiled under its new luxury Exeed brand, which debuted at Auto China, however, the vehicle is expected to fall under the Omoda branding in SA. The upcoming Omoda 7 will make its debut in Wuhu, China, on 28 April.
At Auto China, Omoda and Jaecoo global CEO, Shawn Wu said:
According to the company, in one year, both brands reached a cumulative global sales volume of over 160 000 units.
The J7 PHEV features a 1.5L hybrid engine with 255kW of power and 525Nm of torque; 19-inch enclosed new energy wheels that reduces the vehicle’s drag coefficient to 0.318; a pure electric range of up to 88km; and in HEV mode, claims consumption of 4.9L/100km. Jaecoo also claims a 1 200km combined range on a full tank and battery.
The J8 PHEV has 1.5L hybrid engine coupled with a three-speed DHT hybrid system; is powered by front and rear high-power electric motors that reach 445kW and a combined 915Nm of torque; goes from 0-100km/h in 5.4 seconds.
Other cars spotted at Auto China 2024:
The Hummer EV was on display, featuring a staggering 735kW of power and 15 600Nm of torque “when multiplied through the front and rear drive unit gear ratios”. It is equipped with a 210kWh battery pack that yields an estimated range of 530km. It has a maximum charging speed of 350kW and a quick 10 minute charge will give you 160km of range.
The Lexus LF-ZC concept car is expected to go into production in 2026, and will use next-generation prismatic high-performance batteries that will “achieve approximately twice the range of conventional BEVs alleviating range anxiety concerns”. It will run on the new Arene OS, with a next-gen voice recognition system with advanced AI called “Butler” that has self-learning functions, says Lexus.
The striking Hongqi golden sunflower range of cars, specifically the E702 concept, was on display from the Chinese automaker.
It showed off a new design style from its energy-saving series, featuring an illuminated logo, complex LED stripes on its body, digital mirrors and an all-white interior.
Xpeng Aeroht, a large flying car company, showed off a modular car, the Land Aircraft Carrier. It has an electric drive and features a smart cockpit that switches between driving and flight mode. It features arms, rotors and other flight systems that can be folded and stored in the car.
The Avatr 11 EV debuted at the show, featuring a fluorescent colour-changing pigmented paint. It is powered by Huawei’s DriveONE platform available as either a single motor with 230kW of power and 370Nm of torque with a 90kWh battery or as dual motor with 425kW of power and 650Nm of torque with a 116kWh battery. It can go from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds on the dual motor, and 6.6 seconds on the single motor.
*Akabor was a guest of Omoda Jaecoo South Africa at Auto China 2024.
