If you think Chery’s transformation from the producer of entry-level cheapies to one that offers fashionable, feature-rich top-selling models has been impressive, wait until you see what technology it is working on for the (well, immediate) future...

During my more than 2 decades in the motor industry, I have sat through my fair share of car-company strategy sessions. Usually, one can pick out 2 or 3 interesting technologies, and perhaps a new model or two that will eventually reach South Africa.

The Chery “Tech Day” was attended by hundreds of delegates from across the globe.

But the recent Chery “Tech Day” in Wuhu, China, was very different. This was not merely a confident company rolling out a few treats, but a rampant, increasingly global automotive giant unleashing a technological tour-de-force the likes of which I have not experienced before… certainly not in a single day. To be honest, it was difficult to take in, and it’s difficult to know where to start…

On my return journey, I spotted a random poster at the airport. It featured a fantastical image of a Viking ship in mid-air and a quote by Jules Verne, which finally managed to aptly describe the Tech Day experience for me.

This installation showcases the underpinnings of a Chery off-roader, replete with a winch.

“Anything one man can imagine,” said Verne, “other men can make real.”

Chery’s investment in Research and Development over the next 5 years will amount to 100 billion yuan (more than R260 billion), and it will set up 300 “Yao Guang” laboratories globally.

But even as things stand today, Chery has already applied for and accumulated more than 26 000 patents. Evidently, Chery has a lot of men and women with wild imaginations, and even more to turn those fantasies into reality…

Chery Holdings Group chairman Yin Tongyue says the company strives for a “reputation of excellence”.

“We aspire to establish a robust and flourishing innovative ecosystem, characterised by a sturdy core. Chery is committed not only to autonomously cultivating talent but to continuously attracting leading experts from around the world. We aim to achieve a reputation for excellence that speaks for itself, creating a resounding impact with our endeavours,” said the chairman of Chery Holdings Group, Yin Tongyue.

The company certainly has the financial muscle to invest aggressively. From January to September this year, Chery’s cumulative sales have reached 1.253 million vehicles, surpassing the total sales for the entire previous year, which is the current record.

The SA delegation in conference with Chery executives of the local subsidiary as well as the mother company.

At the start of the conference, attended by more than 500 international guests, the goals communicated at the previous Tech Summit (in 2022) were displayed and, in many instances, Chery is tracking ahead of its own ambitious targets. But what about the next 5 years?

What technology is Chery developing

As expected, the battery-electric vehicle is a major focus area; Chery used the conference to announce a new platform powered by a battery developed by CATL, the world’s largest power battery manufacturer.

The Shenxing ultra-fast-charging battery is said to facilitate a BEV range in excess of 700 km.

Chery will be the first to use the new “Shenxing” ultra-fast-charging battery technology. It will debut in one of the Chinese marque’s Exeed luxury brand models early next year and promises zero to 100% charge in 19 minutes, as well as a range in excess of 700 km!

The company also announced that it would launch no fewer than 24 hybrid and 15 high-end electric vehicles on its E0X platform within 2 years. Of course, the upcoming local launches of the Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro plug-in hybrid vehicles, as well as the Omoda E5 (BEV), have already been confirmed.

Read more: Chery to launch Jaecoo SUVs in SA in 2024

Chery’s Fengyun T9 is a plug-in hybrid variant of the Tiggo 9 7-seater crossover.

The overarching technology strategy, called Yaoguang 2025, breaks down Chery’s ambitions into 5 main areas, notably Safety, Low energy consumption, Space, Intelligent cockpit and Intelligent driving. Nearly 20 major core technologies, including platform architecture, hydrogen technology, autonomous driving and even an intelligent cloud platform are being developed.

Following the conference, there was an opportunity to experience some of the advanced tech, which seemed fantastical on stage. Chery debuted an on-board AI system, which includes a health monitor, for example.

Chery plans to incorporate virtual reality in an immersive in-cabin experience.

There was also a Level 4 autonomous robotaxi, a metaverse display (yes, it’s coming to a Chery near you, soon) and an intriguing technology that allows for an immersive 4D cabin experience, complete with the ability to emit smells that you may find enjoyable, such as the ocean, or coffee.

It works incredibly well. It won’t be long before you get into your fully autonomous Chery, enter the Metaverse and experience a completely different, exciting or relaxing world on your way to your destination, compared with the hustle-bustle of the outside world.

The impressive Chery Arrizo 8 is under consideration for the South African market!

For those of you who still prefer to take the steering wheel in your hands, and experience the thrill of driving, there is also some good news. Chery still predicts a lengthy future for the internal combustion engine and is continuing investment in these drivetrains.

I had a brief drive in the Chery Arrizo 8, a handsome sedan that is under consideration for South Africa. Powered by a turbocharged 2.0-litre 4-cylinder engine, and featuring all-wheel drive, it’s an impressive showcase not only of Chery’s technological prowess but also the build quality of its latest products.

The staggering acceleration in the development of new technology, coupled with excellent quality will be key to the global ambitions of the Chery Holdings Group. I wouldn’t bet against them.

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