Chinese car manufacturers are no longer just catching up—they are leading innovation, efficiency, and affordability. Among them, Chery Automobile Co., Ltd., commonly known as Chery, stands out as a prime example of how a domestic brand can expand beyond borders and gain international recognition.
Origins and Growth
Founded in 1997 in Wuhu, Anhui Province, Chery started with a clear goal: to build China’s own car brand without relying heavily on foreign technologies. At a time when international automakers dominated the Chinese market through joint ventures, Chery was a bold outlier. It began with a modest production facility and a group of ambitious engineers, many of whom had experience working in state-owned industries.
Chery produced its first car, the Fengyun (Windcloud), in 1999. With limited resources, it used licensed platforms and engines to build its early models. However, the company was quick to reinvest its earnings into developing homegrown technologies. This early commitment to R&D would later become a cornerstone of Chery’s identity.
A Focus on Exports
By the mid-2000s, Chery had already gained traction in the domestic market, but its ambitions extended far beyond China’s borders. It became one of the first Chinese automakers to focus heavily on exports. In 2001, it made its first international sale, and by 2005, Chery was China’s largest vehicle exporter—a title it has held for several years.
Chery vehicles are now sold in over 80 countries, including key markets in South America, the Middle East, Russia, and Africa. The company has assembly plants in several regions, allowing it to adapt cars to local tastes and regulations. It was also one of the first Chinese brands to establish a production facility in Brazil, an important milestone in its international strategy.
Innovation and Technology
What truly distinguishes Chery from some of its early competitors is its focus on independent research and development. The company operates multiple R&D centers in China and abroad, including facilities in Germany, Brazil, and the United States. It has also established partnerships with well-known global suppliers like Bosch, Magna, and Continental.
Chery’s technical arm, ACTECO, is responsible for developing the brand’s engines. These in-house powertrains have powered not just Chery vehicles, but also those of other Chinese and international brands, showcasing their reliability and performance.
In recent years, Chery has embraced the electric vehicle (EV) revolution. Its sub-brands, such as Chery New Energy and iCar, focus on green mobility and are part of China’s broader strategy to dominate the EV space. Models like the Chery EQ1 and the upcoming iCar 03 are designed to cater to young, tech-savvy drivers looking for sustainable urban transport solutions.
Design and Brand Evolution
Earlier Chery models were often criticized for their uninspired design and average build quality. But over the past decade, the company has made significant strides in design, comfort, and safety. With the help of international designers and improved quality control, Chery’s newer vehicles like the Tiggo SUV series and Arrizo sedans are now on par with many global competitors.
The Tiggo 8 Pro, for instance, is a feature-rich SUV that has received praise for its premium interior, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and value for money. The vehicle competes in international markets where customer expectations are high, and Chery has responded by boosting quality and offering generous warranties.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like all global automakers, Chery faces a series of challenges. International expansion requires navigating complex regulatory environments, building brand trust, and continuously innovating to stay ahead of the competition. In established markets like Europe and North America, consumer perception of Chinese brands still lags behind Japanese or Korean automakers.
However, the tide is turning. Rising inflation and demand for affordable yet high-tech vehicles are pushing consumers to explore new options. Chery’s aggressive pricing, long warranty offers, and improving brand perception make it an increasingly attractive choice.
The global pivot to electric mobility is also a significant opportunity. With strong government backing and a massive domestic EV ecosystem, Chinese brands like Chery are well-positioned to take the lead, particularly in emerging markets that need cost-effective EV solutions.
The Road Ahead
As of 2025, Chery shows no signs of slowing down. It continues to expand its product lineup, invest in electrification, and build partnerships around the world. The company’s long-term vision involves becoming a major player in smart mobility—combining AI, autonomous driving, and cloud-based services to redefine what cars can do.
Chery is a reflection of China’s broader ambitions: fast-paced, technology-driven, and increasingly global in scope. Whether you’re in Santiago, Cairo, or Johannesburg, chances are you’re seeing more Chery cars on the road. And with continued innovation and strategic growth, it might not be long before Chery becomes a household name even in the West.