Chery OMODA 5 SUV is coming to Malaysia for sure

KUALA LUMPUR: In recent years, there has been some activity for Chery vehicles in Australia (the only right-hand drive market selling the brand actively). For Malaysia, Chery exited the country years ago and their final batch of Eastar XT MPV and sedans were ‘auctioned’ to a large used car organization that managed to sell all cars in smaller towns, mostly in the state of Johor. Since then, there has been little news about Chery’s return until this morning when the below information was sent to us.

Chery has matured in its product development and also a range of vehicles and the OMODA 5 looks very promising for the Malaysian market, especially after Geely Auto together with Proton Cars have set a benchmark acceptance for Chinese automotive brands.

On February 8 this year, the first OMODA 5 unit rolled off the assembly line at Chery’s manufacturing headquarters in Wuhu, Anhui Province, China. OMODA is Chery's new global product series, representing the company’s in-depth insight and thinking on rejuvenation and globalization. OMODA 5 is the first global model under the series and the first product under the Chery 4.0 era.

Company leaders including Yin Tongyue, Zhang Ping, Li Lizhong, Gao Xinhua, Jia Yaquan, Zhang Guibing, Jin Yibo, Xu Youzhong, and Huang Zhaogen were in attendance at the ceremony that day to commemorate the line-off of the OMODA 5.

Chairman Yin Tongyue said in his speech that the project team, led by the project manager and assistant to the company’s general manager, Dr. Xu Youzhong, delivered a great achievement as operations resumed after the Chinese New Year break.

The OMODA 5 is an important model for the company as it is the company’s first global model developed based on international demand, and a key product for entry into the European Union and right-hand drive markets.

He hopes that OMODA 5 is a family-size crossover SUV that is sized to rival the all-new Honda HR-V and the recently launched Toyota Corolla Cross. This Crossover measures 4,400 mm long, 1,830 mm wide, 1,585 mm high, and with a wheelbase of 2,630 mm. It should be priced below RM 110,000 to remain competitive with the Japanese favorites and the fast-selling Proton X50.

The OMODA 5 showcases Chery’s new ‘Art in Motion’ design language boasting an integrated diamond matrix grille which is flanked by split LED headlights and LED daytime running lights. From the side, the OMODA 5 takes on a sporty stance with the roofline adopting a sloping, coupe-like silhouette. Sharp, angular tail light clusters further add to the sporty look of the Omoda 5.

Gao Xinhua, executive deputy general manager of the company, said that the OMODA 5 has been in development for 18 months to be a truly global product. 

Since its global debut at the 2021 Guangzhou Auto Show, it has received good feedback both in China and abroad. A product of extensive self-conducted research and development, OMODA 5 satisfies global standards through the realization of a unified global platform and reflects the company’s new ideas.

Deputy general managers of the company, Jia Yaquan, and Zhang Guibing, said that the marketing team is optimistic about international and domestic markets, taking into account OMODA 5’s significance and strengths.

According to Dr. Xu Youzhong, the company’s assistant general manager, OMODA 5 represents Chery’s in-depth insight and mindset on rejuvenation and globalization, while reaching new heights in power, technology, and other aspects to primarily targeting young consumers in the 25-30 age group.

This Chery OMODA 5 will soon be launched in Russia, followed by the European Union. Then when the right hand drive version is ready it will be introduced in Australia followed by Malaysia and other right hand drive markets around the globe.

So, with the return of Chery to Malaysia, its local partner will need to take after sales and spare parts availability seriously to avoid the many issues involving the Proton X70 SUV and also Proton X50 Crossover, both from Geely Auto’s Chinese factory. 

Also read: Proton and Geely celebrate a great start to 2022