Chery brand returns to New Zealand with hybrid focus and ute rumours

Tiggo SUV line-up expected, launching through shared Omoda/Jaecoo network

Chery has confirmed the launch of its core brand in New Zealand, expanding the Chinese automaker’s local presence alongside its existing Omoda and Jaecoo marques. Vehicles will be sold through an established dealer network, with 10 sites across the country already supporting the group’s other brands.

Dealerships will be located in Whangarei, Auckland (North, Central, South), Pukekohe, Hamilton, Tauranga, Taupo, Lower Hutt and Christchurch. Sales and aftersales will be handled by the same retailers that began representing Omoda and Jaecoo in early 2024.

“We are confident that our vehicles will exceed expectations by delivering outstanding features at an accessible price point,” said Lewis Lu, CEO of Chery Australia and New Zealand.

Chery SUVs expected to include hybrid models

Chery has not yet confirmed which vehicles will launch locally, but the New Zealand line-up is expected to mirror what’s currently available in Australia under the Chery name. This includes a trio of SUVs:

• Tiggo 4 Pro: A compact SUV priced from A$23,990 drive-away (~NZ$25,500), targeting the budget-conscious end of the segment
• Tiggo 7 Pro: A mid-sized SUV starting from A$39,990 (~NZ$43,000), with a focus on comfort and tech
• Tiggo 8 Pro: A large seven-seater SUV priced from A$47,990 (~NZ$52,000), positioned to compete with more premium rivals

Several of these models are likely to be offered with Chery’s “Super Hybrid” powertrain. The petrol-electric system blends combustion and electric drive for improved efficiency and lower emissions, aligning with the brand’s sustainability push in global markets.

Ute development underway?

While no ute has been formally announced, there is growing speculation that Chery is developing a dual-cab pickup to compete with offerings from GWM, LDV and BYD. Australian media have reported early-stage testing of a new chassis and powertrain platform designed for utility applications, potentially placing Chery in the running for a slice of the lucrative light commercial market.

More information about the New Zealand launch—including model availability, pricing, and hybrid rollout—is expected in the coming weeks.

Not the first time

This is not the first time the Chery brand has been on sale in the New Zealand market.

In the early 2010s Ateco Automotive, now the distributors of BYD, had a short-run with Chery. It sold the Chery J1, J6 and J11 cars, which while finding some buyers looking for ‘cheap’ wheels, were arguably not ready for western markets.