Chery Auto: China's #1 Car Exporter Selling in 80+ Countries
Founded in 1997 in Wuhu, Anhui Province, Chery Automobile has evolved from China's first independent car manufacturer into the country's undisputed champion of overseas sales. While BYD dominates domestic EV sales, Chery leads the charge in bringing Chinese vehicles to the world, with particularly strong presence in Russia, South America, and the Middle East.
TL;DR
Chery exported over 1.5 million vehicles in 2024, maintaining its position as China's #1 car exporter for 22 consecutive years. Total sales exceeded 2.6 million units. Key models include Tiggo SUVs and Omoda/Arrizo sedans sold in 80+ countries.
Key Insights
Export Champion
Chery exported 1.537 million vehicles in 2024, accounting for roughly 1 in 4 Chinese car exports. This marks Chery's 22nd consecutive year as China's #1 auto exporter. Its international revenue now exceeds domestic sales.
Total Sales Volume
Chery's total 2024 sales reached 2.603 million units, a 38.4% increase from 2023. This makes Chery the 4th largest automaker in China overall, behind only BYD, SAIC-GM-Wuling, and Geely.
Global Presence
Chery sells vehicles in over 80 countries and regions through 2,000+ dealerships. Key markets include Russia (where Chery is the #1 selling brand), Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Australia, and multiple Middle Eastern countries.
Brand Portfolio
Chery operates four brands: Chery (mainstream), Exeed (premium, competing with luxury brands), Omoda (youth-oriented, launched 2023), and Jaecoo (off-road SUV). Each targets distinct market segments globally.
Russia Dominance
After Western brands exited Russia in 2022, Chery seized the opportunity and became Russia's best-selling car brand with over 500,000 annual sales. The Tiggo SUV lineup dominates Russian streets, capturing over 20% market share.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chery | BYD | Geely |
|---|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1997, Wuhu | 1995, Shenzhen | 1986, Taizhou |
| 2024 Total Sales | 2.603M | 4.272M | 2.176M |
| 2024 Exports | 1.537M | ~417K | ~410K |
| Export Rank | #1 in China | #3 | #4 |
| Key Export Markets | Russia, Brazil, ME | Europe, SEA, SA | Europe, SEA |
| EV Share of Sales | ~25% | ~100% | ~35% |
| Top Models | Tiggo 7/8, Omoda 5 | Seal, Song, Qin | Coolray, Monjaro |
| International Factories | Brazil, Russia | Thailand, Brazil, EU | Belarus, Malaysia |
| R&D Centers | 8 global | 10+ global | 5 global |
Frequently Asked Questions
Chery has significantly improved quality over the past decade. Its Tiggo SUVs consistently rank among the best-selling Chinese vehicles globally. European NCAP ratings for newer models have improved to 4-5 stars. The brand offers strong value for money.
Chery sells in 80+ countries. Major markets include Russia (its largest), Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Australia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, and many Southeast Asian countries. Chery also has assembly plants in Brazil, Russia, and Iran.
For pure export volume, yes. Chery exports nearly 4x more vehicles than BYD. However, BYD leads in technology and EV exports to premium markets like Europe. Chery's strength is in combustion/hybrid vehicles for emerging markets.
The Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro SUVs are Chery's bestsellers globally. The Omoda 5 has become a hit in Europe and Australia. The Arrizo 8 sedan is popular in Middle Eastern and Latin American markets.
Yes. Chery's EV lineup includes the eQ series, Arrizo EV, and the upcoming Omoda E5 and Jaecoo EJ. While Chery is not as EV-focused as BYD, it plans for 50% new energy vehicles by 2030.