The Chinese automobile offensive in Europe is unstoppable. More and more brands from this Asian country are deciding to make the commercial leap to the Old Continent. The last is Omoda, belonging to the large Chery International group. This firm will deploy its own structure in Spain as an independent brand at the end of 2023, and does not rule out manufacturing cars in Barcelona. And the company has shown its interest in the old Nissan facilities in the Barcelona Free Trade Zone and has started conversations with the decarbonization ‘hub’ that has taken charge of the reindustrialization of this plant.
The president of Chery’s international branch, Zhang Guibing, has stated that the choice of our country as the starting point for its European landing is due to the fact that Spanish customers “are much more open” to giving opportunities to new brands, including those from China. Proof of this is that last August the model with the most registrations was the MG ZS.
At the moment, the plans are for Omoda to land here before the end of this year with its own network of 31 dealers, which will be progressively expanded until reaching 80. In this way, it eliminates the intermediation of importers.
The first model to be marketed will be the Omoda 5, a 4.4 meter long SUV with front-wheel drive and attractive aesthetics. Highlights include the headlights with T-shaped daytime running lights, the rear lights with 3D Matrix design and the floating roof effect created by the black finish of the B and C pillars and the rear windows with tinted glass.
The interior features the latest in comfort, connectivity and multimedia technology, with 2 dual high-resolution screens of 26 cm (10.25 inches) each, multicolor ambient lighting, wireless charging, heated and ventilated sports seats with electric adjustments and a high quality sound system.
According to the brand’s Spanish commercial website, the mechanical range consists of a single four-cylinder 1.6 Turbo gasoline version that develops a power of 185 HP and a maximum torque of 290 Nm. Associated with a 7-speed automatic gearbox, this car accelerates to 100 km/h from a standstill in 7.8 seconds.
The provision of driving aids is extensive. Among other technologies, it equips adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning system, autonomous emergency braking system, lane departure warning, lane keep assist and automatic lights.
Soon, the brand will inform about the prices of this car. The forecast is that later the catalog will be expanded to a smaller one, the Omoda 3, and a larger one, the Omoda 7.
In 2024, Chery will bring Omoda’s sister brand, Jaecoo, to Spain, also with an SUV offering led by the Jaecoo 7, a larger vehicle. Later, the group will seek to launch other companies in Europe such as Tiggo, with SUV cars, or Exeed, focused on a premium segment.
