Chery Group enters a new growth phase

The Chery Group recently outlined its strategic roadmap for global expansion during the Chery International User Summit 2026, concentrating its future development on localized manufacturing, electrification, and long-term customer value.

Addressing international delegates at the event held in China, Chery Automobile Executive Vice-President, Zhang Guibing, emphasized that the group’s ongoing expansion is anchored in satisfying diverse consumer requirements across international markets rather than focusing strictly on sales volume.

New growth phase
The automaker enters a new growth phase on solid operational footing. During the first half of 2026, cumulative sales of 1.36 million vehicles ranked the Chery Group (which has brands such as Chery, OMODA | JAECOO, iCAUR and LEPAS) at ninth place in the global automotive industry. Furthermore, the company has retained its No.1 position as China’s passenger vehicle exporter over 23 consecutive years.

Electrification continues to serve as a primary catalyst for the group’s current performance. Between January and September 2026, New Energy Vehicle sales — which are vehicles with electrified powertrains — saw a 145% year-on-year increase. Mr. Zhang noted that this comes from a 25-year operational history spanning over 130 markets and more than 7.4 million global users.

Integration in regional economies
As China’s leading exporter, a cornerstone of Chery’s globalization strategy is its deep integration into regional economies. Vehicles assembled at factories outside China accounted for 41% of the group’s overseas operations in 2025, and is projected to reach 70% by 2027.

This model of building in markets where Chery brands are sold integrates advanced manufacturing techniques with regional talent cultivation, sustainable operational frameworks, and institutional partnerships. To support this footprint, Chery is expanding its global research and development infrastructure from 16 to 26 centres worldwide.

Besides new facilities in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Germany, Malaysia was also mentioned as one of the locations. The R&D facility in Malaysia would be the new Chery Smart Auto Industrial Park being established in northern Selangor. The assembly plant in the first phase has been completed and equipment is now being installed, with operations to start in the near future.

Advanced infrastructure technologies
Looking ahead, the group is preparing to introduce advanced infrastructure technologies like Hyper Second Charging and Vehicle-to-Grid systems in some markets. Parallel initiatives include the integration of robotics from Chery’s AiMOGA division — highlighted by the debut of the MOBO home companion humanoid robot — designed for deployment in commercial services, healthcare, intelligent public infrastructure, and manufacturing sectors.

Find out more about Chery Group products and services in Malaysia

Chery Malaysia’s growth strategy in 2026