From Seed to Speed: The rapid progression of Omoda & Jaecoo
Omoda & Jaecoo at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show
Depending on one's perspective, two years may feel like a brief moment or one long journey.
But for Omoda & Jaecoo, it has been a transformative period marked by global expansion and rapid success. In just two years, the automotive brand under Chinese automaker Chery Automobile, has firmly established its presence on the world stage. Fueled by innovative vehicle launches in strategic international markets, the brand claims they sold a record-breaking 248,605 units sold globally in 2024.
Of course they want to celebrate this milestone, so Omoda & Jaecoo made sure they had a good showing at the 2025 Shanghai International Auto Show. As with any major auto show, the event served as a launchpad for three exciting new vehicles of O&J, offering a bold preview of their future. These unveilings highlighted the brand’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and environmental sustainability, representing their vision moving forward.
Omoda C7 SHS - Combining sleek style with advanced technology, this plug-in hybrid offers an impressive range of over 1,200 km, including 90 km of pure electric driving makes it ideal for both long journeys and city commutes. Its futuristic 15.6-inch sliding LCD screen, which can be shared with the passenger, adds a high-tech touch to the cabin that also comes with a premium audio system.
Omoda C5 SHS — Featuring a sleek, coupe-like silhouette, this crossover seamlessly blends modern design with advanced technology. Equipped with the latest Super Hybrid System (SHS), it offers the flexibility of both electric and hybrid driving modes, delivering an efficient and dynamic driving experience.
Jaecoo J5 - This versatile subcompact crossover SUV (also branded as Chery iCar V23) was designed for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Powered by a robust 1.6-liter turbocharged engine delivering 195 horsepower and 290 Nm of torque, it balances spirited performance with everyday practicality. Inside, the J5 offers spacious seating and for those who love to travel with their pets, the J5 goes the extra mile by including specialized accessories to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for your furry companions.
NEV the future
Where Omoda & Jaecoo are really investing on is with hybrid technology. That's why they're showcasing their latest lineup of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs). As CEO Shawn Xu emphasizes, “We are committed to bringing high quality, high standards and high value to our consumers globally.”
At the heart of this commitment is their Super Hybrid System (SHS), which combines a 1.5 TGDI engine with an intelligent hybrid transmission (DHT), dedicated hybrid batteries, and plug-in capability. This is intended to deliver outstanding fuel efficiency, impressive long-range performance, and pure electric driving for the daily drive.
Their showcase at the Shanghai International Auto Show positions Omoda & Jaecoo as a key player in the expanding global NEV market to meet the demands of future mobility.
Omoda Day at Wuhu
We headed over to Wuhu; the home base of Omoda & Jaecoo (and their parent company). This was part of their anniversary celebration "Omoda Day" event to further highlight the brands’ latest advancements and share their vision. They did it by hosting the debut of two models: the Omoda C7 and the C3.
Omoda C7 SHS – This is a model that Omoda says was uniquely crafted for international markets. This highly futuristic-inspired crossover is tailored for what O&J calls "Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability" (LOHAS) generation. Yes, they like creating new terms at O&J, but whichever the case, they are going to market this to individuals that like to be ahead of the curve, embracing innovation and mindful living.
Omoda C3 – The other model is quite interesting: the C3. It is officially set to launch in the coming months, but this smaller crossover is something that Omoda calls mecha-inspired. As to how it will be accepted, we will wait and see. But what is certain is that there is plenty of room for small and affordable crossover SUVs.
While powerplant specs have yet to be revealed, it might get a hybrid set up similar to its stablemates. Based on the enthusiastic attention it got, its going to be one of their popular models.
Plant tour and test drives
Another highlight of the week-long itinerary for the dealers and media delegates was the plant tour that offered an immersive experience with a firsthand look at the latest automotive manufacturing processes. They wanted to impress visitors with their precision manufacturing that involves a lot of robotics, as well as all the other processes in assembly to final inspection.
From the automated robots welding steel panels to form the unibody structure, to the advanced AI-powered quality checks conducted before each vehicle leaves the facility, the entire car manufacturing process is nothing short of impressive.
After witnessing firsthand how their vehicles are manufactured, it was finally time to get behind the wheel and experience their performance for ourselves. In addition to the Longshen test track, a specially designed test course had been set up within the Fangte Adventure Theme Park in Tianjin. Following a brief orientation on both tracks, we were given the green light to take the V23, EJ5, V26, and C7 for a spin.
Both test course layouts featured acceleration tests combined with a series of chicanes, tight corners, and a braking test. These elements simulated real-world driving conditions, demonstrating how the vehicles are able to respond confidently through each maneuver.
I came away most impressed with the V23. Despite its size and heft, it accelerated and handled remarkably well, most especially with its massive 21-inch tires, significantly increasing the tread footprint and maximizing traction.
Marked improvement
The recent Omoda & Jaecoo Global Dealer Conference appears to have marked a turning point in how the brand approaches both logistics and market readiness. A well-structured itinerary not only kept the event organized but also sends a strong message about professionalism and future intent. It suggests that the brand is maturing, learning from past oversights, and now understands that every detail matters, especially when you're trying to build trust worldwide.
More than just a car manufacturer, Omoda & Jaecoo intends to shape itself into a lifestyle brand that blends design, flair, and the energy of today’s youth. Of course it remains to be seen how the brand will ultimately be accepted by their target customer, but as the market shifts toward electrification, O&J wants to charge ahead with models like the Omoda E5 and beyond.
Regarding their performance in the Philippines, the next steps they take will be critical. If they can align their product strategies quickly, their dealer expansion strategy in the proper way, as well as emphasize strong (and rapid) service and aftersales support, they stand a good chance of making a significant impact here. Given that product interest is already present, Omoda & Jaecoo's success will largely depend on product availability, price points and timing.
