Chery 2024: China's Top Auto Exporter — What It Means

When I first started tracking Chinese EV exports a few years ago, Chery wasn’t on most European buyers’ radars. That changed in 2024. Chery shipped 1.14 million vehicles overseas—a 38.4% jump from the year before—and cemented itself as China’s largest automotive exporter. For anyone weighing an Omoda or Jaecoo in Europe, understanding that shift matters: this isn’t a niche player anymore.

Chery’s growth comes from a clear multi-brand plan. Rather than one label for everything, they run Omoda for younger urban buyers, Jaecoo for adventure-focused families, Jetour for travel-oriented customers, and Exlantix for premium EVs. Each brand has its own look and target audience, which helps explain why Chery can scale across so many regions without looking generic.

Here’s what matters for European buyers: Chery is building a factory in Barcelona, Spain (€400M+ investment, production starting Q4 2025), which will reduce dependence on imports and soften the impact of EU tariffs. For those considering an Omoda E5 or Jaecoo J7, the brand’s export success and local footprint are worth factoring in.

2024 Export Performance

Chery’s 2024 numbers are striking. Total sales rose 38.3% year-over-year to 2.6 million vehicles, with exports accounting for over 40% of that volume. The company now operates in 80+ markets, up from about 70 a year earlier, and the mix of brands makes it easier to enter new regions with tailored products.

Metric	2024	2023	Change
Total Exports	1.14M	823,000	+38.4%
Total Sales	2.6M	1.88M	+38.3%
Export Markets	80+	70+	+10

Export Strategy: Multi-Brand Approach

Chery doesn’t put everything under a single badge. Each brand targets a different segment, and that strategy has driven their export expansion. Omoda targets young urban buyers with modern design and the Omoda E5 electric SUV. Jaecoo leans into adventure with SUVs like the J7 and J8. Jetour launched in Poland in November 2025, and Exlantix is rolling out as the premium EV line.

Brand	Target	Key Model	Markets
Omoda	Young urban	Omoda E5 (electric SUV)	Europe, Australia, Middle East
Jaecoo	Adventure families	J7, J8	Europe, Middle East, Australia
Jetour	Travel enthusiasts	Premium-oriented	Poland (Nov 2025)
Exlantix	Premium EV	Luxury electric	Launching 2025

Top Export Markets and European Relevance

Geographically, Chery’s largest share goes to the Middle East and Africa (about 35%), followed by Europe (about 25%), South America (20%), and Asia-Pacific (15%). Europe includes the UK, Spain, Italy, and Germany. The Barcelona plant will supply regional production and help manage the 20.7% tariff Chery faces.

Region	Share	Key Markets
Middle East/Africa	35%	Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt
Europe	25%	UK, Spain, Italy, Germany
South America	20%	Brazil, Chile, Mexico
Asia-Pacific	15%	Australia, Thailand

Key Models for European Buyers

The Omoda E5 is Chery’s main electric play in Europe. It uses a 61.1 kWh LFP battery for about 430 km WLTP range and sits around €35,000, competing with BYD Atto 3 and Hyundai Kona. The petrol Omoda 5 (1.6L turbo, from about €25,000 in the UK) targets entry-level SUV buyers. The Jaecoo J7 PHEV, with 347 hp and 800+ km combined range, appeals to families who want long-distance flexibility.

Warranty Advantage

In Europe, Omoda/Jaecoo EVs use standard CCS2 where applicable; check Euro NCAP per model. Chery stands out with warranty coverage. Their 7-year, unlimited-mileage vehicle warranty beats most European brands (typically 2–3 years). Battery coverage is 8 years, in line with the industry. I’ve found that shoppers who compare Chery to Toyota or VW are often surprised by the longer coverage.

Coverage	Chery	Toyota	VW
Vehicle	7 years	3 years	2 years
Battery	8 years	8 years	8 years
Mileage	Unlimited	100K km	60K km

An Infrastructure Snag and How Chery Is Responding

A common worry with new brands is service and charging. When I checked dealer maps for Omoda and Jaecoo in some European markets last year, coverage was uneven—strong in some countries, thin in others. Chery’s response has been to expand retail partners and to lean on the Barcelona factory for parts and support. As production ramps up there, availability and lead times should improve. If you’re in a market where Chery is still building presence, it’s worth confirming dealer proximity before committing.

Implications for Europe and the Road Ahead

Chery’s export numbers and factory investment show serious commitment to Europe. Barcelona production will help with tariff mitigation, and the multi-brand setup means more choices for different buyers. Current plans include 1.5M+ export volume, expansion into 90+ markets, Jetour’s European rollout, and local production starting in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Chery’s export volume compare to other Chinese automakers?
In 2024, Chery was China’s top automotive exporter by volume, ahead of SAIC (MG) and Geely in export numbers. Their multi-brand structure (Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, Exlantix) lets them serve several segments at once.

Will the Barcelona factory affect prices in Europe?
Chery faces a 20.7% EU tariff on imports. The Barcelona facility, expected from Q4 2025, will produce vehicles in the EU, which should reduce or eliminate that tariff impact and potentially improve local supply and support.

Is Chery’s warranty coverage trustworthy?
Chery’s 7-year unlimited-mileage warranty is better than most European brands. The 8-year battery warranty matches common EV standards. As with any warranty, check the local terms and conditions and dealer support before buying.

For more on Chery’s brands and models in Europe, see our Chery Brand Overview and Omoda & Jaecoo Europe Guide.