Tony Liu, the head of Chery Group in South Africa, gave a talk at the NADAConnect 2026 Conference about the company’s future plans.
In his presentation, Liu showed off several car brands, including Omoda, Jaecoo, and Lepas. He explained that the company is moving away from traditional engines and focusing more on electric cars and hybrid technology.
Liu explained how the company is growing their network of dealerships and how it is using AI technology to help solve everyday problems.
Ultimately, Chery wants to build a long-term future in South Africa by creating eco-friendly cars and supporting the local economy.
Video: Tony Liu speaks at the NADA event in Johannesburg:
Chery’s Global NEV Surge: 10x Growth by 2026
Chery is accelerating its global New Energy Vehicle (NEV) expansion, targeting 1.5 million sales by 2026. This ambitious roadmap focuses on four key areas: carbon neutrality, industrial upgrades, tech empowerment, and next-gen platforms.
South Africa: The PHEV Solution
Chery identifies 2025 as the tipping point for South Africa’s “NEV Era.” While infrastructure catches up, Plug-in Hybrids (PHEVs) offer the perfect bridge for local drivers.
Why PHEVs?
- No Range Anxiety: Vehicles operate as traditional hybrids when charging isn’t available.
- EV Performance: Delivers the silent, instant torque of an electric car with superior fuel efficiency.
- Market Leader: Chery already commands 48% of South Africa’s PHEV market.
The Tech Roadmap: Killing Range Anxiety
Chery is focusing on three core technologies to lower the barriers to EV adoption:
- Battery Electric (BEV): 800kW motors delivering 0-100km/h in 3 seconds. Ultra-fast charging to 80% in 8 minutes.
- Solid-State Batteries: Coming soon, these batteries will reportedly offer a 1,200km driving range.
- Super Hybrids: “Gen 7” tech targets 3L/100km efficiency and 2,000km total range.
One Vision, Multiple Brands
The group is deploying NEV tech across its portfolio:
- Chery & Omoda/Jaecoo: Adding hybrid and electric options to the Tiggo and Omoda C-series.
- iCaur: A dedicated, youth-focused brand featuring the V23 and 03T.
- Lepas: A premium line (A4, A6, A8) offering high-performance hybrid and electric powertrains.
Support Beyond the Sale
Transitioning to electric requires an ecosystem:
- Charging: Partnerships with banks to roll out fast-charging networks across South Africa.
- Confidence: 10-year unlimited battery warranties.
- Expertise: Specialised NEV training for dealer technicians.
Driven Demand Analysis:
Chery’s strategy for South Africa is notably pragmatic. By prioritising PHEVs over pure electric vehicles, the company is acknowledging the reality of local infrastructure constraints while still positioning itself for a low-carbon future.
The success of this 10x growth target will likely depend on two factors: the speed of the promised charging network rollout and the continued volatility of global oil prices.
If fuel costs remain high, the 3L/100km efficiency of their hybrid tech may prove more persuasive to local buyers than the high-performance specs of their BEVs.
However, the ambitious 2026 timeline leaves little room for error in a market where consumer trust in new tech is still being built -Ed.
