Chery targets UK market with Omoda car to surpass Skoda Karoq

author: FutureCar Staff    

Omoda, a car brand from China's automotive giant Chery, is aiming to achieve 15,000 sales of the Omoda 5 in the UK next year. The launch of the SUV is expected by the end of 2023 and it has the potential to outsell competitors like the Skoda Karoq, Honda HR-V, and Citroen C3 Aircross.

In preparation for the launch, Omoda is actively recruiting franchised dealers to establish a network of over 50 showrooms in the UK. These showrooms will be ready to promote the brand to car buyers at the beginning of 2024. Pre-order bookings are anticipated to open later this year, and Omoda has already been in discussions with leasing companies.

The target for Omoda is to achieve 15,000 registrations of the Omoda 5 in the UK during its first year of availability. This includes both fleet and retail sales, with options for petrol and full electric variants from the initial launch. The petrol models will be priced between £20,000 and £25,000, while the electric pricing is yet to be confirmed, but estimates suggest around £45,000.

Unlike its parent brand Chery, Omoda has decided not to use the Chery name for its cars in the UK and Europe. The company believes that the name Omoda, derived from "Oxygen" and "Moda" (meaning modern), will help establish a futuristic brand image. Wenlong Liu, the brand manager, stated that Chery is the largest exporter in China and that Omoda cars offer advanced functions, including ADAS for safety, at an affordable price.

Omoda has provided details about the Omoda 5, which will feature a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 197PS. An electric version will also be available from the launch. The specifications for the UK-bound electric vehicle have not been officially released, but Omoda showcased the car at the Shanghai motor show. The electric version is expected to have a 61kWh battery pack with a range of 280 miles, a power output of 224PS, and a charging time of approximately 35 minutes from 10% to 80%.

All Omoda models are SUVs. The launch plan includes a large SUV, the C9, scheduled for release in the UK by the end of 2024, followed by a compact C3 SUV in 2025. Both of these models will be available exclusively in electric variants. Customers will have the choice of purchasing online or through the dealership.

In 2022, Skoda UK sold just under 9,000 Karoqs. Omoda already exports vehicles under the Omoda subsidiary to South America, Russia, and South Africa. The brand enters a highly competitive market in the UK, with several other Chinese brands already selling vehicles, such as MG and Great Wall's Ora since last year. Additionally, brands like BYD, Lynk and Co, and Nio are also preparing to introduce their electric vehicle offerings to UK customers.

FutureCar Staff