Chery sub-brand Jaecoo to launch in Australia with new J7 midsize SUV

Chinese carmaker Chery has announced it will launch its new Jaecoo sub-brand in Australia in the second half of 2024.

The 2025 Jaecoo J7 – a rebadged version of the Chinese-market Chery Explore 06 – will be the first model from the Jaecoo brand to launch in Australia.

Pitched as a “rugged urban SUV brand,” it also offers the Jaecoo J8, a rebadged Chery Tiggo 9 three-row SUV. This model has not been confirmed for Australia with either Chery or Jaecoo badges.

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Jaecoo is one of many sub-brands of the Chinese marque.

South Africa, the United Kingdom and New Zealand receive Omoda-branded vehicles without any mention of its Chery parent, while it also sells ‘Jetour’ and ‘Exeed’ vehicles in China – including the Ford Bronco Sport and Land Rover Defender-like Jetour Traveller.

“We are delighted to announce that the Jaecoo brand will be coming to Australia, and we look forward to introducing this exciting new brand to Australian consumers, which is setting new standards for luxury and versatility in sports utility vehicles,” said Jaecoo and Chery Australia managing director Lucas Harris.

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The Jaecoo marque was launched at the Shanghai Auto Show in April 2023, with sales recently commencing in select European markets, Russia, Malaysia, the Middle East, and South Africa.

The 2025 Jaecoo J7 will sit on the smaller side of the midsize SUV segment with similar dimensions to the Mazda CX-5, Honda ZR-V and soon-to-be-replaced short-wheelbase Volkswagen Tiguan.

It is also similar in size to the recently launched Chery Tiggo 7 Pro.

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Confirmed features for Australia include front or all-wheel drive configurations and a 14.8-inch vertical infotainment system.

All-wheel-drive models will have the brand’s ‘all road drive intelligent system’ with up to seven selectable drive modes optimised “for specific driving scenarios”.

It is unclear if Chery Australia will sell Jaecoo vehicles from its existing dealerships or if it plans to launch a new retail network for the brand.

More details on the 2025 Jaecoo J7 are due to be confirmed closer to its Australian launch in the second half of 2024