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• Two major debuts headline a dynamic brand experience that blends product innovation with lifestyle appeal.

  OMODA and JAECOO proceed through 2025 with momentum and ambition, primarily thanks to a leadership team that reflects the company’s forward-looking spirit and commitment to diversity. In South Africa, this leadership takes centre stage through the work of Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager, who plays a pivotal role in shaping how OMODA and JAECOO resonate in the automotive market. “Our approach is about creating more than a car launch. It is about building a lifestyle experience that people want to be a part of,” says Gahagan, who believes the strength of the brands lies in their ability to blend premium product with human connection.

  We will see this come to life at the 2025 Festival of Motoring, where OMODA and JAECOO plan to share a unified presence, expanding across three adjacent bays in the Main Pit Area. Visitors can explore the two distinct brand zones, linked by an interactive experience that balances innovation with entertainment. The most noteworthy attractions will include the debut of the JAECOO J5, marking its first public appearance, alongside the official reveal of the OMODA C7 ahead of its market launch in October. Complementing these milestones will be an energetic Sound Bar silent disco experience and the Recharge Bar pop-up coffee station, designed for quick breaks only on Saturday and Sunday, operating for one hour each day.

  As OMODA and JAECOO grow their local footprint, these voices drive a vision of accessible mobility infused with creativity and grandeur. The year ahead promises milestones that reflect both the power of innovation and the influence of women, with a line-up of highly anticipated and competitive SUVs.

• OMODA & JAECOO have achieved over 600,000 global sales in just 27 months, making them the fastest emerging automotive brand to do so.
• In South Africa, June marked a milestone with more than 1,000 units sold, driven by strong demand for models like the C5, J7, and new plug-in hybrid offerings.
• NEVs (New Energy Vehicles) now make up over half of the brand’s global sales, with the J7 SHS leading hybrid sales in multiple international markets.

Earlier this year, the Chery Group, parent company of OMODA & JAECOO, made it onto the Fortune Global 500 list once again, ranking 233rd and surging 152 places compared to 2024. O&J’s parent company achieved a revenue of USD 59.6939 billion, making it the fastest-rising automotive company of the year. Its cumulative exports have exceeded five million units, making it the first Chinese automotive brand to reach this milestone, a notable step in the company’s international growth.

This strong growth, driven by the success of brands such as OMODA & JAECOO, highlights the rising popularity of these emerging global brands. The premium marques, for example, have set industry records. Within 27 months of their establishment, their cumulative global sales have exceeded 600,000 units, making them the fastest emerging brand globally to surpass 500,000 units in sales.

In South Africa, sales of OMODA & JAECOO vehicles have risen steadily, as an increasing number of consumers appreciate the fine balance of luxury features, value for money, and safety features offered by vehicles such as the J7 and C5. In recent months, Brand O&J has introduced additional models such as the C9 SHS and J7 SHS, bringing electrification and high-performance motoring within reach of many South Africans. This has resulted in strong local sales, with the brand breaching the 1,000-unit mark in June.

“South Africans are increasingly choosing vehicles that don’t just look good, but offer real value,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “That’s where we deliver. With strong standard specification, impressive safety ratings, and, recently, the introduction of electrified offerings, our growing lineup speaks to a new generation of drivers who want more from their mobility experience.”

This performance extends to the global market, with OMODA & JAECOO’s brand share in the parent company’s total export volume rising from 21% in 2023 to 37% in 2025. In the new energy vehicle sector, this performance has been robust, with NEV sales increasing by 460% year-over-year (YoY).

In June, NEVs accounted for 51% of the brand’s total sales. Globally, the J7 SHS, equipped with the marque’s super hybrid system, has consistently sold over 10,000 units per month for several consecutive months, establishing the brand as a trailblazer in the NEV market. In June, for example, global sales of the J7 SHS reached 10,149 units.

The J7 SHS has taken the lead in hybrid vehicle markets in multiple countries, including Poland, the UK, Spain, Italy, and Malaysia. It has become a core driving force behind the brand’s growth in the new energy sector, demonstrating its competitiveness in the hybrid vehicle market.

Since its establishment, OMODA & JAECOO has demonstrated astonishing growth, expanding its market presence to 44 countries worldwide, encompassing key regions such as Europe, Australia, Central and South America, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific. In just two years, it has emerged as a standout in the global automotive market, becoming a fast-growing dark horse in the global automotive industry.

In the second half of 2025, the brand will expand into markets such as Denmark, Croatia, Germany, and France, further increasing its global footprint. To achieve in-depth localisation, OMODA & JAECOO has also set up subsidiaries in various regions to strengthen local operations, sales, and service systems.

The OMODA C9 SHS earned top marks from Euro NCAP, scoring highly across all categories, including Adult, Child, and Vulnerable Road User Protection, thanks to its strong passive and active safety features.From a strong crash structure to features like fatigue monitoring and cyclist detection, the C9 SHS combines structural safety with intelligent driver support. Launched locally last month with 50 sales in South Africa, the C9 SHS has also seen segment-leading success in Europe and is set to debut in Germany and Australia later this year.

Earlier this month, , the independent organisation that evaluates the safety performance of new vehicles, awarded the OMODA C9 SHS a five-star safety rating. The new plug-in hybrid, launched in South Africa last month, scored 90% in Adult Occupant Protection, 85% in Child Occupant Protection, 81% in Vulnerable Road User Protection, and 80% in Safety Assist.

In testing, the C9 SHS excelled in the Adult Occupant Protection category thanks to its cage-type energy-absorbing structure and triple load-transfer pathways. During the challenging 50% offset movable deformable barrier test, it demonstrated exceptional energy absorption and dispersion, with minimal cabin deformation and outstanding protection for knees and femurs.

The side mobile barrier test earned a perfect score, while its front and rear seats effectively mitigated whiplash in rear-impact simulations. Additional safeguards include advanced E-Call emergency alerts and secondary collision prevention.

The C9 SHS achieved a top score of 24 points in the Child Occupant Protection category, performing exceptionally well in simulated crash tests involving six- and 10-year-old dummies. Designed with family safety in mind, it features dual ISOFIX anchors in the second row, front passenger airbag deactivation for rear-facing child seats, and a child presence detection system for added peace of mind.

Passive safety is only part of the picture—the C9 SHS also offers extensive active protection, thanks to 18 advanced ADAS features that support intelligent risk detection in real-world driving. In Euro NCAP testing, it scored impressively in the Vulnerable Road User (VRU) category, particularly in scenarios involving pedestrians and cyclists. The C9 SHS earned 24.6 out of 27 points in the VRU Impact Mitigation assessment, including full marks for AEB (Automatic Emergency Braking) Motorcyclist and Cyclist Dooring Prevention.

The ADAS delivers reliable performance in high-frequency scenarios such as lane-keeping and speed assistance, providing consistent safety support. The driver fatigue monitoring system utilises direct eye-tracing technology to detect drowsiness or distraction, significantly enhancing the safety of long-distance driving. Additionally, the intelligent speed limit assist accurately recognises road signs and pairs with adjustable speed control for comprehensive protection.

The C9 SHS’s five-star performance is all the more impressive when you consider that Euro NCAP has made its testing protocol more stringent since 2023. Stricter requirements include far-side occupant protection for pole collisions and doubled penalties for frontal structural compatibility issues. This includes 100 new test scenarios for active safety systems, such as crossing vehicle collision simulations, high-speed head-on collision scenarios, motorcycle crash tests, and more.

In its first month, the C9 SHS achieved 50 sales, underscoring strong demand for a premium, powerful, and affordable plug-in hybrid SUV. Elsewhere, the C9 SHS has achieved sales success in Europe, topping its segment in Poland, ranking top 3 in Italy, and outselling several established rivals in the United Kingdom, ranking fourth overall in May. In September, the C9 SHS will make its German debut at the IAA Mobility Show, before being introduced to the Australian market in the coming months.

“The five-star Euro NCAP rating reinforces what the C9 SHS was built to deliver: smart safety, strong performance, and exceptional value,” commented, National Brand and Marketing Manager at OMODA South Africa. “From the outset, we engineered this vehicle to meet the highest global standards, and it’s rewarding to see that reflected not only in the results, but in the strong customer response—both here in South Africa and key markets around the world.

OMODA is marking its presence at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July with the debut of the new C7 and a renewed collaboration with Khosi Nkosi—the acclaimed South African fashion house known for bold, contemporary designs that blend traditional African aesthetics with modern silhouettes. Building on last year’s Nkosazane campaign, the 2025 showcase introduces a new creative direction: Ndlovukazi.

This year’s campaign, Ndlovukazi, sees the all-new OMODA C7 unveiled to the public for the first time, adorned in a one-of-a-kind wrap created exclusively for the event.

The campaign draws inspiration from Nongquawuse, the young Xhosa prophetess whose life and legacy have long been misrepresented. In reinterpreting her story through fashion, art and design, Ndlovukazi invites a deeper reflection on resilience, leadership, and reclaiming narrative.

“The OMODA X Khosi Nkosi collaboration is the perfect platform to reflect on the rich tapestry of our history,” said Khosi Nkosi. “Our power lies in honouring our cultural heritage and drawing strength from our roots. With Ndlovukazi symbolising the evolution of Nkosazane, this collaboration is a celebration of identity and a reminder of where true strength comes from.”

“A queen needed to be a princess first, so she could be empowered with wisdom and the strength to rule with grace,” added Nkosi.

Positioned between the sleek C5 X Series and the flagship C9, the all-new C7 marks a bold step forward in OMODA’s commitment to value-driven luxury, practicality, and performance. With two powertrains available, the C7 caters to a diverse range of drivers. The 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine delivers a robust 145 kW and 290 N.m of torque.

The SHS plug-in hybrid offers a compelling blend of power and efficiency, producing a combined output of 255 kW and 525 N.m of torque. The hybrid also boasts an all-electric range of 105 km – ideal for urban commutes or short trips. Recharging is hassle-free: when connected to a 40 kW fast charger, the 18.4 kWh battery can be replenished from 30% to 80% in just 20 minutes.

As with last year’s Nkosazane print, the design brings history to the surface in a way that feels both relevant and modern, yet deeply intentional.

In the lead-up to the event, a showcase was held at the Mall of Africa, where visitors were invited to enter a giveaway for a chance to win tickets to the Durban July festivities. To participate, visitors scanned QR codes on the Ndlovukazi C7, which was displayed inside a glass box installation. Over 300 entries were received, but only one winner and their partner were selected. The Hollywoodbets Durban July will be live-streamed from the Ndlovukazi C7 display at the Mall of Africa this weekend.

As expected from the brand, the C7 arrives generously equipped, offering impressive features across both variants. Power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated front seats are standard on both models, along with an eight-speaker Sony sound system (12-speaker for SHS), LED headlights, leather upholstery, and an extensive suite of up to 21 advanced driver assistance features.

The SHS plug-in hybrid further elevates the experience, adding striking 20-inch alloy wheels, among other premium touches. Additional information on the C7 will be shared ahead of its official launch.

“The Ndlovukazi wrap is more than a fashion moment or vehicle unveiling. It’s a meeting of culture, creativity, and modern design, brought together by two brands that continue to challenge convention and celebrate progress in their own ways,” concluded Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager at OMODA & JAECOO South Africa.

New Energy Vehicle (NEV) ambitions with the recent unveiling of the C7 SHS, C5 HEV, and J5 BEV—three cutting-edge electrified models that reflect the brand’s growing presence in the hybrid and electric vehicle (EV) space.

These latest additions to the lineup showcase OMODA & JAECOO’s commitment to delivering intelligent, efficient, and sustainable mobility solutions, while reinforcing its “Born Global, Born NEV” strategy. Since the brand’s global debut in 2023, it has continued to expand its electrified offering, redefining the shape of premium mobility in South Africa and abroad.

At the heart of OMODA & JAECOO’s hybrid push is the Super Hybrid System (SHS). This intelligent hybrid powertrain pairs a fifth-generation 1.5 TDGI Dedicated Hybrid Engine (DHE) with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT), delivering up to 255 kW of combined power, 44.5% ultra-high thermal efficiency, and a driving range of up to 1,200 km.

Making its South African debut, the C7 is the latest model to showcase OMODA & JAECOO’s electrified innovation. Set to appear publicly for the first time at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the C7 will introduce the Super Hybrid System (SHS) technology to this segment—offering South Africans a powerful new option in plug-in hybrid mobility. With combined outputs of 255 kW and 525 N.m, the C7 SHS delivers dynamic performance and remarkable efficiency, raising the bar for electrified motoring.

An 18.4 kWh battery provides up to 105 km of electric range, ideal for daily commuting or short trips around town. When it’s time to recharge, a 40 kW charger can take the battery from 30-80% in 20 minutes. And if there’s no time to plug in? The petrol engine is ready to take over, offering a combined range of more than 1,200 km on a full tank—making the C7 SHS a smart choice for long journeys, too.

The J7 SHS was the first model to debut this technology and has already proven its strength globally. Within its first month of sales, it secured a top-three spot in Spain’s plug-in hybrid rankings, claiming nearly 7% of that segment. Now launched in South Africa alongside the OMODA C9 SHS, it marks the beginning of a new chapter for electrified mobility locally.

“Models like the C7 SHS, C5 HEV, and J5 BEV demonstrate just how far the brand has come in a short space of time,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “Like the newly-launched J7 SHS and C9 SHS, these vehicles embody the brand’s vision for efficient performance, intelligent innovation, and future-ready mobility.”

With innovation at its core and agility driving its global expansion, OMODA & JAECOO is building an electrified future, one bold step at a time.

June has been a record-breaking month for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa, with 1,009 new passenger vehicles sold during this period. Since entering the local market in April 2023 with the stylish C5 crossover, both sales and interest in Brand O&J nameplates have grown significantly, driven by a dynamic product lineup that continues to resonate with an expanding customer base.

This performance reflects the increasing demand for vehicles that offer bold design, high-end features, and exceptional value, placing OMODA and JAECOO among the fastest-growing automotive brands in South Africa.

“Crossing the 1,000 mark is more than a milestone—it shows that South Africans are responding to something fresh, exciting and relevant,” commented Hans Greyling, General Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “We’re incredibly proud of what the teams and our dealer network have achieved.”

June also marked the official retail debut of OMODA & JAECOO’s new-generation plug-in hybrid models, the SHS (Super Hybrid System) vehicles. Sales of the OMODA C9 SHS and JAECOO J7 SHS commenced this month, with initial deliveries of 50 units and 80 units, respectively.

The introduction of the SHS range signals OMODA & JAECOO’s shift towards intelligent, low-emission mobility solutions tailored to the evolving needs of South African drivers. “Our SHS range offers the best of both worlds: pure electric driving when you want it, and the assurance of petrol power when you need it. It’s a smart step towards a more energy-conscious future,” added Greyling.

OMODA & JAECOO’s performance in June caps off six consecutive months of sales growth—an upward trajectory that underscores the brand’s growing relevance in the South African automotive landscape. Month by month, more drivers are making the switch to OMODA and JAECOO, drawn by a product lineup that blends elegant design, cutting-edge technology, and strong value propositions.

Continued growth across the lineup

The broader OMODA & JAECOO lineup also performed strongly in June:

The OMODA C5 remained the top seller, with 478 sold. The C5 X Series, launched earlier this year, contributed 215 units. The flagship OMODA C9 (including C9 SHS) recorded 86 sales for the month. JAECOO delivered 230 examples of the J7 (including J7 SHS) in June 2025. This strong performance follows a sustained period of upward momentum, as OMODA & JAECOO continue to expand their national footprint and introduce new nameplates across multiple segments. Recent additions, such as the C5 X Series, have further strengthened the OMODA portfolio, while upcoming models—including the JAECOO J5 and OMODA C7—are poised to broaden the brand’s appeal even further.