Chery is set to debut its vehicles in Russia under a new NEV brand beginning in 2024, with hybrid powertrains forming the backbone of the lineup. The company confirms that the transition will establish a dedicated dealer network to support this strategic move, signaling a refreshed approach to Russian markets and aiming to bring both traditional gasoline models and electrified options under a single brand umbrella. The plan envisions a strong local presence, with nearly 70 authorized car dealers planned for the initial rollout, showcasing Chery’s ambition to build direct relationships with customers across the country. The leadership for this new phase is being led by Dmitry Maksimov, a veteran in the automotive sales arena who previously served as Volkswagen’s Sales Director for Russia and Kazakhstan for more than five years, bringing a wealth of regional experience to the task of launching the Chery NEV initiative.
In late October, Chery introduced hybrid versions of its Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro crossovers in Russia, both of which carry the Plug-in Hybrid designation in their model names. The Tiggo 7 Pro Hybrid is positioned at a price around 4 million rubles, while the Tiggo 8 Pro Hybrid is estimated at about 5.2 million rubles. Under the hood, these crossovers combine a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 235 horsepower. The powertrain is designed to deliver brisk performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of around 7 seconds, and a claimed driving range near 1,000 kilometers on a full charge depending on conditions. This blend of efficiency and performance is positioned to appeal to buyers seeking electric-assisted mobility without sacrificing the convenience of a traditional internal combustion engine. The vehicles are designed to offer a compelling balance of urban practicality and longer-range capability for trips across diverse Russian terrain, supporting a gradual transition toward electrified driving while leveraging Chery’s existing engineering and manufacturing resources.
Earlier on the Russian market, customers have seen Geely Emgrand sedans in the lineup, reflecting the broader ecosystem of Chinese brands represented through local dealer networks. The evolution toward a dedicated Chery NEV brand in Russia represents a strategic shift in branding, sales infrastructure, and product strategy, aligning with global trends toward electrification and hybrid propulsion. This approach emphasizes customer choice, dealer accessibility, and a clear product roadmap that integrates plug-in hybrid technology with efficient combustion options to meet varied driving needs across Russia while positioning Chery for future iterations and market expansion in other regions.