·Since its founding in 1997, Chery Group has been committed to independent technological innovation. In its early years, Chery overcame numerous challenges to develop its first independently produced engine. Later, through collaboration with Austria’s AVL, Chery developed multiple generations of cutting-edge engines, earning numerous accolades. As the automotive industry entered the new energy era, Chery has emerged as a formidable competitor in the hybrid sector. Its fifth-generation hybrid technology, known as CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), features advanced DHE (Dedicated Hybrid Engine) and DHT (Dedicated Hybrid Transmission) systems, achieving a range of 1,600 km under standard conditions and exceeding 2,300 km in real-world usage. Proven under diverse global conditions, CSH has demonstrated exceptional performance. Chery is accelerating its global expansion, aiming to become a world leader in hybrid technology.
In 2024, Chery achieved a record-high sales volume, surpassing 2.6 million units for the year—a year-on-year increase of 38.4%, underscoring its solid progress in building a technology-driven enterprise. Since its inception, Chery has been dedicated to overcoming key challenges in core powertrain technology, continuously driving technological innovation and industrial upgrades. From globally leading fuel engines to cutting-edge hybrid technologies, Chery has charted a path from technological breakthroughs to global leadership.
Pioneer: Breaking Barriers in 1997—A Life-and-Death Independent Breakthrough
The engine, often referred to as the "heart" of a car, is the cornerstone of automotive technology. From the outset, Chery recognized that to build its own vehicles, it had to solve the "heart" problem first. Despite facing severe challenges such as limited funding, technological gaps, and a shortage of talent, Chery’s Chairman, Yin Tongyue, made a resolute decision: "Engine first, then the vehicle."
In 1997, at its Wuhu plant, Chery embarked on the "heart" project under dire circumstances—no blueprints, no patents, and no supply chain. After more than 500 days of relentless effort, the production line was built from scratch. On April 27, 1999, all the necessary parts arrived, and that night, Chery’s first engine was successfully produced and ignited. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone but also reinforced Chery’s commitment to independent innovation.
Image 1: Chery’s First Independently Produced Engine
With its own engine, Chery gained the core component needed for vehicle production, laying a solid foundation for its independent car manufacturing. On December 18 of the same year, the first Chery car rolled off the production line, signifying Chery’s initial capability to independently develop and produce both engines and vehicles.
Innovator: Advancing in 2002—Building a Systematic R&D Framework
After its early struggles, Chery began to systematize its technological innovation capabilities. In 2002, Chery decided to invest its entire "fortune" of nearly 1 billion yuan to collaborate with Austria’s AVL to develop its first-generation engine family.
This partnership was essentially about “building a forward R&D system with a tuition fee of 1 billion yuan.” Chery’s engineers were deeply engaged in the development of three engine series of 18 engines, mastering core technologies such as GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection), TCI (Turbocharged Intercooling), and VVT (Variable Valve Timing). This approach of “adapting global expertise to local needs” laid the groundwork for the subsequent evolution of four generations of engines, equipping Chery with essential technological capabilities and cultivating a team of highly skilled professionals.
Image 2: Chery’s Early Engineering Team
A turning point came in 2005 when Chery’s fully self-developed NEF1 engine was successfully ignited and rolled off the production line. With a rated power of 87 kW (6,000 rpm) and a maximum torque of 147 Nm (4,300 rpm), the NEF1 was groundbreaking for its time. The third-generation ACTECO engines, represented by the 1.6TGDI engine in Tiggo 7, began to rival world-class manufacturers. Equipped with turbocharging and GDI, and incorporating components from global suppliers like Honeywell, BorgWarner, and Schaeffler, these engines showcased significant advancements in both technology and quality.
In 2024, AVL’s team revisited Chery, with AVL’s chairman remarking, "Chery’s engine technology has reached the most advanced level in the world." By this time, Chery’s engines had passed the most stringent emission certifications in the EU, Japan, and other regions, and were exported to over 80 countries and regions worldwide, with a cumulative export volume reaching 1.2 million units. Over two decades, Chery’s journey from learning to leading, and then to global exports, epitomizes the evolution of its self-developed engine technology.
Leader: Dominating in 2024—Global Leadership in Hybrid Technology
As the world transitions into the new energy era, Chery has intensified its efforts across multiple technological fronts, including fuel, hybrid, range extender, pure electric, and hydrogen energy, to deliver diverse solutions for global users. Notably, in the rapidly growing hybrid sector, Chery has leveraged 27 years of engine expertise to launch its fifth-generation hybrid technology. This innovation has been officially named CSH (Chery Super Hybrid), offering the most advanced hybrid solutions to global users.
CSH features a fifth-generation 1.5GDI dedicated hybrid engine with a thermal efficiency of 44.5%, placing it at the forefront of global standards. For hybrid transmission, Chery employs the industry-first stepless super electric hybrid DHT technology, incorporating three major upgrades in information security, corrosion resistance, and safety levels. In pure electric mode, DHT achieves a maximum transmission efficiency of 98.5%, minimizing power loss, significantly improving energy savings, and ensuring smoother gear shifts. Coupled with high-performance hybrid batteries, the system enables rapid energy replenishment and a range of up to 1,600 km under standard conditions (based on which model?), showcasing Chery’s advanced technological capabilities in the hybrid power sector.
Image 3: Chery’s Fifth-Generation Hybrid Technology—CSH
Additionally, to tackle the diverse climatic and road condition challenges worldwide, Chery's fifth-generation PHEV technology has undergone comprehensive testing under various global conditions. It has demonstrated exceptional stability and reliability in extreme environments, including the scorching 57°C deserts of the Middle East, the high-altitude terrains of Central and South America ranging from 300 to 1500 meters, the hot and humid climates of Southeast Asia with humidity levels exceeding 75%, the frigid regions of Siberia, as well as the high-speed autobahns of Germany and the swampy roads of Africa. Furthermore, in simulations of congested urban conditions typical of international metropolises, the technology has been rigorously tested for over 1200 hours annually, proving its outstanding adaptability.
Image 4: The Latest Arrizo 8 Model Featuring Chery’s Fifth-Generation PHEV Technology
China’s automotive industry is undergoing a remarkable ascent, positioning itself at the forefront of the global automotive stage. In 2024, China’s auto sales hit 31.3 million units, representing 34.1% of the global market and solidifying its status as the world’s largest automotive market. In the new energy vehicle sector, China has emerged as the global leader, commanding 69.6% of the world’s market share and holding 66.8% of global patents. Among Chinese automakers, Chery stands out as a highly influential representative, thanks to its exceptional achievements. In 2024, Chery’s total sales surpassed 2.6 million units, marking a 38.4% year-on-year increase. Its annual exports exceeded 1.14 million units, growing by 21.4% year-on-year. Notably, new energy vehicle sales soared to 583,569 units, reflecting an impressive 232.7% growth. This performance made Chery the only automaker globally to achieve comprehensive growth across four key segments: new energy vehicles, traditional fuel-powered vehicles, overseas exports, and the domestic market. Chery boasts a global user base of 15.72 million, with its vehicles being sold in more than 110 countries and regions. For 22 consecutive years, Chery has maintained its position as the top Chinese brand in passenger car exports.
With the launch of CSH, its fifth-generation hybrid technology, Chery has taken a significant step forward in the global hybrid vehicle sector. Looking ahead, Chery is dedicated to delivering an exceptional driving experience to users worldwide. Through continuous technological innovation and industrial advancement, Chery aims to make cutting-edge technology more accessible, break down geographical and market barriers, and develop more efficient, eco-friendly, and intelligent mobility solutions—ultimately offering a better, more sustainable lifestyle to users across the globe.