Who is the new car brand JAECOO?
JAECOO is the latest new car brand to enter the UK, arriving in 2024.
JAECOO is one of two new car brands to launch this year, along with its “affordable premium” sibling brand, OMODA. Both JAECOO and OMODA fall under the banner of Chery, China's largest car manufacturer.
The unusual name JAECOO derives from the German word 'Jaeger', meaning 'hunter', and the English word, 'cool'. It is designed to spotlight the multi-purpose of JAECOO's SUVs - highly capable both in the wild, as an intelligent off-roader, as well as the master of an urban setting.
Unlike many of the new Chinese car brands that have entered the UK market in recent years, JAECOO isn't exclusively focussing on the sale of electric vehicles.
JAECOO understands that there is still a large demand for ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) cars among UK drivers. Therefore, the brand is committed to offering a range of powertrain options, such as petrol and plug-in hybrid, in its upmarket premium SUVs.
It is, however, the plan to introduce fully electric cars to its lineup in the future.
What is the history of JAECOO and Chery?
Chery is one of China's oldest and most successful car manufacturers, despite only being founded as recently as 1997.
Chery builds around 2 million cars per year under its own badge, as well as other subsidiaries. Two of these are the new JAECOO and OMODA brands.
Chery's first venture into the UK market is only set to strengthen its position as China's biggest exporter of cars worldwide. Chery has held this honour for the past 20 years.
Along with its sibling OMODA, JAECOO will be the main export brand for Chery.
Why should I buy a car from JAECOO?
JAECOO is a premium car brand that specialises in performance-based SUVs that are just as happy off-road as they are around town.
The first car that it's launching in the UK is the JAECOO J7 and will be a direct rival to such premium models as the Land Rover Defender and the Audi Q3.
The J7 offers a driving experience that boasts enhanced performance, cutting-edge technology, and stunning looks.
Powered by a 187bhp 1.6L Turbocharged petrol engine, the JAECOO J7 SUV is likely to be very modestly priced at around the £35,000 mark.
The bold front grille is the first feature to catch the eye, reinforcing the J7's image as a powerful cruising machine. In addition, the 19-inch aluminium alloy wheels and vast panoramic sunroof complement the all-round premium feel..
On the inside, occupants are welcomed with a minimalist designed luxury interior. Taking prominence is the 14.8-inch HD touchscreen, through which all functionality is operated. The accompanying 10.25-inch information display relays clear correspondence to the driver.
All the latest mod cons are included too, such as Panoramic Parking Camera, Blind Spot Monitor, Front & Rear Collision Warning, Auto Emergency Braking, Heated Seats, Head-Up Display, and Apple CarPlay & Android Auto. A further classy touch is the aircraft-style automatic gear shift handle.
It is expected that a PHEV version of the J7 is to follow before the end of the year. Looking further ahead, the even larger JAECOO J8 is slated to arrive in 2025, along with the J5 compact SUV.
Can I rely on driving a Chinese car, such as a JAECOO?
When a popular new product arrives on the scene, there can be a lot of trepidation as to whether it can actually be trusted. The same could be said for Chinese brands arriving in the UK.
But Chinese-owned MG is now one of the fastest growing car brands in the UK, winning many motoring awards along the way.
Nevertheless, doubts and misconceptions of Chinese cars may still linger for some, surrounding their overall quality and reliability.
Former Jaguar Land Rover engineer Peter Matkin heads Chery's team in Frankfurt and vowed that the JAECOO J7 would be specifically tuned for UK roads. “We've put a lot of focus into developing cars for Europe,” he said. “The UK cars will have bespoke damper settings, spring rates and bush rates, and we've made adjustments to the anti-roll bars to make sure they meet European tastes more closely.”
JAECOO is supremely confident in the reliability of its cars. That's why it's following its sibling brand OMODA by offering its customers an industry-leading 7-year/100,000-mile warranty on all new cars.
Although no JAECOO cars have yet been road tested by Euro NCAP, the OMODA 5 SUV has and returned a full five-star safety rating.
The reliability of both OMODA and JAECOO have been likened to that of the MG brand - itself offering a 7-year warranty deal on all its new cars. Models such as the MG4 EV, MG ZS EV and MG HS have all received five-star safety ratings since 2019.
Where can I find my nearest JAECOO dealership?
Officially launching in 2024, you can find JAECOO in the North West at Chapelhouse JAECOO Warrington and Chapelhouse JAECOO Blackpool.
The JAECOO premium brand will join OMODA at Chapelhouse Warrington and Blackpool, following its own launch in summer 2024.
Servicing and Parts are accommodated at Chapelhouse OMODA & JAECOO too. The brands are dedicated to ensuring that any part is available to any dealership on a next-day basis..
