Who Makes Omoda Cars? Chery Automobile Brand Explained

If you’ve spotted OMODA around the UK lately, you’re not alone — the brand launched here in May 2024 and has been making steady inroads into the compact SUV segment. Behind that fresh badge sits one of China’s most established manufacturers, and understanding that connection explains a lot about what OMODA is and what it’s trying to achieve in European markets.

Manufacturer: Chery Automobile · Established: 2022 · Parent Group: Chery International · Key Models: OMODA 5, OMODA 9, OMODA E5 · Markets: UK, Ireland, Europe

Six key data points define OMODA’s identity and market positioning in the compact SUV space.

Who Makes OMODA Cars?

Omoda and Chery relationship

OMODA is a subsidiary brand of Chery Automobile, a state-owned Chinese manufacturer founded in 1997. Chery is China’s largest car exporter and has held that title for the past 20 years, building approximately 2 million cars annually under its own name and subsidiary brands, according to Chapel House. OMODA was created as a more premium export brand, positioned above the mainstream Chery lineup.

The relationship between OMODA and Chery operates through a dedicated export division called Chery International, which manages all brands marketed outside China. In June 2022, the decision to separate OMODA from the Chery marque and establish it as an independent brand was announced for the Russian market.

Manufacturing details

All OMODA vehicles are manufactured under Chery Automobile and exported by Chery International. The global debut of OMODA was held in May 2024 in Wuhu, Anhui, China. By August 2025, OMODA and Jaecoo jointly reached 600,000 vehicle sales worldwide — 27 months after brand introduction.

Who Makes the Engine for OMODA Cars?

Engine suppliers

The engines powering OMODA models are sourced from Chery group. The flagship OMODA 5 features a 1.6-litre ACTECO TGDI turbocharged engine producing 197 hp and 290 Nm torque, according to Chery International. This engine technology comes from Chery’s in-house powertrain development, reflecting the group’s vertical integration strategy.

Engine types used

OMODA offers petrol, hybrid, and electric powertrains across its model range. In the UK, the OMODA 5 is available with a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 183 bhp, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. A 1.5-litre petrol hybrid option became available in early 2025. The OMODA 9 features a plug-in hybrid with a claimed combined range of more than 1,200 km, according to Complete Car Ireland.

Are OMODA Cars Any Good?

Owner reviews

Early owner feedback on OMODA vehicles shows mixed results. The brand’s budget-friendly pricing has been praised, with the OMODA 5 petrol version priced competitively against established European SUVs. Build quality has received mixed reviews, with some owners noting the interior materials feel appropriately priced for the segment while others expect more refinement.

Expert verdicts

Expert reviews from publications like Top Gear and Complete Car note that OMODA vehicles offer generous equipment levels and competitive performance figures — the OMODA 5 completes the 0-62 mph sprint in 7.9 seconds and tops out at 128 mph. However, experts caution that the brand’s relative newness to European markets means long-term reliability data remains limited.

What Are the Common Problems with OMODA Cars?

Reported issues

Early model teething problems have been reported, consistent with most new vehicle launches. Reported issues include minor software glitches in infotainment systems and some build quality inconsistencies. No widespread failures have been noted across the model range, though the limited time on UK roads makes comprehensive reliability assessments premature.

Reliability concerns

Long-term reliability data for OMODA in European markets is not yet available. Chery’s track record in China — where the company has been building cars since 1997 — suggests competent engineering, but European market conditions differ. OMODA and Jaecoo UK targeted more than 120 dealerships by the end of 2025, with aftersales service networks still being expanded.

Where Are OMODA Cars Sold?

UK availability

OMODA entered the United Kingdom in May 2024, initially offering the OMODA 5 and OMODA E5. The brand arrived in UK showrooms in autumn 2024 after setting up dealer and aftersales networks in early 2024. OMODA’s initial UK line-up consists entirely of SUVs.

Ireland market

OMODA is sold in Ireland, with the OMODA 9 available as a plug-in hybrid reviewed by Complete Car Ireland. The brand shares dealers with Jaecoo in many markets, and the network continues to expand across Europe.

OMODA Model Range and Specifications

Five models form the current OMODA lineup, spanning compact to mid-size SUVs with varied powertrain options.

What this means: OMODA’s powertrain variety — offering petrol, hybrid, and electric across its lineup — gives the brand flexibility to adapt to different market preferences, though this also creates servicing complexity for a network still under construction.

OMODA is a subsidiary of Chery, one of China’s most established manufacturers, selling vehicles alongside the Jaecoo brand.

— Complete Car reviewer (Irish automotive publication)

Chery has sold 1.9 million cars and is China’s largest car exporter for the past 20 years.

— What Car? expert (UK automotive publication)

OMODA vehicles are manufactured under Chery Automobile and exported by Chery International.

— Cinch automotive guide (UK marketplace)

OMODA represents a calculated bet by Chery to compete in European markets with a premium-positioned brand backed by decades of manufacturing experience. The brand’s multi-powertrain strategy — offering petrol and hybrid alongside electric — differentiates it from competitors who have focused purely on EVs.

For UK buyers, the choice comes down to priorities: OMODA offers competitive pricing and generous equipment, but the brand’s limited track record in European markets means committing to a relatively unproven aftersales experience. Chery’s scale and expertise provide confidence in the engineering, but reputation is built over years, not quarters.

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Omoda, Chery’s bold 2022 venture into Europe, mirrors the surge of Chinese cars in Poland that captured 14.5% of new Polish registrations last December.

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