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Chinese car maker sees sales rocket

The owner of new to the British Market Omoda, Chery Holding, has registered sales of over two million vehicles between January and October 2024.

From January to October, Chery sold 1,083,673 vehicles in the domestic market, a year-on-year increase of 56.3%. Overseas exports totaled 941,275 vehicles, a year-on-year increase of 23.8%. Cumulative sales of ICE vehicles reached 1,621,830 units to the end of October, a year-on-year increase of 22.7%. Cumulative sales of new energy vehicles over the same period reached 403,118 units, an increase of 205.4% year-on-year.

These results make Chery the only automotive company to achieve ‘double growth’ in both new energy and fuel vehicle markets, as well as ‘double growth’ in domestic and overseas markets.

Chery has just surpassed a production milestone, with the 15 millionth vehicle recently coming off the production line, aligning with its goal to enter the global top 10 automotive companies with faster speed and higher quality.

“We expect sales of around 2.5 million units in the current year, after just under 1.9 million in 2023,” commented Jochen Tueting, Managing Director of Chery Europe GmbH.

OMODA&JAECOO vehicles are now available in 27 countries and regions worldwide. Following successful market launches in Spain, Italy and the UK, OMODA&JAECOO products will go on sale in further European markets including Poland, Greece and Hungary by the end of 2024. Germany and France will follow in summer 2025.

“As a well-known technology-oriented automotive group, we will launch numerous new OMODA&JAECOO variants in Europe by the end of 2025. The focus will be on B, C and D segment models as well as the wide mix of different powertrain options typical of Chery, from pure petrol to PHEV/HEV and all-electric vehicles.” Tueting concluded.

In terms of sales of its new models, Chery remains in the fast lane with its new dual brand OMODA&JAECOO. As one of the fastest growing car brands in the world, the dual brand has already exceeded 300.000 units in total cumulative sales just 16 months after its global launch.

The ongoing globalization of the number one Chinese car exporter is also underlined by the group’s inclusion in the Fortune Global 500 for the first time. Chery was ranked 385th in the annual list of the 500 companies with the highest turnover in the world. Chery is also the very first Chinese vehicle manufacturer to sell more than four million vehicles outside China.

Chery also achieved an important triple success in the recently published 2024 studies by J.D. Power. In terms of quality, Chery took first place among independent Chinese brands for the second time in a row. The car manufacturer from Wuhu also secured further first places for sales service satisfaction and product attractiveness.

Premium pick-up still setting the pace

Toyota Hilux GR Sport

By Bill McCarthy

The pickup truck market is highly competitive, but one model, the Hilux, has continued to set the standard for over 50 years. The latest makeover introduced a new top-of-the-line model, the GR Sport, which adds premium touches to a vehicle known for its workhorse capabilities.

Toyota emphasizes that the GR Sport is designed for both work and leisure, offering high-quality cabin comfort, safety features, and connectivity options.

The range includes the single cab Active, starting at just over £27k plus VAT, and the more upscale Invincible. Both models are available with either a 201 bhp 2.8-litre engine or a 2.4-litre version, and feature new equipment, improved comfort, and enhanced on and off-road performance.

The latest model boasts a wider track, raised ride height, improved handling, reduced roll angle, and more precise steering response, providing the best driving experience on and off-road. It also features less noise and vibration, as well as revised suspension and brakes for better performance.

From the workmanlike single cab to the five-seater double cab, the range offers various combinations. The high ground clearance and step up to the cabin highlight the vehicle’s off-road capability. The most obvious clue to its off-road capability is the high ground clearance and clearance between wheel and wheel arch and it’s quite a step up to reach the cabin. No mean feat for my 5ft nothing wife.

The new GR Sport model features a sporty and dynamic design, with revised front ends, wheel arch mouldings, fog light surrounds, and specific 18-inch alloy wheel designs. The interior follows a sporty black monochrome theme with red accents, synthetic suede and leather seats, red seatbelts, paddle shifts, and aluminium pedals.

Equipped with the Toyota Smart Connect+ multimedia system, the GR Sport includes an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen display, cloud-based navigation, and a nine-speaker JBL premium audio system. The interior also features a lockable, cooled glovebox, leather finished steering wheel, and powered windows.

The pickup’s flat bed can accommodate various shapes and sizes, with the ability to carry a full-sized pallet and optional hard top available. The 2,755cc turbodiesel unit provides 201bhp and 500Nm of torque, with the capability to tow loads of up to 3.5 tonnes and a one-tonne minimum payload capacity.

While the pickup’s economy is decent at over 30mpg, its turning circle and handling at speed may not be as impressive. However, it excels off-road with features like increased approach angle, higher ground clearance, and automatic electronic control for better traction and acceleration on low-grip surfaces.

On the road, performance is decent for such a heavy designed to go anywhere.

It can hit 60mph in just over 10 seconds, but economy is surprisingly decent given engine size and overall weight, with around 30mpg, according to WLTP figures. A figure I easily achieved and little more.

The driver can also select Eco and Power settings. Eco mode reduces power consumption for better fuel economy, while power mode initiates a sharper response to enhance the driving experience.

The almost exclusive use of eco mode proved really economical over a prolonged drive.

The turning circle is not fantastic, nor handling at speed, let’s not go there. It is hardly a silent runner with road and wind noise, particularly from the large door mirrors, intrusive at times. However once running, the engine is fairly quiet and refined. The ride, when unladen, is bouncy over rougher surfaces, but perfectly acceptable and smooth over decent surfaces. But it’s by no means uncomfortable thanks to the comfort of the high spec cabin.

The pickup also comes with safety features such as seven airbags, collision warning, traction and stability control, hill start assist, and downhill assist.

Factfile

  • Toyota Hilux GR SPORT DC 2.8D Auto
  • Price: £49,750 (inc VAT)
  • Mechanical: 201hp, 2,755cc four cylinder diesel engine driving all wheels via six-speed auto transmission
  • Max speed: 109mph
  • 0-60mph: 10.7 seconds
  • Combined mpg: 28.5-29.7
  • CO2 emissions: 242-259g/km
  • BiK rating: 37%
  • Insurance group: 45
  • Warranty: 5 years/unlimited miles