Omoda and Jaecoo strengthen their European offensive against BYD

It is already difficult to count them on the fingers of both hands. An increasing number of Chinese manufacturers are extending their reach to Portugal, and this year two more names will join the list: Omoda and Jaecoo, both under the Chery Automobile umbrella.

Having both entered Europe in 2024, they have more in common than their origins: they also share platforms, dealerships and an SUV-only strategy. Their debut models were the Omoda 5, offered with petrol and electric powertrains, and the Jaecoo 7, available with plug-in hybrid and petrol engines.

The Omoda 5 was one of the surprises of the Spanish market last year. This previously unknown model arrived, saw and conquered - and it continues to surprise. Its combination of a petrol engine and competitive pricing enabled it to outsell brands including Tesla, Jeep and FIAT in individual months. Sales figures have continued to rise in 2025.

Omoda and Jaecoo’s expansion into Portugal

The Chinese brands’ arrival in Portugal forms part of a wider European expansion, with Omoda and Jaecoo building on the momentum generated by their initial SUV offerings.

New offensive focused on electrification

The offensive is far from slowing down. As European Union emissions rules tighten around combustion-engined cars, Chery is accelerating the electrification of its brands.

At present, 74% of Omoda and Jaecoo sales come from petrol-powered models - a pricing strategy that has proved effective, but one that could result in penalties under the CO₂ targets imposed by Brussels.

The Omoda 9, a plug-in hybrid SUV with 449 hp and more than 149 km of electric range, marks the first step in electrifying the range and has already reached the European market. It will soon be joined by another plug-in hybrid, the Omoda 7, which was unveiled at the Shanghai Motor Show. The Omoda 5 line-up will also be expanded with hybrid and electric variants.

Omoda 3 and Jaecoo 5 broaden the SUV range

The Omoda 3 is scheduled to arrive in 2026. This compact SUV will be offered in three versions: combustion, plug-in hybrid and electric.

Meanwhile, the Jaecoo 5 is a new compact SUV due to reach the European market at the beginning of summer. Positioned below the Jaecoo 7, it will be available in electric and hybrid versions.

A threat to BYD?

According to Dataforce figures, Omoda and Jaecoo recorded combined European sales of 15,799 units during the first quarter of 2025.

That total is only slightly more than half of BYD’s 28,842 units, yet it points to remarkable growth. This has been achieved with just two models and a limited presence in seven European markets, including Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom, which account for the largest share of sales.

During 2025, Chery intends to enter a further 11 European markets, including Portugal, France, Belgium and Germany - although the identity of the Portuguese importer is not yet known.

Chery has high ambitions for Omoda and Jaecoo: it expects the brands to sell more than one million units worldwide by 2030.