Author: Group1 Chery

Chery’s Robot Revolution: Mornine, the Caregiver Assistant

Imagine this: you’re at a Group1 Chery dealership, ready for a test drive in the latest Chery Tiggo 8 Pro. You buckle up, excited to feel the power and performance, only to be met by… another passenger. Not just any passenger, mind you, but a bipedal robot with a friendly face and an uncanny ability to answer your questions before you even ask them.

That’s the future Chery is building, and it’s nothing short of incredible. At their recent CEO Conference, the brand unveiled Mornine, a humanoid robot designed to become an extension of the Chery family – and not just in a metaphorical sense!

Meet Mornine – Your New (Robot) Sidekick

Mornine isn’t your average piece of machinery. This marvel of engineering boasts a lifelike silicone face that can move and mimic human expressions. Combined with its built-in Large Language Model (LLM), Mornine can answer your questions, follow your instructions, and even maintain a conversation – all in a natural, human-like way.

But Chery isn’t stopping at fancy features. They see Mornine as a whole new range of possibilities, a robotic companion that can adapt to your needs. Think salesperson, receptionist, or even a guide on your next road trip through the scenic Garden Route.

From Info Provider To Invaluable Assistant

Mornine’s development is planned in three distinct phases. During the first phase, picture Mornine as your friendly neighbourhood information booth. It will interact with customers, answer their questions, and learn the ins and outs of human interaction. This includes understanding different accents, and conversation styles.

Phase two is where things get exciting. Mornine will tap into its advanced capabilities like visual recognition and self-navigation. Imagine it walking alongside you at the dealership, demonstrating car features, or even helping you with a test drive (although we wouldn’t recommend letting it take the wheel just yet!).

The final phase is where Mornine truly shines. It will transform into a competent assistant, tailored to your specific needs. Think childcare and education for busy families, assistance for elderly folks living at home, or even a robot that cooks and cleans – basically, everything you ever wanted in a roommate (without the snoring!).

A Robot Revolution With A South African Heart

“We see Mornine as a celebration of pioneering robots like Boston Dynamics’ Atlas,” says Tony Liu, Deputy General Manager of Chery South Africa. “But what sets Mornine apart is how it combines our engineering expertise with a deep understanding of customer needs.”

This isn’t just about showing off fancy tech; it’s about creating a robot that can genuinely improve our lives. Whether it’s helping with chores, providing companionship, or offering a helping hand to those who need it most, Mornine has the potential to revolutionise the way we live.

The Future Is Now (And It Drives!)

While Chery hasn’t announced an official release date for Mornine just yet, one thing’s for sure: the future is looking mighty interesting. And sjoe, if Mornine can handle the complexities of learning South African slang at the dealership, imagine how it’ll handle the open road on a Chery test drive!

The post Chery Is Developing A Caregiver Robot And Everyone’s Impressed appeared first on Group1 Chery.

Chery Zooms Into Europe Via Spain

Chery is making a historic move by setting up shop in Europe, with Spain as its springboard. This is exciting news for us at Group1 Chery, not just because we’re (obviously) huge fans of the Chinese brand, but because it signifies Chery’s commitment to international growth and further solidifies their presence in South Africa. So, let’s delve into the details of Chery’s European adventure.

Why Spain? Setting Up Shop In Barcelona

Spain might seem like an unusual choice for Chery’s European debut, especially considering the country’s relatively low EV market share (around 12%). However, there’s more to the story than just electric vehicles.

Chery plans to offer a mix of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, hybrids, and EVs in Europe. This strategic approach caters to the diverse needs of European markets where EV adoption varies greatly. Here in South Africa, for instance, a healthy mix of fuel types is still the norm, and Chery’s existing lineup perfectly reflects that!

Another factor is the availability of a suitable production facility. Chery is in talks to utilise the former Nissan plant in Barcelona, which shut down in 2021. This move could breathe new life into the facility and create much-needed jobs in the region.

Not Just Chery – A Hub For Electric Innovation

The story gets even more interesting. The Barcelona plant might become a hub for electric mobility, with Chery potentially sharing space with Spanish electric motorcycle company Silence and engineering groups like EV Motors and QEV. Imagine a collaborative environment where cutting-edge electric vehicles are born – that’s the exciting future Spain and Chery are working towards.

Ready To Drive The Future In Sunny SA?

While Chery’s European foray doesn’t directly impact their current South African presence, it’s a promising sign for South African motorists. It showcases the brand’s global ambition and commitment to innovation, which translates into even better Chery vehicles for us here!

We at Group1 Chery are proud to offer a fantastic selection of Chery models, including the dynamic Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro MAX, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro MAX – all packed with innovation, safety features, and stunning design.

BOOK A TEST DRIVE and experience the thrill of a Chery first-hand. Our friendly staff is also happy to answer any questions you might have. So don’t wait – contact your nearest Group1 Chery dealership today and get ready to embark on a Chery adventure!

The post Chery Continues Its Expansion With Entry Into Europe Through Spanish Doors! appeared first on Group1 Chery.

With a firm commitment to staying at the forefront of technological evolution, Chery has invested heavily in research and development to enhance its NEV offerings. The latest addition to the Chinese automaker’s electric sub-brand is the iCar V23, marking the first model jointly developed by Chery and Xiaomi-owned Zhimi Technology. Building upon the trend set by its larger sibling, the iCar 03, the rugged SUV draws inspiration from icons like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class in its design, though it’s a bit smaller.

In case you’re wondering how big or small it is – the hardcore-looking, boxy SUV is just 4,220 mm long, 1,915mm wide and 1,845mm tall on a 2,730mm wheelbase. It was officially unveiled on April 12, with a release planned for the year’s second half.

Optimised For Off-Road Driving

Positioned as a pure-EV compact SUV, the stylish Chery offering is set to deliver an EV experience with some real off-roading capabilities. For starters, the iCar V23 offers versatility with two drive options: a single-motor rear-wheel drive and a dual-motor four-wheel drive. Notably, it boasts an approach angle of 43 degrees and a departure angle of 41 degrees. For those opting for the four-wheel drive variant, a minimum ground clearance of 212 mm ensures tackling rough terrains with ease.

Powering this beast are cutting-edge battery packs sourced from CATL, delivering an impressive cruising range of 400 km to 500 km. While exact powertrain specifications are under wraps, the iCar V23 promises to emerge as a truly electrifying addition to the off-road scene.

Dashing New Features

Typical of the tech-savvy trend seen in modern vehicles, the cabin of the iCar V23 boasts a minimalist design featuring a sizable infotainment display powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8155 chip. Complementing its sleek exterior are several rectangular air vents, a collection of knobs and toggle switches, stylish black and white leather upholstery and a steering wheel spoke design.

The exterior design of the SUV maintains the same modernity with compact, angular lines and new-generation LED headlights, making it particularly appealing to young drivers. Its boxy silhouette, round headlights, raised front bonnet, and beefy bumpers pay homage to exceptional offroaders like the Land Cruiser FJ40.

Additionally, the iCar V23 has several practical additions that elevate its functionality and visual appeal. These include an external rear box for extra storage, concealed illuminated door handles, roof luggage racks, side steps, and uniquely designed pedal-shaped rims, available in 19 and 21-inch options.

Thus far, under the iCar brand, Chery has revealed intentions to introduce six to eight vehicles within the next three years, using this collaboration model.

Watching Closely For More Updates

As excitement builds around the iCar V23’s impending market launch, one question looms large: will Chery consider introducing this impressive off-road vehicle to markets beyond China? With the global rise of 4×4 culture and overlanding enthusiasts seeking the next big adventure, the potential for the iCar V23 to captivate audiences worldwide is undeniable.

Stay up-to-date on the latest Chery news with Group1 Chery!

The post Chery’s Next-Gen EV Innovation – iCar V23 Is Coming appeared first on Group1 Chery.

Chery Hybrid Tech Evolving Fast

Chery is certainly not resting on any laurels. The automaker’s scorecard in 2023, substantial growth in sales and exports, and relentless commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global expansion paint a vivid picture of its remarkable progress. In what’s considered a major leap in “intelligent” manufacturing, the company has set a new standard for the development of global hybrid technology with the Q-Power architecture platform introduced in October 2023.

Meeting new generation mobility needs with PHEV hybrid system

Empowered by the Q-Power technology platform, the PHEV hybrid system boasts a 1.5T engine paired with a dual-motor, three-engine power setup with an additional 9 operating modes and 11 gear combinations. The new hybrid technology, popularly known as the DHT Hybrid system enables the vehicles to achieve superior high performance, sustained high energy efficiency, quality driving experience, safety and energy saving.

The exceptional performance and fuel efficiency are achieved through the incorporation of 11 driving modes, seamlessly chosen by the system. These modes span starting, low, medium, and high-speed variations, as well as overtaking, long-distance, and mountain pass driving settings. With finely tuned parameters for each mode, the hybrid system ensures the utmost efficiency and optimal power output for every driving circumstance imaginable.

In real-world testing, the new PHEV models point to a range of 95 kilometres in pure electric mode and close to 1,000 kilometres range in hybrid mode. The engine offers 0 to 100km/h acceleration in just 4.26 seconds, fuel consumption of only 1.55L per 100 km and a swift 3-5 hour full charge time.

Additionally, the advanced hybrid system uses intelligent, adaptable i-HEC combustion management and a high-efficiency turbocharger that offers a thermal efficiency exceeding 44.5%. This distinguishes it as the most efficient engine with the lowest real-world consumption on the Chinese market. The proprietary hybrid system is reported to have been tested for over five million kilometres and 30,000 hours.

Chery Group has set exciting and ambitious targets for 2024, thanks to the new QPower architecture. We look forward to showcasing the first hybrid models with DHT to our South African customers, but meanwhile, you can still have a look at some of the most popular Chery Tiggo Pro models now available at Group1.

The post Chery Sets New Standards With DHT Hybrid Architecture appeared first on Group1 Chery.

Chery Has Dazzled SA Drivers – Here’s How

South African drivers are well-known to be set in their ways, which means that can be challenging for a ‘new’ brand to make inroads when they first drive onto showroom floors in sunny SA. Initially, this was the case for the Chinese auto brand Chery as well. However, it would seem the tide has turned, and that discerning motorists from all walks of life have realised the many benefits of driving a Chery.

Since relaunching the brand locally towards the end of 2021, Chery has been consistent in their excellent sales numbers. This includes the sales of three new models that have been launched since then, namely the Tiggo 4 Pro, Tiggo 7 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro.

According to the monthly reports by the National Automobile Association of Manufacturers of South Africa (Naamsa), Chery has consistently sold 1100+ models over the last few months, with stats in October peaking at the sale of 695 x Tiggo 4 Pro, 369 x Tiggo 7 Pro and 165 x Tiggo 8 Pro. The brand also recently welcomed its 10,000th South African customer – a major milestone in just a year!

Whereas Chinese car brands previously had an old, outdated reputation for being cheaply built and less than sturdy, these new models have reassured SA consumers that the research and development teams behind this top-tier brand have managed to create exceptional vehicles that are up to the task, and come with friendly price tags to boot.

Chery is doing equally well in other markets, including the South American republic of Brazil. Here, Cherry has sold just under 30 000 units in its first 10 months, which places it at a market share of almost 2.5%. In fact, Chery is one of the top-ten-selling brands in Brazil at the moment.

The Middle East is likewise enamoured with Chery. So much so that the Chery Tiggo range was awarded the Most Intelligent Pioneering Vehicle title at their local vehicle awards. Here, the range has also managed to double its market share over the course of the past year.

Here’s to many more years of providing South African drivers with well-built, good-looking, fuel-efficient cars that are as fun to drive as they are easy to own. To learn more about the Chery models we currently have available, get in touch with our Group1 Chery teams in Stellenbosch and George. It’s amazingly easy to organise a test drive – we’ll even bring the Chery to you!

The post Chery Among Chinese Car Brands That Dazzle SA Drivers appeared first on Group1 Chery.