FRANKFURT -- Chery Automobile introduced its first offering for European markets, the Exeed TX compact SUV, at the auto show here this week.
The TX and future high-end Chery models sold in Europe and elsewhere -- potentially including North America -- will wear the Exeed nameplate.
"In just a few years we intend to start selling a family of vehicles in European markets across multiple segments, with power supplied by a range of electrified powertrains," Chery CEO Anning Chen said in a news release.
The TX will have three electrified powertrains when it goes on sale — hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric, the company said. The plug-in hybrid version will reach the market first, with all-wheel-drive and powered by a 110-hp, 1.5-liter gasoline engine and an 85-kilowatt electric motor.
Chery says the Exeed TX will travel 70 km (44 miles) in full electric mode. Fuel use is 1.8 liters per 100 km, and the TX will comply with Euro 6 emissions standards. Suspension will be MacPherson struts in the front and multilink in the rear.
Inside, the TX will have a 10-inch touchscreen and connectivity features including Chery’s E-call emergency assistance service. Interior features include heated memory front seats, privacy glass and ambient lighting that changes colors
Chery said it has collaborated with western suppliers on the development of the TX, including Benteler of Germany on the design of the M3x platform; Dana and BorgWarner for the all-wheel-drive system; Getrag for the transmission; and Hella for lighting.
Safety features will include warning systems for lane departure warning, blind spot and driver fatigue detection.
Chery says it is the best-selling Chinese brand in overseas markets, with 54,317 sales in the first half, an increase of 61.5 percent over 2016. Through August, Chery sold 3,680 new cars in Russia, up 6 percent on the year before, according to the Moscow-based Association of European businesses.
Chery joins a number of Chinese-based or financed automakers who have plans to expand beyond the domestic market to Europe and North America.
Borgward, a German automaker that ended production in the early 1960s that has been reborn with Chinese backing, said it will begin European sales of its Chinese-built BX7 SUV next year. Geely's Lynk & CO plans to open sales outlets for its 01 crossover, with Volvo underpinnings, in Berlin and San Francisco in 2019. Great Wall Motors showed its upscale brand called Wey at Frankfurt.
Chery also plans to open a design studio in Europe, likely in Berlin, to support its international expansion efforts. James Hope, who previously worked at General Motors and Ford, is leading design operations in the region.
