Chery targeting affordable 'game changer' EV and more for NZ

Chinese carmaker Chery could soon expand its New Zealand line-up to include an affordable, small EV, a monocoque recreational pick-up, and an electrified sedan. But, these additions are unlikely to land any time soon.

Speaking to CarExpert NZ, chief operating officer of Chery Australia and New Zealand, Lucas Harris, confirmed that the brand has no plans to launch any new nameplates locally until its all-new body-on-frame plug-in hybrid ute arrives in either late 2026 or early 2027.

But, that doesn’t mean Chery isn’t trying to add more models to its range.

Harris confirmed that he is “advocating really strongly” for the recently revealed QQ3 fully electric hatchback to come here. 

“That Chery QQ is such a handsome little car and I think there's a huge opportunity for a small hatchback. [...] I'm making a lot of noise about it to try and to try and get it because I think it could be a game changer for us,” said Harris.

Should it get the nod to come here, the QQ3 could shape up as a potential rival for the affordably priced BYD Atto 1 and Dongfeng Box — both of which are priced just under $30,000 each. 

Built on Chery’s ‘T12’ platform, the QQ3 is 4195mm long, 1811mm wide, and 1569mm tall. In its home market it is offered with either a 29.5kWh battery or a 41.3kWh battery, paired to a single rear-mounted electric motor and rear-wheel drive. Electric range is rated from 310km to 420km on China’s generous CLTC cycle.

Regardless of whether Harris is successful in securing the QQ3, a fully electric nameplate is nevertheless an inevitability for Chery. “I'd be surprised if we didn't have an option in that segment in the next 18 to 20 months,” he said. 

The COO underlined an interest in entering the sedan and commercial van segment, although it is less clear what specific models are being lobbied for our region. Chery produces no less than six different sedan nameplates, ranging from internal combustion petrol models to hybrids to EVs.

“We've got some really great medium and large sedans, which I think is an untapped opportunity. In this part of the world there's really only one, maybe two real competitors in that segment. So if we were to bring a serious offering I think there is opportunity there,” said Harris.

“I'd love to have a van option as well. We have some options globally for vans, which are really great — both electric and ice. I think there's a great opportunity there as well,” he added.

“I really would like to be in every segment and I think if you want to be a serious contender, you need to be. You can't just come out with SUVs in three segments and think that that's going to be enough. It's not.” 

Perhaps the most curious model Harris has shown an interest in is the potential to launch a second ute, one aimed at a more casual customer. “There's also a monocoque chassis ute as well, which is a bit more recreational in nature, that's certainly something that we'd look at,” he said.

Harris was keen to note that the brand wants to have runs on the board with a proper, bonafide ute workhorse before bringing in a less serious car-based pick-up. 

Chery has yet to reveal this monocoque pick-up, but there are some potential bread crumbs offering clues. Numerous patent images have surfaced over the last 12 months showcasing numerous designs. 

The model could also morph out of Chery’s handsome KP2X concept, which debuted last year at the Chengdu motor show in China.