After two and a half years of negotiations, announcements, and previous exhibitions, Chery has commenced operations in Colombia under the solid banner of the Vardí Group.
It is official: the automotive giant Chery is back in Colombia. Now, it arrives with a completely different approach focused on sustainable mobility and under the representation and support of the Vardí Group, a company with over 60 years of experience in the automotive sector, nationwide coverage, and which also distributes Nissan and Changan in our country.
To achieve this, the importer is making an investment exceeding 50 million dollars for the launch and subsequent strengthening of Chery in Colombia. This process includes the establishment of a new dealer network that will cover various cities across the country, two of which are already operational: one on 19th Avenue and 106th Street in Bogotá and another in Chía.
Additionally, this relaunch involves introducing four hybrid vehicles—two Mild Hybrid (MHEV) and two Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV)—as well as a fully electric model set to arrive later. It is clear that the current Chery bears no resemblance to those we previously knew.
Chery’s New Cars in Colombia
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro MHEV: the most affordable hybrid SUV on the market
The first entry in the Chery range for Colombia arrives as the subcompact SUV or crossover segment faces significant competition such as the Renault Kardian. The Tiggo 4 Pro is priced similarly, but offers advantages with its light hybrid system and a more powerful and capable engine.
It features an Acteco 1.5-liter turbo engine producing 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque starting at 1,750 rpm, complemented by a 48V ISG electric generator providing 10 hp and 40 Nm of torque. This combination is paired with a CVT automatic transmission featuring 9 simulated speeds and two driving modes: ECO and Sport.
Key highlights include high perceived cabin quality, a robust and solid appearance, 340 liters of trunk space, a 7-inch digital dashboard, CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, a 360° HD camera, and independent four-wheel suspension. Price: $99,990,000 valid as of August 2024.
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV: a strong competitor for CX-30 and Arkana
If the new Renault Arkana poses a challenge to the undefeated Mazda CX-30, the competition will intensify with the new Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV from Chery, which has been updated specifically for its official debut in Colombia and is therefore dissimilar from what we saw at the Bogotá Motor Show nearly a year ago. It is a family-oriented vehicle, noted for its spacious interior and technological features.
Under the hood, it shares the same powertrain as the Tiggo 4 Pro, equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine and a 48V electric generator. The system power reaches 145 hp with torque of 210 Nm at 1,750 rpm. It uses a CVT automatic transmission with 9 simulated gears and driving modes of ECO and Sport.
Advantages include independent four-wheel suspension, quality interior finishes, a sunroof, ambient lighting, distinctive exterior design featuring a red “T” on the fenders, 360° HD camera, and dual digital display screens for the instrument cluster and multimedia system. Price: $128,990,000 (August 2024).
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV (plug-in hybrid): challenging the BYD Song Plus
While the Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV and PHEV appear very similar on the outside, they differ significantly beneath the surface. Apart from some external features like the bumper and aerodynamic rims, the main difference lies in the powertrain. It is equipped with a plug-in hybrid system featuring three engines: a 1.5-liter turbo gasoline engine and two electric motors, generating a total of 308 hp and 510 Nm of torque.
The vehicle can operate in Hybrid mode, alternating between electricity and gasoline; 100% electric mode; or combustion mode for special circumstances. It features a “Dedicated Hybrid” transmission that offers up to nine driving modes and three energy regeneration modes when the lever is in the “B” position.
The electric motors are powered by a 19.27 kWh LFP battery, providing 75 to 100 km of all-electric range. Additionally, its total range exceeds 1,000 km. It includes several advanced driving aids, air filtration with an N95 filter, and panoramic roof, among other amenities. Its main competitor will be the highly successful BYD Song Plus. Price: $179,990,000 (August 2024).
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV: spacious and highly technological
The flagship model of this new Chery in Colombia is the Tiggo 8 Pro, equipped with the same plug-in hybrid technology as the Tiggo 7 Pro. Meaning, it has a gasoline turbo engine and two electric motors delivering a total of 308 hp and 510 Nm of torque, along with a purely electric range of 75 to 100 km. However, it differs in being larger and having seven seats.
It also features the same “Dedicated Hybrid” transmission, which operates in three modes (hybrid, electric, and gasoline), and offers 9 driving modes with automatic operation. All this results in minimal fuel consumption and a range of over 1,000 kilometers per tank of gasoline.
Its equipment includes extensive technology and comfort features, such as a Sony 8-speaker audio system, 50W wireless phone charger, ascent and descent controls, and various advanced driving assistance systems. Price: $199,990,000 (August 2024).
Chery Vardí dealership on 19th Avenue and 108th Street in Bogotá.
Dealers, Warranties, and After-Sales
This new entry of Chery in Colombia through the Vardí Group marks a new era, backed by a strong presence and significant investments. The company aims to ensure, along with an 8-year warranty with no mileage limit for all its vehicles, trust and total security for new buyers of Chery vehicles in the country.
To start, alongside the two already established dealerships, there will be 10 sales points in the cities of Bogotá, Chía, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Manizales, Cartagena, and Armenia. They will also operate around 20 specialized workshops throughout the country. This initiative will create over 100 direct jobs and nearly 200 indirect jobs for the importer and distributors.
According to Maria Cristina Castro, General Manager of AutoVardí, “We believe that the Colombian market is ready to embrace a more efficient and cleaner mobility. We see this increasingly as a new lifestyle, and Chery is prepared to bring this innovation and technology closer”. For more information, visit the brand’s official website, www.chery.com.co.
Texts and photographs: Oscar Julian Restrepo Mantilla.
After Two and a Half Years, Chery Begins Operations in Colombia with Vardí Group
It’s official: the automotive giant Chery is back in Colombia. This time, however, it comes with a transformative approach that prioritizes sustainable mobility and is backed by the Vardí Group, a company that boasts over 60 years of experience in the automotive sector.
The re-entry of Chery into the Colombian market comes with a hefty investment of more than 50 million dollars. This investment aims at launching a new line of products while establishing a robust dealer network covering various cities. Already operational are two dealerships located on 19th Avenue and 106th Street in Bogotá and another in Chía.
This exciting relaunch introduces four hybrid models to the Colombian market: two models of Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEV) and two Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV), with plans for a 100% electric model to be launched soon. The new Chery vehicles are a far cry from their predecessors.
Chery’s New Vehicle Lineup in Colombia
Chery Tiggo 4 Pro MHEV: The Most Affordable Hybrid SUV on the Market
The introductory model of Chery for Colombia comes at a time when the subcompact SUV segment is heating up with fierce competition. The Tiggo 4 Pro stands out due to its light hybrid system and powerful engine, emerging as a strong contender against competitors like the Renault Kardian.
The Tiggo 4 Pro is powered by a Acteco 1.5-liter turbo engine delivering 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque from 1,750 rpm, augmented by an ISG 48V electric generator producing an additional 10 hp and 40 Nm of torque. This model features a CVT automatic transmission with nine simulated speeds and two driving modes: ECO and Sport.
Highlighted features include a high-quality cabin, ample trunk space of 340 liters, a 7-inch digital dashboard, CarPlay, Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, ambient lighting, and a 360° HD camera. Price: $99,990,000 (valid in August 2024).
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV: Competing with CX-30 and Arkana
With the introduction of the Chery Tiggo 7 Pro MHEV, competition in the hybrid market gets even fiercer. This family van offers generous interior space and cutting-edge technology, setting it apart from rivals like the Renault Arkana and Mazda CX-30.
Powered by the same 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine and 48V electric generator as the Tiggo 4 Pro, it generates 145 hp and 210 Nm of torque with a similar CVT automatic transmission.
Key attributes include a four-wheel independent suspension, premium interior finishes, sunroof, ambient lighting, a 360° HD camera, and dual digital screens for information and multimedia display. Price: $128,990,000 (August 2024).
Chery Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV: Competing with BYD Song Plus
The Tiggo 7 Pro PHEV stands out with a plug-in hybrid powertrain comprising a 1.5-liter gasoline turbo engine and two electric motors, resulting in a total output of 308 hp and 510 Nm of torque.
It operates in three modes: Hybrid (using both electric and gasoline), 100% Electric, and Combustion, providing advanced technological features, a regenerative braking system, and a battery range of up to 100 km in electric mode. Price: $179,990,000 (August 2024).
Chery Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV: Family-Friendly and Tech-Savvy
As the flagship model in Chery’s new lineup, the Tiggo 8 Pro PHEV employs similar technology to the Tiggo 7 Pro but offers additional seating for seven passengers. The total output remains at 308 hp and 510 Nm of torque, with a range of over 1,000 kilometers when fully fueled.
Its expansive list of features includes an advanced sound system, wireless phone charging, and multiple advanced driving assistance systems. Price: $199,990,000 (August 2024).
Dealers, Warranties, and After-Sales Support
Chery’s renewed presence in Colombia signifies a new era, supported by solid investments and a robust dealer network. To enhance customer confidence, Chery offers an exceptional 8-year warranty with no mileage limitation on all its vehicles.
In conjunction with the two operational dealerships, Chery plans to establish a total of 10 sales points in major cities like Bogotá, Chía, Medellín, Cali, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Pereira, Manizales, Cartagena, and Armenia, along with approximately 20 specialized service workshops nationwide. This initiative is set to generate over 100 direct jobs and nearly 200 indirect jobs.
Maria Cristina Castro, the General Manager of AutoVardí, remarked, “We believe that the Colombian market is ready to take the step towards a more efficient and clean mobility. We see that this is increasingly a new lifestyle, and Chery is prepared to bring this innovation and technology closer to everyone.” For more information, visit the brand’s official website www.chery.com.co.
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Texts and photographs: Oscar Julian Restrepo Mantilla.
