The latest entrants into the UK automotive market, Chinese brands Omoda and Jaecoo, have made an impressive start, registering 2,561 vehicles within a matter of months according to the latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). Their introduction is a clear signal of the shifting dynamics within the UK's automotive industry, particularly within the electric vehicle (EV) sector. A major part of this initial success was the choice to partner with organisations like Arnold Clark, the UK's largest independently owned, family-run car retailer. So where did these brands come from and what can we expect to see in 2025/26?
Omoda and Jaecoo are brands of Chery – the 4th largest automobile manufacturer in China, with over 2.6m vehicles sold in 2024. The group, as a whole, turned over more than $39 billion last year. Chery led the way when it came to exporting Chinese made vehicles, on a large scale, back in 2001. Alongside JLP, Chery makes the Jaguar and Land Rover vehicles for eastern markets. They have been making and exporting electric vehicles since 2009 – including the best selling Chery eQ1, their most popular model. the eQ1 has remained popular in developing markets, because Chery has kept the price down to just under $10,000 (£7,600). The specification for that car is extremely basic, helping it to sell in the hundreds of thousands for Chery.
The Omoda and Jaecoo represent a very different proposition – with strong choices on battery and motor – alongside a plush interior with stitched trim for a luxury feel. We recently had the chance to try these cars and full reviews will be following shortly.
The Omoda 5 offers a WLTP range of 257 miles, 0 to 60 in around 7 seconds and, at the time of publishing, an on the road price of just over £27,400.
According to SMMT data, the launch strategies for Omoda and Jaecoo have been particularly effective. Omoda, which began its UK operations in September 2024, and Jaecoo, following suit in January 2025, have strategically outpaced many established and new electric vehicle manufacturers. The combined sales figures for the first quarter of 2025 alone suggest a rapid acceptance of these brands among UK consumers.
Omoda's vehicle lineup includes the ICE Omoda 5 and the all-electric Omoda E5, registering a total of 1,112 units so far this year. In contrast, Jaecoo has seen even higher demand, with its luxury SUV, the Jaecoo 7, achieving 1,449 registrations in just over two months. This rapid adoption is notable in a market that is increasingly competitive and price-sensitive.
Victor Zhang, UK Director for Omoda and Jaecoo, commented on the successful market entry, stating, “We have become the most successful Omoda and Jaecoo new market introduction by volume. Our UK figures from SMMT for 2025 indicate that we are on track to surpass our total 2024 registrations of 3,383 units by the end of the first quarter.”
Zhang attributes this success to a robust network of dealerships, effective after-sales services, and vehicles that are priced competitively for both private and fleet buyers. “It takes a strong team, a well-planted dealer and aftersales presence, plus a tailored set of vehicles to achieve what we have in such a short amount of time,” he added. The dealer network for Omoda and Jaecoo has expanded to 72 locations and is expected to grow beyond 80 by the third quarter of 2025.
Key to the brands' growth has been their strategic partnerships with some of the UK’s largest automotive retail groups, such as Arnold Clark. These relationships have significantly enhanced brand visibility and customer reach across the region.
Further fuelling their ascent is the attractive finance offers available on their vehicles. Notably, the Omoda E5 benefits from a 0% finance offer, a compelling incentive in a market where one in four new car registrations is an electric vehicle. This type of financial product aligns well with the increasing consumer shift towards EVs and sustainability.
Looking ahead, Omoda and Jaecoo are poised for further growth with the planned launch of additional models such as the Omoda 9, Omoda 7, and Jaecoo 5 later this year. The Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) rates for these models have been set to align with the new rates coming into effect in April, ranging from £65 for the Omoda E5 to £2,245 for the luxury variants of the ICE-powered models.
All vehicles from Omoda and Jaecoo undergo rigorous tuning at the company’s European R&D centre in Raunheim, near Frankfurt, Germany, to ensure they are optimised for UK driving conditions. This local adaptation strategy underscores the brands' commitment to delivering a superior driving experience tailored to the unique requirements of the UK market.
In addition to mechanical reliability, both brands emphasise customer satisfaction and long-term value. Each model comes with a seven-year/100,000-mile manufacturer’s warranty. In a partnership with the RAC, they also offer free roadside assistance for the duration of the warranty, provided regular servicing is maintained at authorised centres.
As Omoda and Jaecoo continue to expand their footprint in the UK, their approach not only demonstrates their commitment to quality and customer service but also signifies a significant shift in the automotive landscape, where new players are rapidly establishing themselves as formidable contenders in the competitive UK market.
If the Jaecoo or Omoda catch your interest, then we suggest you get a test drive before making any decisions.
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