Chery Automobile was founded in 1997 by the Wuhu municipal government as a local automotive manufacturer. The company began production in 1999 and initially focused on affordable passenger vehicles for the Chinese domestic market. Chery quickly grew to become one of China's largest independent automakers, differentiating itself from joint venture manufacturers through its focus on self-developed technology and intellectual property.
In the early 2000s, Chery began exporting vehicles, becoming one of the first Chinese automakers to sell cars internationally. The company established manufacturing partnerships and assembly operations in countries including Brazil, Iran, Egypt, and Russia, building an international presence that would later prove crucial to its growth.
Chery launched multiple sub-brands to target different market segments. The Exeed brand was introduced as a premium offering, while Jetour focused on affordable SUVs. In April 2023, Chery launched the Omoda and Jaecoo brands simultaneously at an international convention in Wuhu, positioning them as the company's primary export-focused brands for global markets.
In 2024, Chery achieved record sales of 2.6 million vehicles, a 38.4% increase over the prior year. Revenue exceeded 480 billion yuan ($65.5 billion), up more than 45% year-over-year. The company remained China's top automobile exporter, with the Omoda and Jaecoo brands accounting for a growing share of international sales. In 2025, Chery entered the European market through Omoda and Jaecoo, expanding into eight countries and announcing plans to begin production in Spain through a joint venture partner.