Omoda set for debut

Two SUV models from Omoda are set to arrive in New Zealand in the first half of next year.

The marque’s name comes from fusing the letter O, “symbolising oxygen and life”, and “moda” for “modern”.

It will offer a diverse range of SUVs and powertrains, with the C5 and E5 being confirmed as the first models for this country.

The C5 will offer customers the option of a 1.5T or 1.6T powertrain, while the E5 will be the brand’s first full electric vehicle.

The E5, pictured, boasts streamlined aerodynamics. Its EIC technology significantly reduces energy consumption to 15kWh/100km while offering a range of up to 450km. It will have a 0-80 per cent DC fast-charge time of 35 minutes or less.

Omoda exported 13,975 vehicles in September alone and achieved a cumulative export volume of 117,217 units from January to September. The marque has a presence in 14 markets worldwide.

Chinese owned

Omoda is a marque of Chinese company Chery and made its debut in 2022. It was introduced in Russia and Kazakhstan last October with the C5 as its first model.

In some markets, Omoda is positioned as a luxury brand compared to the more mainstream Chery, adds Wikipedia.

Chery president Zhang Guibing has said Omoda will serve buyers who are part of the “fashion elite”, a group of fashion-orientated customers who are dynamic, avantgarde and fashion-centric”.

Omoda’s global debut was held in April this year in China alongside the Jaecoo marque. Its brand direction is headed up by Steve Eum, vice-president for Chery in China.