(P1) THEME Chery Automobile is challenging the auto industry's pivot to all-electric by launching a new generation of intelligent, hyper-efficient gasoline-powered cars, led by an engine with a claimed world-record 48.57% thermal efficiency.
(P2) AUTHORITY "Energy form should not limit the user experience," Chery Group Vice President Zhang Guozhong said. The strategy, dubbed "oil-electric equal rights," means customers choosing gasoline's all-weather adaptability don't have to sacrifice intelligence and comfort.
(P3) DETAILS The new-generation Kunpeng Tianqing engine achieves its record efficiency through advanced "double-curve three-linkage" technology, according to a white paper released by the company. This technology, debuting in the new Tiggo 9 SUV, is paired with the Mars·Star Core MIND architecture, which enables advanced driver-assistance systems like Highway NOA and L2+ capabilities, previously reserved for premium electric vehicles. Chery also unveiled a 5-degree HEV technology, a hybrid system that cuts fuel use by about 30% while offering a 150kW peak power discharge, enabling features like vehicle-to-load (V2L).
(P4) NUT GRAF This move directly targets the vast global markets in South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, where weak grid infrastructure and geography make pure EVs impractical. By creating a new class of "New Fuel Vehicles," Chery is betting it can capture a significant share of the 70% of the global market that remains reliant on internal combustion, potentially slowing the pace of EV adoption in developing nations and strengthening its position as a global auto giant.
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While new energy vehicle penetration surpasses 50% in China, the global picture remains dominated by internal combustion. Industry forecasts project a future "433" energy mix—40% hybrid, 30% pure electric, and 30% pure combustion—leaving a massive, multi-million-unit annual market for advanced gasoline cars. Chery's strategy is a direct play for this segment.
An industry veteran told Wall Street News that for Chinese brands to transition from regional players to global giants, leading-edge internal combustion technology is not just relevant, but essential. Chery's focus on this technology is a calculated counter-narrative to the "EV-only" sentiment prevalent in many automotive boardrooms.
The company's efforts are not confined to engine efficiency. The new vehicles aim to erase the "intelligence gap" between gasoline and electric cars. By integrating high-compute chips and AI models, Chery is transforming the engine from a simple power source into a comprehensive energy hub for both propulsion and intelligent power generation. This allows for features previously impossible in traditional fuel cars, such as robust in-car connectivity, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS), and external power discharge for camping or work sites.
Chery's global ambitions are clear. The company's exports climbed 17.4% to 1,344,020 units in 2025, setting a new record for a Chinese carmaker. Its Lepas brand is already making inroads into the UK market with a planned rollout of three SUV models, including the compact L4 EV crossover, demonstrating a multi-pronged approach to international growth. By investing heavily in what it calls "New Fuel Vehicles," Chery is not abandoning electrification but rather running a parallel strategy to compete with international giants like Ford and BMW across the full spectrum of powertrain technologies.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice.
