Chery's Omoda and Jaecoo Launch Canadian Website, Promise 2026 Market Debut

Chinese automotive giant Chery has launched a dedicated Canadian website for its Omoda and Jaecoo brands, signalling the first formal commitment by a Chinese EV maker to enter the Canadian market in 2026. The move follows months of speculation and sightings of Chery test vehicles in the Toronto area.

First Chinese brand to commit to 2026 Canadian launch

While BYD, Geely, and other Chinese automakers have been linked to Canadian expansion plans, Chery is the first to launch a public-facing Canadian web presence and explicitly target a 2026 debut. The website showcases the Omoda 5 compact crossover and Jaecoo 7 mid-size SUV — both expected to be offered in gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and battery-electric variants.

Chery has been testing vehicles in Canada since at least April 2026, with multiple sightings of Omoda and Jaecoo models in Toronto and Montreal. The company has also flown Canadian dealers to China for brand familiarization trips, suggesting dealer network development is underway.

Omoda 5 and Jaecoo 7: what to expect

• Omoda 5: Compact crossover (~4.4 m length), positioned against the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, and Hyundai Tucson. Global markets offer 1.5L turbo gasoline, 1.5L PHEV, and BEV versions with up to 450 km WLTP range.
• Jaecoo 7: Mid-size SUV (~4.5 m), targeting the Toyota Highlander, Ford Explorer, and Hyundai Santa Fe segment. Available with 2.0L turbo gasoline, PHEV, and BEV powertrains.

Both brands use Chery's latest platforms and share technology with the company's premium Exlantix (Stellar) line. The Jaecoo 7 PHEV, in particular, has drawn attention in Europe for its claimed 1,200+ km combined range.

Tariff context: the 6% window

Chery's timing aligns with Canada's reduced 6% tariff on Chinese-made EVs — down from the 100% rate the U.S. imposed — which took effect after Canada declined to match American tariffs. This tariff differential creates a window for Chinese automakers to enter Canada while the U.S. market remains effectively closed.

However, the federal government has not yet clarified how it will allocate import quotas for Chinese EVs under the new framework. Chery has publicly stated that homologation costs (certifying vehicles to Canadian safety and emissions standards) require volume certainty to justify the investment.

Dealer network and service questions

Key questions remain unanswered: How many dealers will Chery appoint? Will service be handled through existing networks or dedicated facilities? What warranty terms will be offered to build trust with Canadian buyers unfamiliar with the brand?

Chery sold over 2.6 million vehicles globally in 2025 and is China's largest passenger vehicle exporter. The company has successfully entered markets including Australia, Mexico, Brazil, and several European countries — but Canada would represent its first North American market.

What this means for Canadian buyers

If Chery delivers on a late-2026 launch, Canadian shoppers could see new EV and PHEV options priced below established competitors. The Omoda 5 EV, for example, could undercut the Hyundai Kona Electric and Kia Niro EV on price while offering comparable range.

However, buyers should weigh the risks of a first-year market entrant: parts availability, service network maturity, and residual value uncertainty are all factors. The federal EVAP rebate (up to $5,000) would apply if models meet Transport Canada's eligibility criteria and MSRP caps.

Looking for EV deals, insurance, or financing? Check out our partner deals and offers.

If you found this guide helpful, use our Tesla referral link for free Supercharging credits on a new Tesla purchase or lease in Canada.