OMODA and JAECOO, divisions of the Chery Group, have officially entered the spotlight as two of the 17 finalists in the prestigious 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition, sponsored by Old Mutual Insure. The OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 are among the standout contenders in the fiercely competitive premium SUV segment, showcasing exceptional value, design, and performance since their local debut in 2024.
The JAECOO J7, launched in April 2024, has already proven its appeal with South African consumers, achieving remarkable sales success with over 1,100 units sold in the second half of the year. Alongside the OMODA C5, it was also nominated for the 2025 World Car of the Year award, cementing its international recognition. The OMODA C9, a new addition to the range, debuted in October with a striking design, a plush interior, and a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine offering 192 kW of power and 400 N.m of torque, making it a strong contender in the premium SUV market.
“We are thrilled to have both the OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 as finalists in the 2025 Car of the Year competition,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “This recognition is a testament to the strong appeal and exceptional standards of our vehicles, and it’s exciting to see South African consumers embracing what our brands have to offer.”
The OMODA C9 is a perfect representation of the brand’s commitment to innovation and luxury. Its premium features, including a sumptuously trimmed interior and advanced comfort and refinement levels, make it an ideal choice for discerning consumers. The vehicle’s 2.0-litre turbocharged engine provides effortless performance, and an upcoming plug-in hybrid variant is poised to enhance its eco-conscious appeal. Meanwhile, the JAECOO J7, with its elegant design and competitive pricing, offers an abundance of standard features, making it an exceptional value proposition in the premium SUV segment.
Both models come with an impressive 10-year/1-million km engine warranty for the first owner, reinforcing the commitment to long-term reliability and customer satisfaction. This assurance of quality extends to aftersales support, with Brand O&J and Chery South Africa operating a state-of-the-art 6,000m² spare parts facility that houses over 56,000 parts valued at R15 million. With a remarkable 98% parts supply rate across 52 dealerships, the brands demonstrate an unwavering dedication to customer care and convenience.
As the 17 finalists head into a crucial round of testing at Zwartkops Raceway in early March, the South African COTY jury will evaluate each vehicle’s performance, features, and overall value. The final results will incorporate data from Lightstone Auto, using automated assessments based on sales volumes and competitor pricing, ensuring a fair and comprehensive evaluation.
Both the OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 are strong contenders for the coveted Car of the Year title, representing a new wave of premium vehicles that combine design, performance, and value. Whether it’s the OMODA C9’s refined luxury or the JAECOO J7’s elegance and practicality, both models are setting new standards in their respective segments. With their place as finalists in the 2025 Car of the Year competition, these vehicles are proof of OMODA and JAECOO’s commitment to delivering exceptional driving experiences to South African consumers.
