JAECOO: everything you need to know
A full guide to JAECOO cars
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By Ben Welham
Last updated: 25 September 2025
Many new car brands are coming to the UK market, but what is JAECOO? Here’s a breakdown of everything you need to know about this new Chinese car brand.
What we’ll cover in this guide to JAECOO
What is JAECOO?
What does JAECOO mean?
Who makes & owns JAECOO?
Where are JAECOO cars from and made?
JAECOO models explained
How to charge a JAECOO
JAECOO launch timeline and market rollout
What is JAECOO?
JAECOO is one of the recent brands from the Chinese conglomerate, Chery, which also owns OMODA, Exeed and Jetour, among others.
Its aim is to appeal to off-road enthusiasts, but by bringing more affordable SUVs to the market, each with a unique offering and style.
Brand type: SUV manufacturer
Parent company: Chery Automobile Co. Ltd
Country of origin: China
Model range: JAECOO 5, JAECOO 7
Powertrains: Petrol, hybrid and electric
What does ‘JAECOO’ mean?
JAECOO says the inspiration for its name comes from ‘hunting scenes of ancient times’ where a hunter would go for its prey at ‘amazing speed’ and ‘never giving up until reaching the goal’.
And its name is made up of the German word ‘Jäger’ for hunter and the English word ‘cool’.
Who owns JAECOO?
JAECOO is owned and made by Chery Automobile Co. Ltd., which is one of the largest car manufacturers in China, selling millions of cars per year.
This sub-brand is twinned with OMODA, another car company that recently entered the UK.
The company has a global presence in more than 80 countries and has more than 80,000 staff worldwide. Suffice to say, then, this is no small operation.
Who makes JAECOO cars?
JAECOO cars are made by Chery in China.
Where is JAECOO from?
JAECOO is from Wuhu, China and is a subsidiary of Chery – one of China’s largest car companies.
Where are JAECOO cars made?
JAECOO’s primary production facilities are in Wuhu and Dalian, China. But some models are also assembled in other countries to serve local markets, including in Shah Alam (Malaysia), Bekasi (Indonesia) and Savojbolagh (Iran).
JAECOO models explained
JAECOO 5 Petrol
This is the smallest petrol car JAECOO makes, rivalling the Ford Puma and Peugeot 2008. It has 138hp and 275Nm of torque along with a seven-speed DCT automatic gearbox.
JAECOO 5 BEV
It’s almost exactly the same as the above, but it’s fully electric and rivals the Jeep Avenger and Hyundai Kona Electric. It has a power bump to 204hp and 288Nm of torque, and a 248-mile range.
JAECOO 7
If you want a bigger SUV, then this is what you should go for – an all-petrol family car. It produces 145hp and 275Nm of torque (matching its smaller J5 relative) and rivals the BMW X1 and Range Rover Velar.
JAECOO 7 SHS
‘SHS’ meaning ‘Super Hybrid System’ helps put this car at the forefront of plug-in hybrid car buyers’ minds. With a 56-mile range and fast charging capabilities, it’s suited to rival the Kia Sportage PHEV and MG HS Plug-in Hybrid.
JAECOO 8
This is the largest of the lot, denoted by the highest number. It brings luxury and opulence to the off-road car segment at a competitive price.
How to charge a JAECOO
Charging a JAECOO is no different to any other plug-in hybrid or electric car.
Simply:
Locate your nearest charger (at home or in public)
Plug the car in
Tap your card/use your app
Wait for it to charge (approx 30% to 80% in 27min)
Tap your payment card again/end in the app
Unplug
Drive away
Key dates and UK availability
JAECOO launched in the UK in early 2025, and since then has launched many different models, with plenty more to come.
There are stores located across the UK, including ones from our sister brand Marshall. Used models are also starting to make their way onto the market.
JAECOO launch timeline and market rollout
JAECOO and OMODA are always looking for new dealer opportunities and new models to launch, so we expect them to grow significantly over the coming years, increasing their presence in the UK.
When was JAECOO founded?
JAECOO was founded in 2023, making it a very new arrival to the market in car company terms. For reference, Audi was started back in 1909, and BMW in 1916.
When did JAECOO launch in the UK?
JAECOO arrived in the UK in early 2025 with big hopes to overhaul the car-buying landscape, and it’s certainly introduced some impressive new models in that time, keeping rivals firmly on their toes.
Abhishek Sampat, head of electric vehicles at cinch, said: “JAECOO only launched in 2025, but by August already had the sixth top-selling car in the UK with the JAECOO 7, showing really important growth for the new Chinese brand.”
When is the JAECOO J8 coming to the UK?
The JAECOO 8 is expected to arrive towards the end of 2025 in the UK, with deliveries starting shortly after.
Explore used JAECOO cars
If you’re in the market for a used plug-in hybrid SUV or a used electric SUV, you’ve come to the right place.
Search for a used JAECOO for sale and get a fine motor vehicle at an attractive price.