Chery Group entered the global Top 10 automakers in the first half of 2026, driven by strong international sales growth and the expansion of the new energy vehicle (NEV) segment. The performance further strengthens the global ecosystem of which iCAUR is part, Chery Group’s strategic NEV brand preparing to launch in Romania, the first European market signed for the brand’s development.
In the first half of 2026, Chery Group reached a 4.1% share of global automotive sales, ranking ninth worldwide. During the same period, the Group sold 475,238 NEVs, an increase of 32.3% compared with the previous year. Growth was also supported by performance in Europe, where new energy vehicle sales reached 86,000 units, up 385% compared with the same period in 2025.
International expansion continued in July, when Chery Group surpassed 200,000 vehicles exported in a single month for the first time. Globally, the Group serves more than 20.16 million users, including 5.56 million outside China, and operates in more than 130 countries and regions.
The Group’s global development is supported by an extensive research and development infrastructure, with Chery operating eight R&D centres across Europe, Asia and North America. Within this ecosystem, iCAUR contributes to Chery Group’s global development strategy in the new energy vehicle segment, combining electrified technologies, distinctive design and an approach built around the Urban Outdoor Adventure concept.
One of the models supporting the brand’s international development is the iCAUR V23. Launched in China at the end of 2024, the model has surpassed 100,000 units sold globally and is present in more than 20 countries and regions. The V23 received the Red Dot Design Award 2026 and achieved a five-star rating in the ASEAN NCAP safety assessment. The model also ranked first in the Midsize Battery Electric SUV segment in the J.D. Power 2026 China New Energy Vehicle Appeal Study.
iCAUR V27, the next stage of the brand’s development in Europe
For Europe, the next stage of iCAUR’s development will be supported by the V27, the brand’s global flagship and the first model planned for the Romanian market.
Romania is iCAUR’s first signed European market, while AUTO ITALIA is the first confirmed partner group for the brand’s development in Europe. The official launch of iCAUR in Romania is scheduled for October 2026, with the V27 expected to become commercially available at the beginning of 2027.
The first iCAUR V27 prototypes have already been shipped to Romania and are scheduled to arrive in September 2026. They will support the brand’s pre-launch promotion and preparations for local activities ahead of the official iCAUR launch on the Romanian market.
The iCAUR V27 features the Golden REEV system, developed to combine an electric driving experience with the range required for long-distance travel. The system uses a 1.5T engine as a generator and achieves thermal efficiency of up to 44.5%. In the configuration intended for the V27, the system provides more than 150 km of electric range and a total combined range of more than 1,000 km.
The model also features the i-AWD intelligent all-wheel-drive system, designed to automatically adapt to different driving conditions, as well as V2L functionality, which allows external electrical equipment to be powered directly from the vehicle.
With the launch of iCAUR, AUTO ITALIA is continuing to expand Chery Group’s portfolio on the Romanian market, one year after the introduction of the CHERY brand in Romania. iCAUR will complement the Group’s portfolio with a proposition aimed at customers seeking extended range, versatility and a model suited both to everyday use and to travel and outdoor experiences.
Further information regarding the launch of iCAUR in Romania, the commercial network and the portfolio intended for the local market will be announced in the coming period.
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