Chery's Super Hybrid Platform Targets Southeast Asian Markets

Chery has boldly entered the Southeast Asian hybrid mobility scene with its leading-edge Super Hybrid platform, which was recently showcased at the Bangkok International Motor Show 2025 and the Malaysia Autoshow 2025 alongside the compact Tiggo Cross SUV. The technology-packed CSH platform combines SDV capabilities with industry-leading thermal efficiency, impressive driving range, and lifestyle-oriented features that position Chery to challenge established hybrid market leaders like Toyota and Honda in one of the region's fastest-growing regions for electrified vehicles.

Key Takeaways

Chery's fifth-generation hybrid engine achieves an industry-leading 44.5% thermal efficiency, setting new performance standards
The platform offers an exceptional 1,200-1,400 km combined range, significantly outperforming competitors and addressing range anxiety
The company's SDV strategy incorporates coupling its in-house automotive OS or Huawei HarmonyOS with it's own Falcon autonomous driving system.
Chery's hybrid SUVs feature advanced lifestyle integration with smart charging and camping accessories that transform vehicles into mobile living spaces
Southeast Asia's hybrid market is projected to grow at 18% CAGR from 2024-2030, creating significant opportunity for Chery's expansion
The Tiggo Cross, Tiggo 7, and Tiggo 8 models aim to disrupt established Japanese dominance in the regional hybrid SUV segment
Chery plans to launch 39 hybrid models across their range in 2025

The Engineering Behind Chery's Super Hybrid Platform

Chery's Super Hybrid (CSH) platform represents a culmination of 20+ years of dedicated research and development. This platform isn't just another hybrid system—it's the product of eight global R&D centers, more than 300 advanced laboratories, and the collective expertise of over 30,000 R&D professionals.

At the heart of the CSH platform is a fifth-generation dedicated hybrid engine that achieves 44.5% thermal efficiency—currently leading the automotive industry. This exceptional efficiency translates to real-world performance gains that push the boundaries of what consumers can expect from hybrid vehicles.

The platform's Stepless Super Electric Hybrid Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) enables acceleration from 0-100 km/h in just 4.26 seconds—performance figures that rival many sports cars. Meanwhile, the transmission achieves 98.5% efficiency, maximizing the energy utilization across the hybrid system.

Chery hasn't just focused on performance—safety and durability are equally important. The Guardian Battery Safety Protection System ensures reliable operation in extreme temperatures ranging from -35°C to 60°C, making this platform suitable for diverse climate conditions across Southeast Asia and beyond.

Setting New Standards for Hybrid Range and Reliability

Perhaps the most impressive feat of the CSH platform is its combined driving range of 1,200-1,400 km—a figure that significantly outperforms many competitors and directly addresses the range anxiety that still plagues potential electric vehicle adopters.

This isn't just a number on paper. Chery has put the technology through rigorous real-world testing, including a 1,400 km endurance challenge from the Three Gorges to Shanghai. These tests simulate everyday driving conditions to validate the platform's durability, efficiency, and claimed range.

The global testing program continues to expand, with additional challenges planned for Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America. This comprehensive validation approach reflects Chery's commitment to delivering reliable green mobility solutions that perform consistently across different markets and driving conditions.

Chery's OS, Autonomous Driving and Connectivity Strategy

A cornerstone of Chery’s connectivity strategy is its partnership with Huawei, formalized through an all-round framework agreement. This collaboration focuses on developing smart car technologies across Intelligent connection systems, EE architectures, cockpit technologies, autonomous driving capabilities, C-V2X solutions, and Intelligent Vehicle Cloud Services.

Chery Automotive’s approach to in-car operating systems is distinct from many of its Chinese peers. While platforms like Baidu’s DuerOS and Banma’s AliOS (developed by Alibaba and SAIC) have been widely adopted by other automakers for smart cockpit and infotainment features, Chery has largely opted for its own proprietary solutions for its volume brands. Most mainstream Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo models run on in-house developed or customized operating systems designed to deliver user-friendly interfaces, voice control, and integration with Chery’s smart driving technologies.

For its premium and electric vehicle lines, Chery has partnered with Huawei under the Harmony Intelligent Mobility Alliance (HIMA) to introduce HarmonyOS, starting with the Luxeed S7. This collaboration brings advanced connectivity, seamless device integration, and a sophisticated smart cockpit experience to Chery’s higher-end models, positioning the brand competitively in the rapidly evolving intelligent vehicle market.

In terms of autonomous driving, Chery’s new Falcon smart driving system represents the company’s most ambitious push into intelligent mobility, aiming to bring advanced autonomous driving features to a wide range of vehicles globally. Supporting all Chery's automotive OS solutions, and scheduled for rollout across more than 30 models by the end of 2025 - including internal combustion, hybrid, range-extended, and all-electric vehicles - Falcon is structured in three tiers: Falcon 500 offers AI-powered navigation-on-pilot and automated parking; Falcon 700 adds greater computing power for full-scenario navigation and valet functions; and Falcon 900 delivers Level 3 autonomous driving with vision-language-action models for hands-free operation.

Internationally, Chery is tailoring Falcon’s capabilities to diverse driving environments, adapting its systems for European roundabouts, Middle Eastern desert highways, and Southeast Asia’s dense motorcycle traffic. The company has secured dual EU certifications for cybersecurity and over-the-air updates, and its autonomous fleet has already logged over 4.5 billion kilometers in overseas operation. By 2026, Chery plans to introduce its most advanced Falcon-equipped models to Europe, accelerating the global adoption of Chinese smart driving technology.

Falcon’s deployment is not limited to high-end vehicles; even entry-level models like the Chery eQ1 will feature a suite of 23 smart driving functions, including automatic and remote parking and highway navigation on autopilot, at accessible price points. This democratization of intelligent driving underscores Chery’s strategy to make advanced driver assistance a standard feature worldwide, supporting its vision of safer, smarter mobility for a global customer base spanning over 100 countries.

Meanwhile, Chery has demonstrated sustained interest in 5G SA technology applications for vehicles. As early as 2019, the company partnered with both Huawei and ZTE to develop 5G SA use cases for connected and autonomous vehicles. The ZTE partnership involved establishing a joint venture to accelerate research and development in 5G applications for automotive connectivity.

Regional Focus with the Tiggo Cross: Compact Hybrid SUV for Southeast Asia

The Tiggo Cross made its Thai, Indonesian and Malaysian debut as the most compact member of the Tiggo family, available in both 1.5-litre Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) and turbocharged petrol variants. This versatile SUV brings Chery's advanced hybrid technology to the compact crossover segment, targeting urban commuters and weekend adventurers alike.

With over one million units exported globally, the Tiggo family has already demonstrated its market appeal and practical reliability. The Tiggo Cross builds on this success with bold, modern aesthetics and an intelligent cockpit equipped with the latest technology.

The compact SUV's dual personality makes it perfect for Malaysian drivers who need a practical city car during the week and an adventure-ready companion for weekend getaways. Registrations of interest opened immediately after launch, indicating high consumer anticipation for this addition to Malaysia's growing hybrid SUV market.

Flagship Power: The Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs

While the Tiggo Cross anchors the compact end of Chery's lineup, the Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 PHEVs represent the brand's flagship offerings in the region's competitive SUV market. These larger models deliver impressive specifications that put them in direct competition with established premium hybrid SUVs.

Both models feature 1.5T PHEV powertrains that produce remarkable outputs of 347 PS and 525 Nm of torque—figures that exceed many competitors in their class. The Tiggo 7 CSH offers an electric-only driving range of up to 95 km, making daily commutes possible without using any gasoline.

These PHEVs come equipped with multiple driving modes, intelligent energy regulation systems, and rapid-charging compatibility. This combination of features addresses both family-oriented needs and the demands of more adventurous drivers, creating a versatile ownership experience that adapts to different lifestyles.

Beyond Transportation: The Chery "Life" Ecosystem

Chery has developed a vision that extends well beyond traditional transportation. The CSH platform seeks to enable a comprehensive "Life" ecosystem that transforms vehicles into versatile lifestyle hubs. Smart charging solutions and innovative camping accessories convert these SUVs into mobile living spaces, targeting the outdoor adventure segment.

The intelligent cockpit systems incorporate AI and voice interaction for personalized experiences that adapt to the driver's preferences and habits. Chery is even exploring companion technologies like AiMOGA robots and robotic dogs that offer entertainment and assistance features, creating deeper connections between owners and their vehicles.

This expanded concept embodies Chery's philosophy of "innovation with emotion, technology with warmth"—creating functional bonds with consumers that go beyond the typical automotive experience. By positioning its vehicles as lifestyle enablers rather than mere transportation tools, Chery is redefining what consumers can expect from their hybrid SUVs.

Southeast Asia: A Booming Market for Hybrid Vehicles

Chery's expansion into Southeast Asia comes at an opportune moment as the region experiences significant growth in hybrid adoption. Thailand, a bellwether market for the region, saw hybrid vehicle sales increase by 26% to 117,789 units in 2024, while PHEV sales in early 2025 grew nearly fivefold year-on-year.

The broader Southeast Asia Hybrid Electric Vehicle Market is projected to grow at an impressive 18% CAGR from 2024-2030, driven by growing environmental awareness, government incentives, and the practical advantages of hybrid technology. Consumer preferences are increasingly shifting toward hybrids due to their affordability, practicality, and compatibility with existing infrastructure.

Passenger cars currently dominate this growth segment, making Chery's focus on hybrid SUVs particularly relevant. As EV adoption faces challenges related to charging infrastructure and higher purchase prices, hybrids offer an attractive middle-ground solution that appeals to environmentally conscious consumers who still require practical, affordable transportation.

Challenging Established Players in a Competitive Landscape

The Southeast Asian hybrid market has historically been dominated by Japanese brands like Toyota and Honda, with European manufacturers like Volvo also maintaining a strong presence in the premium PHEV segment. Chery aims to disrupt this established order with technology that exceeds the performance metrics of many current market leaders.

The CSH platform's superior combined range of 1,200-1,400 km represents a significant advantage over competitors, addressing range anxiety while offering greater flexibility for long-distance travel. This performance edge, combined with advanced technology integration and lifestyle features, resets consumer expectations for value in the hybrid SUV segment.

Japanese competitors now face a serious challenge from Chery's tech-forward approach, which delivers better specifications at competitive price points. By offering more power, range, and features than established players, Chery is positioned to capture market share from consumers looking for next-generation SDV hybrid technology.

Chery's Vision for Southeast Asia's Green Mobility Future

Chery has set an ambitious goal to sell one million vehicles globally within two years, with Southeast Asia playing a crucial role in this expansion strategy. The company is developing a full-spectrum portfolio spanning gasoline, hybrid, electric, and pickup ranges to address diverse market needs.

The integration of cutting-edge technology, comprehensive safety features, and lifestyle-oriented functions aligns perfectly with evolving consumer demands in the region. As infrastructure improves and policy support for electrified vehicles expands, Chery is well-positioned to elevate competition and accelerate Southeast Asia's transition to eco-friendly, tech-rich mobility solutions.

By challenging established players with superior technology and innovative features, Chery isn't just entering the market—it's reshaping consumer expectations for what green mobility can and should deliver. This vision positions the brand as a potential market leader in Southeast Asia's rapidly evolving automotive landscape, where the demand for smarter, cleaner, and more versatile SUVs continues to grow.