Muscat: Last week, a delegation comprising journalists, social media influencers, and Chery Oman officials embarked on a journey to visit Chery Automobile’s headquarters in China.
Chery Automobile, renowned as China's largest automaker by export volume, spanning across 58 countries globally, extended invitations to journalists and distributors worldwide to witness the company’s cutting-edge production technologies and innovations in the automotive industry.
Prominent Omani social media influencer Muhammed al Sabahi, radio journalist Sameera al Futaisi from Al Wusal, and Midhun Raj, online editor at Oman Observer collaborated with officials from Chery Oman to comprise the team.
The primary objective of the visit was to gain firsthand insights into the transformative journey of the automotive industry in China, particularly Chery, which has evolved into a dominant force in the global manufacturing market. From humble beginnings to becoming the world's leading automobile producer, Chinese brands have surpassed expectations and established a significant presence on the international stage.
In recent years, Chinese automotive brands have experienced unprecedented growth both domestically and internationally. China's production scale is staggering, with 30.16 million vehicles manufactured in 2023 alone.
To delve deeper into the Chinese automotive sector and gain a better understanding, the Omani team participated in the Beijing Autoshow-2024 upon arrival in Beijing, the capital city of China. The Autoshow showcased the latest trends in automotive innovation, highlighting China's dominance in the electric vehicle (EV) market and its unwavering commitment to automotive excellence.
The visit to the Autoshow revealed that global sales of smart driving cars are poised for rapid growth, with investments in AI-driven smart driving and the expansion of unmanned driving applications emerging as significant market trends for the future.
During the Autoshow, Chery Automobiles unveiled the Tiggo 9 PHEV, positioned as the flagship model in the Tiggo family, showcasing a fusion of distinctive aesthetics and cutting-edge technology inspired by the concepts of "Conquer" and "Guard."
Subsequently, the team traveled to Wuhu, the hometown of Chery Automobiles, via China's fastest 'Fuxing' bullet trains, covering a distance of 1000 km from Beijing. Wuhu, an industrial and cultural hub situated in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years and a population of 3.85 million.
The resemblance of Wuhu to Muscat, with its well-organized layout, uncrowded streets, and lush greenery adorned with vibrant flowers, left a lasting impression on the Omani team.
In Wuhu, the team visited the Chery headquarters to participate in the Eco Exhibition themed "New Energy, New Eco, New Era," which showcased Chery's remarkable achievements and strong commitment to new energy and ecology through engaging displays and interactive activities.
Additionally, the team had the opportunity to tour the Chery factory, witnessing firsthand the state-of-the-art production techniques and high-quality practices employed in the manufacturing of Chery and Exeed cars. The team was impressed by the rigorous quality measures implemented by Chery to ensure unparalleled performance and customer satisfaction.
Furthermore, the team test-drove various Chery models, including the newly launched Tiggo 9 PHEV, which left a lasting impression with its extended range, advanced intelligent features, and unique design philosophy, positioning it for the higher-end markets.
The experience revealed that Chery cars transcend the stereotype of typical Chinese automobiles, representing engineering and technological marvels leveraging artificial intelligence and the latest new energy platforms. The exceptional handling and driving confidence exhibited by all models, including the fully electric variants, underscored their reliability and performance.
Concluding the visit, the Omani team participated in the Chery International Business Conference, where Chery's CEO, Zhu Shaodong, highlighted the brand's remarkable achievements in 2023, with exports reaching 937,000 vehicles, solidifying its position as China's top automotive export brand and earning the trust of over 13 million customers worldwide.
The pivotal role played by the Chinese government and its policies in establishing China as the largest automobile market, both in terms of ownership and sales, was also acknowledged. China's emergence as a global manufacturing hub has attracted multinational corporations seeking access to its vast consumer market and skilled workforce.
The Omani team departed China with a newfound appreciation for Chery's evolution into a top-selling car brand in China and worldwide. The futuristic designs and value-for-money propositions of the newly introduced models hold promising potential for the Omani market, especially considering Chery's remarkable 10-year or one million kilometre engine warranty.
Moreover, the two-week trip to China provided the team with a firsthand perspective on the country's achievements, dispelling misconceptions propagated by mainstream media. The well-organized, clean cities adorned with lush greenery and vibrant streets, coupled with the exceptional hospitality and kindness of the Chinese people, left an indelible mark on the team, making the trip both enlightening and enriching, courtesy of Team Chery.
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