Chinese Automaker Chery Spotted Testing Vehicles in Toronto Ahead of Canadian Launch

Chinese automaker activity in Canada is starting to pick up. Several vehicles linked to Chery and one of its partner brands have now been spotted in the Greater Toronto Area. The sightings are the latest sign that China’s third-largest automaker is ramping up efforts to enter the Canadian market. A launch is expected later this year. Multiple Chinese Models Spotted in Toronto Images recently shared on Reddit show four vehicles from Chery’s sub-brands OMODA and JAECOO parked together in Toronto. Notably, one OMODA vehicle had its branding covered with tape to hide its identity. Meanwhile, the JAECOO branding remained visible. In fact, one of the SUVs even displayed its model name on the front plate. In addition, a separate sighting over the weekend revealed a Chery Xceed Sterra near the Don Valley Parkway in Toronto. Unlike the other vehicles, this one carried Ontario manufacturer plates. A Closer Look at the Vehicles The vehicles appear to include an OMODA 9 plug-in hybrid, a JAECOO J5 electric SUV, and the more premium-oriented Xceed Sterra. The OMODA 9 sits near the top of Chery’s global lineup. It uses a 1.5-litre turbocharged plug-in hybrid system paired with electric motors. As a result, combined output reaches around 450 horsepower. It also offers up to 145 kilometres of electric-only driving range. Overall, Chery positions it as a premium SUV with a coupe-like design and a tech-focused interior. By comparison, the JAECOO J5 EV targets a different buyer. It is a compact electric SUV built for affordability and daily use. It features a roughly 60 kWh battery pack and about 400 kilometres of range. In addition, a single motor produces around 200 horsepower. Fast charging can bring the battery to 80% in under 30 minutes. Finally, the Xceed Sterra represents Chery’s push into the premium EV space. It is often linked to the Exeed or Exlantix lineup. As such, these models aim to compete with higher-end electric sedans and SUVs. They typically use dedicated EV platforms and focus on range, charging speed, and premium interiors. Tariff Rollback Opens the Door These sightings come after Canada reshaped its policy on Chinese-built electric vehicles. Earlier this year, Ottawa reduced tariffs from the 106.1% rate introduced in 2024 to just 6.1%. As a result, the updated policy allows up to 49,000 Chinese-built EVs to enter Canada each year at the lower rate. Over time, that cap will increase to 70,000 units within five years. In addition, the agreement includes affordability rules. Specifically, more imported vehicles must fall below key price thresholds. Because of this shift, the industry has already started to respond. Chery, along with other Chinese automakers, has begun preparing for a Canadian launch, recruiting experienced automotive professionals in Canada. It has also filed trademarks for several sub-brands, including OMODA, JAECOO, and Exeed. With multiple vehicles now spotted in Canada, Chery appears to be moving quickly. Overall, the mix of plug-in hybrids, affordable EVs, and premium models points to a broad strategy. If progress continues, the company could launch in Canada before the end of 2026.