Brand O&J, the division of the Chery Group that encompasses the OMODA and JAECOO brands, are proud to announce that the OMODA C9 and JAECOO J7 have been announced as finalists in the 2025 Car of the Year competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure.
The C9 and J7, two of the division’s competitively priced premium SUV offerings, are among the 17 South African Car of the Year award finalists. Both models were introduced to the local market in 2024, with the JAECOO J7 launching in April. The J7 has garnered a positive response, with over 1,100 units sold in the second half of 2024. Notably, the JAECOO J7 was also nominated for the 2025 World Car of the Year award alongside the OMODA C5.
“OMODA and JAECOO are thrilled to have both the J7 and C9 as finalists in the 2025 Car of the Year competition sponsored by Old Mutual Insure,” commented Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA & JAECOO South Africa. “This recognition is a testament to the strong appeal and exceptional standards of our vehicles, and it’s exciting to see South African consumers embracing what our brands have to offer.”
OMODA’s range-topping C9 debuted in October with striking styling, a sumptuously trimmed interior, and impressive refinement and comfort levels. With a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine that develops 192 kW of power and 400 N.m of torque, the C9 makes commuting and long-distance driving a cinch. A plug-in hybrid variant is due to join the range later this year, further enhancing customer appeal. Additional new models include the JAECOO J5, as well as the all-electric JAECOO J6.
Both the J7 and C9 are strong contenders for the accolade. They offer solid value in their respective segments, with elegant design, a well-equipped set of standard features, and a 10-year/1-million km engine warranty tied to the first owner.
The 17 finalists will undergo rigorous testing at Zwartkops Raceway in early March. The South African COTY jury will evaluate each vehicle firsthand to decide the ultimate winner. The final scoring will incorporate data from Lightstone Auto, using automated assessments based on sales volumes and adjusted competitor pricing.
OMODA and JAECOO are dedicated to providing customers with outstanding aftersales support. Brand O&J and Chery South Africa operate a 6,000m² spare parts facility housing around 56,000 spare parts valued at R15 million. OMODA and JAECOO’s parts network supports over 52 dealerships, achieving an impressive 98% parts supply rate and reinforcing the brand’s commitment to parts availability and customer care.
