Latest news with #S07
Business Upturn
15 hours ago
- Automotive
- Business Upturn
New Subsidiary in Mexico: SOUEAST Debuts S06 i-DM, S07, S09, Pushes Advanced New Energy Tech
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 22, 2025, 09:11 IST MEXICO CITY, June 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — On June 18, 2025, at the grand brand and products launch ceremony in Centro Citibanamex, Mexico, SOUEAST announced its entry to Mexican market and unveiled three new models, attracting wide attention, signaling a significant breakthrough in SOUEAST's Latin American expansion. SOUEAST, true to the 'EASE YOUR LIFE' philosophy, is dedicated to urban mobility with stylish, comfort, and warm-tech at its core. SOUEAST offers a diverse range of models — including SUVs and sedans — specifically designed for urban youth. (Image 1: SOUEAST Brand Launch in Mexico) Three Prominent Models Debut: Meeting Diverse Mobility NeedsAt this launch ceremony, SOUEAST introduced three urban-focused models with both fuel and hybrid power types as follows: The S06 i-DM, an urban stylish C-class hybrid SUV, focuses on sporty aesthetics and high efficiency. With its hybrid capabilities and outstanding range, its head-turning contemporary design houses advanced hybrid technology, delivering an impressive 114 km pure electric range and a combined range of over 1,000 km when fully fueled, fully meeting the diverse needs of young people for daily commuting and urban traffic congestion in Mexico. It enhances the driving experience with intelligent features including L2 autonomous driving capabilities and comprehensive smart safety systems. (Image 2: SOUEAST S06 i-DM) The S07, an urban intelligent C-class SUV, skillfully combines practicality and style for urban trendy and fun-loving youth. Beyond its stylish design and comfortable interior, it delivers intelligent features including dual 12.3-inch screens, 6-way adjustable driver seat with memory, remote start and full ADAS, offering luxury-grade connectivity and safety. The S09, a flagship smart premium D-class SUV, redefines spacious luxury with its commanding 4,858*1,925*1,780mm dimensions and 2,850mm wheelbase. Its 7-seat version catering specifically to multi-passenger needs. Powered by a robust 2.0T engine, it caters to urban users with its aesthetic design, intelligent driving, and luxurious features, embodying the brand's high standards. (Image 3: SOUEAST S07 and S09) Each model in the lineup embodies SOUEAST's 'STYLISH-COMFORT-WARM TECH' product DNA, seamlessly integrating innovative technology and exceptional quality, to meet diverse urban mobility needs with EASE. Promoting Comprehensive Localized Operations Regarding the long-term development plan for the Mexican market, SOUEAST adheres to the concept of 'In Mexico, For Mexico' and promotes a comprehensive localized business strategy. In terms of network construction, the company plans to establish 40 showrooms by the end of 2025 and expand to 50 in 2026 in Mexico, building a convenient and efficient service network through a standardized service system. On the after-sales front, preparations are underway for a regional spare parts center for Latin America. This facility will ensure 100% parts availability and enable 24-hour delivery, ensuring rapid response to customer service needs. Meanwhile, the company actively promotes the establishment of the Central and South American Research Institute. Centered on localized product development, the institute aims to introduce models that are better aligned with the preferences and needs of Mexico customers. Driving a New Journey in Latin America: Leading the Future of Green Mobility The Mexican subsidiary showcase SOUEAST's firm commitment to the Latin American market, bringing advanced new energy vehicle(NEV) technologies to Mexico. By offering smart, eco-friendly, and diverse mobility solutions for urban youth, SOUEAST is accelerating Mexico's green transition while expanding its global footprint, with plans to introduce more NEV models and reinforce its role in sustainable development worldwide. Since initiating its globalization strategy in 2024, SOUEAST has made continuous strides across key international markets. Following its global debut in Uzbekistan and rapid entry into multiple markets across the Middle East, the successful launch in Mexico marks another milestone in its growing global presence. To date, SOUEAST has entered more than 30 countries and regions, with over 144 sales and service outlets. Looking ahead, the brand aims to expand into more than 80 markets and establish over 2,000 outlets within five years—bringing the EASE Urban Lifestyle to users worldwide. Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Mid East Info
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Elite Group Holding Expands Automotive Portfolio with Launch of ART Elite Car Rental - Middle East Business News and Information
Dubai, UAE, 22 May 2025 – Elite Group Holding has launched ART Elite Car Rental, a new subsidiary offering flexible, all-inclusive vehicle leasing services. The UAE-based conglomerate — an exclusive partner of Soueast and Jetour in the UAE — is kicking off the initiative with Soueast vehicles available for immediate leasing, with Jetour models set to join the lineup in the coming months. Customers can now lease the full Soueast range, including the S06, S06 DM, S07, and S09 — reliable, feature-packed vehicles designed to ease your life that deliver great value without long-term ownership commitments. Designed with a focus on value, convenience, and peace of mind, ART Elite Car Rental offers a seamless leasing experience tailored for individuals, families, and businesses. This strategic after-sales initiative underlines the Group's commitment to enhancing customer satisfaction across its ecosystem. The UAE's car rental market is projected to generate over USD 182 million in revenue in 2025 and grow to USD 214.7 million by 2029 (Statista, 2024). The launch of ART Elite Car Rental reflects Elite Group Holding's entry into a growing sector fueled by rising demand, digitalisation, and an evolving customer base. ART Elite Car Rental simplifies mobility by covering every major cost of ownership. Customers benefit from zero downpayment, free comprehensive insurance, routine service and maintenance, registration, 24/7 roadside assistance, flexible payment plans and easy vehicle replacement. A dedicated team of leasing experts ensures a personalised experience at every touchpoint. While the service currently offers only Soueast vehicles, Jetour models will be introduced soon as part of the Group's broader rollout. Plans are also underway to expand the offering to other automotive brands and market segments. To explore leasing options, visit or call 800-ARTELITE
The Advertiser
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Advertiser
Mitsubishi's former Chinese joint venture eyes RHD markets, could include Australia
You may never have heard of Soueast, but the Chinese car company is expanding its global presence – and Australia could be in its sights. The brand was established in 1995 as a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group and Mitsubishi Motors, before it was acquired by Chery in 2024. The company that once built Mitsubishis could therefore be coming to compete with the Japanese brand in our market – including by offering a ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Since being acquired by Chery, it has focused on left-hand drive markets with petrol-powered SUVs and sedans, along with plug-in hybrids. This year, it'll add Mexico to its list of global markets. Across 2026 and 2027, it plans to expand into right-hand drive markets "while achieving a balance between fuel, hybrid and electric models". While it didn't specify Australia in its announcement, this market is already teeming with Chinese brands eager to demonstrate success in a competitive, well developed Western market like ours. From 2028 to 2030 it aims to "[complete] the industrialisation of new energy vehicles" and says it will prioritise pure EVs for Europe. "We're not just entering markets — we're deeply embedding ourselves within them and earning a seat at the table," said Dai Lihong, vice president of Chery and president of Soueast. The company says it operates six overseas R&D hubs across "high-potential" markets, including the Middle East, ASEAN and Brazil. Work conducted in the Middle East has involved optimising heat resistance of vehicle components and the effectiveness of Soueast models' air-conditioning. Soueast also operates plants across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America that assemble vehicles from knocked-down kits. It says it intends to have two global models targeting the B-SUV segment, three "premium" C-SUV models, and B- and C-segment sedans. In Chinese segmentation, B-segment vehicles are mid-sizers while C-segment vehicles are large. Soueast also says it intends to launch a ute by 2030, but hasn't offered any more details on the vehicle. The brand currently offers a range of SUVs – the S06, S07 and S09 – in markets like the UAE. The S06 measures 4616mm long, 1910mm wide and 1690mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase, making it effectively the same size as a Toyota RAV4. It offers a choice of turbocharged 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, mated with either six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Soueast's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology – offered in the S06 – features a 150kW electric motor, a 19.4kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre engine. Total system outputs are 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque, with electric range of 114km on the NEDC cycle and over 1000km of combined range. The S07 is larger, measuring 4724mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. However, it sticks with a choice of turbo-petrol 1.5- or 1.6-litre engines. Interestingly, the former is offered with a six-speed manual as well, while the latter can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed torque-converter auto. The S09 is the flagship, measuring 4858mm long, 1925mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. That makes it 43mm longer, 25mm wider and 80mm taller than a Kia Sorento on a 35mm longer wheelbase. It's offered with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations, and either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the latter pumping out 187kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Mitsubishi sold off its share in Soueast back in 2021, but prior to this the Chinese joint venture brand produced vehicles like the Lancer, Galant/380, Delica, and Nimbus. During the 2010s, it also rolled out a range of vehicles that were styled by Pininfarina but which used Mitsubishi technology, though after several years of declining sales it was acquired by Chery. Content originally sourced from: You may never have heard of Soueast, but the Chinese car company is expanding its global presence – and Australia could be in its sights. The brand was established in 1995 as a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group and Mitsubishi Motors, before it was acquired by Chery in 2024. The company that once built Mitsubishis could therefore be coming to compete with the Japanese brand in our market – including by offering a ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Since being acquired by Chery, it has focused on left-hand drive markets with petrol-powered SUVs and sedans, along with plug-in hybrids. This year, it'll add Mexico to its list of global markets. Across 2026 and 2027, it plans to expand into right-hand drive markets "while achieving a balance between fuel, hybrid and electric models". While it didn't specify Australia in its announcement, this market is already teeming with Chinese brands eager to demonstrate success in a competitive, well developed Western market like ours. From 2028 to 2030 it aims to "[complete] the industrialisation of new energy vehicles" and says it will prioritise pure EVs for Europe. "We're not just entering markets — we're deeply embedding ourselves within them and earning a seat at the table," said Dai Lihong, vice president of Chery and president of Soueast. The company says it operates six overseas R&D hubs across "high-potential" markets, including the Middle East, ASEAN and Brazil. Work conducted in the Middle East has involved optimising heat resistance of vehicle components and the effectiveness of Soueast models' air-conditioning. Soueast also operates plants across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America that assemble vehicles from knocked-down kits. It says it intends to have two global models targeting the B-SUV segment, three "premium" C-SUV models, and B- and C-segment sedans. In Chinese segmentation, B-segment vehicles are mid-sizers while C-segment vehicles are large. Soueast also says it intends to launch a ute by 2030, but hasn't offered any more details on the vehicle. The brand currently offers a range of SUVs – the S06, S07 and S09 – in markets like the UAE. The S06 measures 4616mm long, 1910mm wide and 1690mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase, making it effectively the same size as a Toyota RAV4. It offers a choice of turbocharged 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, mated with either six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Soueast's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology – offered in the S06 – features a 150kW electric motor, a 19.4kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre engine. Total system outputs are 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque, with electric range of 114km on the NEDC cycle and over 1000km of combined range. The S07 is larger, measuring 4724mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. However, it sticks with a choice of turbo-petrol 1.5- or 1.6-litre engines. Interestingly, the former is offered with a six-speed manual as well, while the latter can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed torque-converter auto. The S09 is the flagship, measuring 4858mm long, 1925mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. That makes it 43mm longer, 25mm wider and 80mm taller than a Kia Sorento on a 35mm longer wheelbase. It's offered with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations, and either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the latter pumping out 187kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Mitsubishi sold off its share in Soueast back in 2021, but prior to this the Chinese joint venture brand produced vehicles like the Lancer, Galant/380, Delica, and Nimbus. During the 2010s, it also rolled out a range of vehicles that were styled by Pininfarina but which used Mitsubishi technology, though after several years of declining sales it was acquired by Chery. Content originally sourced from: You may never have heard of Soueast, but the Chinese car company is expanding its global presence – and Australia could be in its sights. The brand was established in 1995 as a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group and Mitsubishi Motors, before it was acquired by Chery in 2024. The company that once built Mitsubishis could therefore be coming to compete with the Japanese brand in our market – including by offering a ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Since being acquired by Chery, it has focused on left-hand drive markets with petrol-powered SUVs and sedans, along with plug-in hybrids. This year, it'll add Mexico to its list of global markets. Across 2026 and 2027, it plans to expand into right-hand drive markets "while achieving a balance between fuel, hybrid and electric models". While it didn't specify Australia in its announcement, this market is already teeming with Chinese brands eager to demonstrate success in a competitive, well developed Western market like ours. From 2028 to 2030 it aims to "[complete] the industrialisation of new energy vehicles" and says it will prioritise pure EVs for Europe. "We're not just entering markets — we're deeply embedding ourselves within them and earning a seat at the table," said Dai Lihong, vice president of Chery and president of Soueast. The company says it operates six overseas R&D hubs across "high-potential" markets, including the Middle East, ASEAN and Brazil. Work conducted in the Middle East has involved optimising heat resistance of vehicle components and the effectiveness of Soueast models' air-conditioning. Soueast also operates plants across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America that assemble vehicles from knocked-down kits. It says it intends to have two global models targeting the B-SUV segment, three "premium" C-SUV models, and B- and C-segment sedans. In Chinese segmentation, B-segment vehicles are mid-sizers while C-segment vehicles are large. Soueast also says it intends to launch a ute by 2030, but hasn't offered any more details on the vehicle. The brand currently offers a range of SUVs – the S06, S07 and S09 – in markets like the UAE. The S06 measures 4616mm long, 1910mm wide and 1690mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase, making it effectively the same size as a Toyota RAV4. It offers a choice of turbocharged 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, mated with either six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Soueast's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology – offered in the S06 – features a 150kW electric motor, a 19.4kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre engine. Total system outputs are 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque, with electric range of 114km on the NEDC cycle and over 1000km of combined range. The S07 is larger, measuring 4724mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. However, it sticks with a choice of turbo-petrol 1.5- or 1.6-litre engines. Interestingly, the former is offered with a six-speed manual as well, while the latter can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed torque-converter auto. The S09 is the flagship, measuring 4858mm long, 1925mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. That makes it 43mm longer, 25mm wider and 80mm taller than a Kia Sorento on a 35mm longer wheelbase. It's offered with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations, and either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the latter pumping out 187kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Mitsubishi sold off its share in Soueast back in 2021, but prior to this the Chinese joint venture brand produced vehicles like the Lancer, Galant/380, Delica, and Nimbus. During the 2010s, it also rolled out a range of vehicles that were styled by Pininfarina but which used Mitsubishi technology, though after several years of declining sales it was acquired by Chery. Content originally sourced from: You may never have heard of Soueast, but the Chinese car company is expanding its global presence – and Australia could be in its sights. The brand was established in 1995 as a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group and Mitsubishi Motors, before it was acquired by Chery in 2024. The company that once built Mitsubishis could therefore be coming to compete with the Japanese brand in our market – including by offering a ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Since being acquired by Chery, it has focused on left-hand drive markets with petrol-powered SUVs and sedans, along with plug-in hybrids. This year, it'll add Mexico to its list of global markets. Across 2026 and 2027, it plans to expand into right-hand drive markets "while achieving a balance between fuel, hybrid and electric models". While it didn't specify Australia in its announcement, this market is already teeming with Chinese brands eager to demonstrate success in a competitive, well developed Western market like ours. From 2028 to 2030 it aims to "[complete] the industrialisation of new energy vehicles" and says it will prioritise pure EVs for Europe. "We're not just entering markets — we're deeply embedding ourselves within them and earning a seat at the table," said Dai Lihong, vice president of Chery and president of Soueast. The company says it operates six overseas R&D hubs across "high-potential" markets, including the Middle East, ASEAN and Brazil. Work conducted in the Middle East has involved optimising heat resistance of vehicle components and the effectiveness of Soueast models' air-conditioning. Soueast also operates plants across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America that assemble vehicles from knocked-down kits. It says it intends to have two global models targeting the B-SUV segment, three "premium" C-SUV models, and B- and C-segment sedans. In Chinese segmentation, B-segment vehicles are mid-sizers while C-segment vehicles are large. Soueast also says it intends to launch a ute by 2030, but hasn't offered any more details on the vehicle. The brand currently offers a range of SUVs – the S06, S07 and S09 – in markets like the UAE. The S06 measures 4616mm long, 1910mm wide and 1690mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase, making it effectively the same size as a Toyota RAV4. It offers a choice of turbocharged 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, mated with either six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Soueast's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology – offered in the S06 – features a 150kW electric motor, a 19.4kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre engine. Total system outputs are 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque, with electric range of 114km on the NEDC cycle and over 1000km of combined range. The S07 is larger, measuring 4724mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. However, it sticks with a choice of turbo-petrol 1.5- or 1.6-litre engines. Interestingly, the former is offered with a six-speed manual as well, while the latter can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed torque-converter auto. The S09 is the flagship, measuring 4858mm long, 1925mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. That makes it 43mm longer, 25mm wider and 80mm taller than a Kia Sorento on a 35mm longer wheelbase. It's offered with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations, and either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the latter pumping out 187kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Mitsubishi sold off its share in Soueast back in 2021, but prior to this the Chinese joint venture brand produced vehicles like the Lancer, Galant/380, Delica, and Nimbus. During the 2010s, it also rolled out a range of vehicles that were styled by Pininfarina but which used Mitsubishi technology, though after several years of declining sales it was acquired by Chery. Content originally sourced from:
West Australian
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- West Australian
Mitsubishi's former Chinese joint venture eyes RHD markets, could include Australia
You may never have heard of Soueast, but the Chinese car company is expanding its global presence – and Australia could be in its sights. The brand was established in 1995 as a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group and Mitsubishi Motors, before it was acquired by Chery in 2024. The company that once built Mitsubishis could therefore be coming to compete with the Japanese brand in our market – including by offering a ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now . Since being acquired by Chery, it has focused on left-hand drive markets with petrol-powered SUVs and sedans, along with plug-in hybrids. This year, it'll add Mexico to its list of global markets. Across 2026 and 2027, it plans to expand into right-hand drive markets 'while achieving a balance between fuel, hybrid and electric models'. While it didn't specify Australia in its announcement, this market is already teeming with Chinese brands eager to demonstrate success in a competitive, well developed Western market like ours. From 2028 to 2030 it aims to '[complete] the industrialisation of new energy vehicles' and says it will prioritise pure EVs for Europe. 'We're not just entering markets — we're deeply embedding ourselves within them and earning a seat at the table,' said Dai Lihong, vice president of Chery and president of Soueast. The company says it operates six overseas R&D hubs across 'high-potential' markets, including the Middle East, ASEAN and Brazil. Work conducted in the Middle East has involved optimising heat resistance of vehicle components and the effectiveness of Soueast models' air-conditioning. Soueast also operates plants across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America that assemble vehicles from knocked-down kits. It says it intends to have two global models targeting the B-SUV segment, three 'premium' C-SUV models, and B- and C-segment sedans. In Chinese segmentation, B-segment vehicles are mid-sizers while C-segment vehicles are large. Soueast also says it intends to launch a ute by 2030, but hasn't offered any more details on the vehicle. The brand currently offers a range of SUVs – the S06, S07 and S09 – in markets like the UAE. The S06 measures 4616mm long, 1910mm wide and 1690mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase, making it effectively the same size as a Toyota RAV4 . It offers a choice of turbocharged 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, mated with either six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Soueast's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology – offered in the S06 – features a 150kW electric motor, a 19.4kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre engine. Total system outputs are 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque, with electric range of 114km on the NEDC cycle and over 1000km of combined range. The S07 is larger, measuring 4724mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. However, it sticks with a choice of turbo-petrol 1.5- or 1.6-litre engines. Interestingly, the former is offered with a six-speed manual as well, while the latter can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed torque-converter auto. The S09 is the flagship, measuring 4858mm long, 1925mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. That makes it 43mm longer, 25mm wider and 80mm taller than a Kia Sorento on a 35mm longer wheelbase. It's offered with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations, and either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the latter pumping out 187kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Mitsubishi sold off its share in Soueast back in 2021, but prior to this the Chinese joint venture brand produced vehicles like the Lancer, Galant/380, Delica, and Nimbus. During the 2010s, it also rolled out a range of vehicles that were styled by Pininfarina but which used Mitsubishi technology, though after several years of declining sales it was acquired by Chery.
7NEWS
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- 7NEWS
Mitsubishi's former Chinese joint venture eyes RHD markets, could include Australia
You may never have heard of Soueast, but the Chinese car company is expanding its global presence – and Australia could be in its sights. The brand was established in 1995 as a joint venture between China Motor Corporation, Fujian Motor Industry Group and Mitsubishi Motors, before it was acquired by Chery in 2024. The company that once built Mitsubishis could therefore be coming to compete with the Japanese brand in our market – including by offering a ute. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Since being acquired by Chery, it has focused on left-hand drive markets with petrol-powered SUVs and sedans, along with plug-in hybrids. This year, it'll add Mexico to its list of global markets. Across 2026 and 2027, it plans to expand into right-hand drive markets 'while achieving a balance between fuel, hybrid and electric models'. While it didn't specify Australia in its announcement, this market is already teeming with Chinese brands eager to demonstrate success in a competitive, well developed Western market like ours. From 2028 to 2030 it aims to '[complete] the industrialisation of new energy vehicles' and says it will prioritise pure EVs for Europe. 'We're not just entering markets — we're deeply embedding ourselves within them and earning a seat at the table,' said Dai Lihong, vice president of Chery and president of Soueast. The company says it operates six overseas R&D hubs across 'high-potential' markets, including the Middle East, ASEAN and Brazil. Work conducted in the Middle East has involved optimising heat resistance of vehicle components and the effectiveness of Soueast models' air-conditioning. Soueast also operates plants across the Middle East, Asia, Africa and South America that assemble vehicles from knocked-down kits. It says it intends to have two global models targeting the B-SUV segment, three 'premium' C-SUV models, and B- and C-segment sedans. In Chinese segmentation, B-segment vehicles are mid-sizers while C-segment vehicles are large. Soueast also says it intends to launch a ute by 2030, but hasn't offered any more details on the vehicle. The brand currently offers a range of SUVs – the S06, S07 and S09 – in markets like the UAE. The S06 measures 4616mm long, 1910mm wide and 1690mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase, making it effectively the same size as a Toyota RAV4. It offers a choice of turbocharged 1.5- and 1.6-litre petrol engines, mated with either six- or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. Soueast's Super Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology – offered in the S06 – features a 150kW electric motor, a 19.4kWh battery, and a 1.5-litre engine. Total system outputs are 265kW of power and 530Nm of torque, with electric range of 114km on the NEDC cycle and over 1000km of combined range. The S07 is larger, measuring 4724mm long, 1900mm wide and 1720mm tall on a 2720mm wheelbase. However, it sticks with a choice of turbo-petrol 1.5- or 1.6-litre engines. Interestingly, the former is offered with a six-speed manual as well, while the latter can be had with either a seven-speed dual-clutch or an eight-speed torque-converter auto. The S09 is the flagship, measuring 4858mm long, 1925mm wide and 1780mm tall on a 2850mm wheelbase. That makes it 43mm longer, 25mm wider and 80mm taller than a Kia Sorento on a 35mm longer wheelbase. It's offered with a choice of five- or seven-seat configurations, and either 1.6-litre or 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines – the latter pumping out 187kW of power and 390Nm of torque. Mitsubishi sold off its share in Soueast back in 2021, but prior to this the Chinese joint venture brand produced vehicles like the Lancer, Galant/380, Delica, and Nimbus. During the 2010s, it also rolled out a range of vehicles that were styled by Pininfarina but which used Mitsubishi technology, though after several years of declining sales it was acquired by Chery.
