Drivin' in Czechia
All you need to drive smart in the Czech Republic
Chinese carmakers have long been talked about, but they are now a reality that cannot be ignored. In recent months, reports have regularly appeared about yet another Chinese brand entering the Czech market. The selection has now become so broad that many can easily get lost in it. Which Chinese brands are currently active in the Czech car market? And what kinds of vehicles are they offering? You’ll find out in our overview:
Overview of Chinese Car Brands in the Czech Republic
| Brand | Characteristics | Current Offerings |
|---|---|---|
| BYD | Modern technology, electrified powertrains | Seal 5 DM-i sedan, Seal luxury sedan, Seal U DM-i SUV, Sealion 7 crossover |
| Dongfeng | Wide range, various styles and formats | Box city car, Shine sedan, Voyah Dream MPV, DF 6 pickup, M-Hero offroader |
| DR Automobiles | Italian design, proven technology | Evo 5/7 SUVs, Evo Cross 4 pickup, DR PK8 pickup, DR 3.0–6.0 SUVs, ICH-X K2 offroad, SportEquipe 8 SUV |
| Great Wall | Pickups | Poer pickup, Steed 7 pickup |
| Hongqi | Luxury, Chinese style, electric | E-HS9 luxury SUV, EH7 sedan, EHS7 SUV |
| Chery | Low price, SUVs | Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8 SUVs |
| Jaecoo | Traditional design, SUVs | Jaecoo 7 SUV |
| Leapmotor | Low price, rich features, electric | T03 city car, C10 family SUV |
| Maxus | Commercial vehicles | eDeliver3 and eDeliver9 vans |
| MG | Low price, rich equipment, sporty look | ZS, S5, HS SUVs; MG 3/4 hatchbacks; Cyberster roadster |
| Omoda | Bold design, modern tech, SUV | Omoda 5 crossover |
| SWM | Simple tech, low cost, SUV | G01 SUV |
| Xpeng | Electric drive, modern tech, premium feel | P7 sedan, G6 SUV coupe, G |
Newly Introduced Chinese Brands in the Czech Republic
BYD: Clever Technology at an Attractive Price
Though BYD (Build Your Dreams) caused a stir globally at its debut, its arrival on the Czech market has been quieter. Still, it stands out in many ways, offering high-tech solutions at competitive prices. Its Seal DM-i plug-in hybrid sedan, for instance, allows unlocking via smartphone or smartwatch and features V2L functionality (allowing the car to power external devices), which is still rare in plug-in hybrids.
Jaecoo and Omoda: Two Sides of the Same Coin
Both Jaecoo and Omoda operate under Chery. Omoda targets a younger audience with bolder design, while Jaecoo offers a more traditional SUV aesthetic. While Omoda already offers an EV, Jaecoo currently sells a plug-in hybrid.
Hongqi: The Chinese Rolls-Royce
Originally a brand for Communist Party officials, Hongqi is now expanding into the mass market, including Europe. The company presents itself as a luxury alternative to Bentley, Maybach, and Rolls-Royce. Notably, its vehicles are styled by Giles Taylor, former design chief at Rolls-Royce.
Chery: Backed by Kazakh Importer
Chery, the parent company of Jaecoo and Omoda, is also entering the Czech market, focusing on affordability. Its official importer is Astana Motors – a firm from Kazakhstan.
Leapmotor: Backed by Stellantis
Leapmotor is joining the Czech market under the Stellantis group umbrella, giving it access to a well-established dealer and service network. It launches with the compact EV T03, aiming to rival the Dacia Spring, and the family SUV C10, available also as a range-extender hybrid.
Nio: Arrival Scheduled for 2026
Nio, known for its EP9 electric supercar, plans to enter the Czech market in 2026 with a full lineup: EL6, EL8, ET5, ET5 Touring, and the Firefly hatchback.
Xpeng: China’s Answer to Tesla
Xpeng embodies China’s electric focus, competing with Tesla with its premium electric lineup. It aims to sell 1,000 vehicles and capture a 10% EV market share in the Czech Republic by the end of 2026.
