What to know
- Two Chinese EV brands, OMODA and JAECOO, owned by manufacturer Chery international, were spotted in Toronto, possibly undergoing early testing ahead of a planned late-2026 launch.
- The sighting follows a new Canada–China deal by Prime Minister Mark Carney that slashes tariffs on Chinese EVs from 100 per cent to 6.1 per cent, opening the door for imports.
- Chery, a major global exporter, positions the vehicles as affordable, luxury-style EVs already sold in multiple international markets.
- Online reactions were largely positive, with some users excited about the technology and pricing, while others speculated the cars are already being tested in the GTA.
Two new vehicle brands have been spotted in Toronto this week, following a tariff deal between Canada and China.
Chery international, an automobile manufacturer based in China, is the parent company of vehicle brands OMODA and JAECOO, two newer car brands which recently seen on the streets of Toronto.
In a since deleted post from Thursday, Reddit user keredkill said they spotted four of the eastern vehicles parked in a lot near the Don Valley Parkway and 401 East Highway.
For one vehicle, the logo was covered in a way that keredkill said looked deliberate, while two others pictured appeared to be JAECOO J5 electric vehicles (EV).
The vehicles’ appearance on Canadian roads isn’t a complete surprise, as it comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney struck a deal with the Chinese government, dropping a two year tariff rate of 100 per cent on Chinese electric vehicles to six-point-one per cent.
READ MORE:
https://nowtoronto.com/news/ontario-premier-doug-ford-criticizes-carneys-electric-vehicle-deal-with-china/
Both JAECOO and OMODA brand vehicles are exclusively exported and sold outside of China. While they’re still manufactured out of Wuhu, in the Anhui Province, they only support export markets, with some countries assembling the Chinese parts themselves.
Chery was in the top among Chinese automobile manufacturers in 2025, exporting over 1.2 million vehicles.
The manufacturer is currently selling its vehicles in Europe, South America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
The two brands are marketed as electric vehicles that won’t break the bank.
The car brands’ website states its personalized prices and plans make it so owners are able to enjoy the luxury and benefits of an electric vehicle, without increasing financial stress.
“OMODA JAECOO Financial Services provides tailored vehicle finance products developed specifically to help you drive away in your chosen model,” the website stated in part. “Whether you are eyeing the all-electric J5 EV or the sophisticated Omoda 9, our solutions are designed with your flexibility in mind.”
The deal means an expected 49,000 EVs will enter Canada from China to start, with an increase of around 70,000 over the next five years.
Neither Carney, nor Chery have spoken about the vehicle sighting but they previously planned for the vehicles to hit the market during late-2026.
Online reaction
Those interested in both cars and politics were joining the conversation on social media, with some guessing why the vehicles would already be here.
“Looks like Chery is testing their cars in the GTA?,” one Reddit user said.
“I’m ready for this!,” another said with excitement.
Another Reddit user agreed, saying the decision to bring them here was “fantastic.”
“I’ve been waiting for them to come,” they said. “China’s EVs are so advanced compared to Tesla’s the latter is almost obsolete.”
“Looks beautiful and far better tech in these cars!” one Reddit user said.
