Chery The aim is to become the first Chinese car manufacturer to tackle one of the world’s most historic – and grueling – motorsport events, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The company has confirmed that it has signed a five-year partnership with the organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l’Oest Exceed A luxury brand takes part in the endurance race, which takes place twice around the clock, with a team supported by the factory.
Chery hasn’t given a set date for its entry, nor has it said whether it plans to compete against peers Ferrari, Toyota, BMW and incoming brands like genesis And McLaren at the highest level in the hypercar class or with a near-production sports car in the GT3 division.
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However, the company has confirmed that its “Road to Le Mans” strategy will take place over three stages, starting with the development of a national endurance championship to “build technical capabilities and talent” before moving on to the official Asian Le Mans Championship and finally competing at Le Mans with Exeed.
In a statement, Chery said the priority is to use data and insights from endurance racing to develop new technologies that will feed directly into future production vehicles, including improvements in powertrain efficiency, durability and reliability.
The Le Mans program also represents the company’s broader ambition to evolve from a vehicle exporter to a global automotive technology provider, using motorsport as a proving ground for next-generation innovation.
Part of the deal also includes investing in the construction of a race track certified by Le Mans organizers in its hometown of Wuhu to support the program and strengthen engagement with motorsport fans in China.
While Chery will likely be the first Chinese automaker to compete at Le Mans, it is not the first Chinese car brand to use motorsports to raise awareness or advance technical development.
Geely took part in the FIA TCR World Tour with its products Lynk & Co Brand since 2019, won the series this year with Frenchman Yann Erlacher while based in Shanghai Nio competed in the Formula E Electric Open Wheel Championship from its launch in 2014 until 2021.
Earlier this year, Yifei Ye became the first Chinese driver to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ferrari 499 alongside former Formula 1 drivers Robert Kubica and Robert Schwartzman.
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