Chery is aiming to become the first Chinese automaker to tackle one of the world’s most historic – and grueling – motorsport events, the iconic Le Mans 24 Hour.
The company has confirmed it has signed a five-year partnership with the organiser of the Le Mans 24 Hour, the Automobile Club de l’Oest, which will eventually see its Exeed luxury brand enter the twice-around-the-clock endurance race with a factory-backed team.
Chery did not put a fixed date on its entry, nor outline whether it intends to compete against the likes of Ferrari, Toyota, BMW and incoming brands such as Genesis and McLaren at the highest level in the Hypercar class, or with a production-based sports car in the GT3 division.
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However, it has confirmed its ‘Road to Le Mans’ strategy is planned to take place over three stages, beginning with the development of a domestic endurance racing championship to “build technical capability and talent” before graduating to the official Asian Le Mans championship and then an eventual entry at Le Mans with Exeed.
In a statement, Chery said the priority is to use data and learnings from endurance racing to develop new technologies that 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 transition from a vehicle exporter to a global automotive technology player, using motorsport as a proving ground for next-generation innovation.
Part of the deal will also include investment to create a race circuit certified by the Le Mans organisers in its home city of Wuhu to support the program and build engagement for motorsport fans in China.
While Chery is likely become the first Chinese automaker to race at Le Mans, it is not the first Chinese auto brand to use motorsport as a way of building awareness, or for technical development.
Geely has been involved in the FIA TCR World Tour with its Lynk & Co brand since 2019, winning the series this year with Frenchman Yann Erlacher, while Shanghai-based Nio raced in the Formula E electric open-wheel championship from its inception in 2014 through to 2021.
Earlier this year, Yifei Ye became the first Chinese driver to win the Le Mans 24 Hour, driving a Ferrari 499 with ex-Formula 1 driver Robert Kubica and Robert Schwartzman.