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The brand, which is yet to celebrate its first birthday on local soil, was selected as a finalist in the 2024 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition. The OMODA C5 will compete in the Compact Family category.

“We are thrilled with the announcement that the OMODA C5 is a Car of the Year finalist. It gives us as a very young brand the opportunity to show South Africans what many journalists and customers have already found out: that the OMODA brand offers a full house of features, performance and design at a very competitive price,” says Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager OMODA & JAECOO.

The SA Guild of Mobility Journalists’ decision to pick the OMODA C5 in the Compact Family category supports Gahagan’s statement.

The OMODA C5 is available from R447 900 and offers significantly more performance from its 115-kW turbo-petrol engine than other contenders in the category. It is also unique in its offer of a full digital cabin with dual 10.25” screens, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and Intelligent Voice Commands across the range.

“The OMODA brand was created from a clean sheet, giving the designers and engineers free reign to create a vehicle with no comparison. This is not only true for its unique design – created from our design language of Art in Motion – but also in our decision to include a host of luxury and safety features, across the entire range, regardless of the price,” says Gahagan.

This decision by OMODA to start from a clean slate and offer unmatched luxuries, performance and design features have surely informed the SA Guild’s decision to pick the OMODA C5 for the SA COTY competition.

For instance, every OMODA, regardless of price, has six airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control (ESP) and standard features such as dual-zone climate control, sport seats, wireless charging and passive-entry-passive-start (PEPS).

The clean slate approach also applies to the mechanical structure and engine of the OMODA C5. The OMODA T1X-platform uses ultra-high tensile steel to create a rigid platform and safety cell. This has earned the OMODA C5 a full five-star safety rating in Europe (Euro NCAP) and Asia (ASIAN and Australian NCAP) and gives it a surefooted on-road performance that is also unmatched it the Compact Family category.

The OMODA C5 is no stranger to competitions such as the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year competition. The model was picked as the 2022 Most Technologically Advanced SUV in Qatar and was selected as Mexico’s Car of the Year and Best Midsized Crossover as selected by Auto show.

While the OMODA C5 has been selected as a SA COTY finalist, it is only one of the models on offer by OMODA South Africa. The brand has recently added a high-performance OMODA C5 GT to the range and it has confirmed that the luxury flagship OMODA C9 and the all-electric OMODA E5 are slated for local introduction in 2024.

As a brand that is less than a year old in the country, the reception to the OMODA vehicles has been well received by South Africans.

For more information on the OMODA universe, visit www.omoda.co.za.

The OMODA C5 is a semi-finalist in the 2023/24 South African Car of the Year (COTY) competition.

That’s right! One of South Africa’s youngest vehicle brands has been picked as a contender in this esteemed competition by some of the best South African automotive and mobility journalists.

OMODA received the nod from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists (SAGMJ) for its OMODA C5, its current flagship range and the model that has defined the OMODA brand in South Africa.

“When we decided to introduce the OMODA brand to South Africa, we specifically picked the OMODA C5 to be our first model.

“This model is both a showcase of our technological development with its 115 kW 1.5 litre turbo-petrol engine and a perfect example of our futuristic design language that sees nothing as sacred and that looks at any new technology or design element through the lens of functionality and customer benefit,” says Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager of Omoda South Africa.

The OMODA C5 range starts at R447 900 for the OMODA C5 Tech model. Even at this price, the C5 offers a comprehensive range of features, including diamond-cut alloy wheels, a dual-screen 10.25” cockpit with touch-screen infotainment and vehicle information and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The list of creature comforts and styling enhancements increases exponentially with the OMODA C5 LUX, LUX S, the OMODA C5 ELEGANCE and ELEGANCE S. The last-mentioned offers customers a unique dual-tone design, with red highlights on the wheels, roof and in the cockpit and perhaps the highest level of luxuries in its segment.

OMODA has further increased the appeal of its model range recently by introducing a sporty OMODA C5 GT. Aside from the styling upgrades, such as aerodynamic side skirts, a front splitter and a rear wing, the OMODA C5 GT is fitted with the brand’s Kunpeng 1.6 turbocharged petrol engine.

With this engine, the OMODA C5 GT delivers an impressive 145 kW and 290 Nm of torque for a 0-100 km/h acceleration of only 7.8 seconds.

This new model was introduced at the Mr South Africa pageant in November this year. OMODA was the official vehicle sponsor of the Mr South Africa event, and it used this opportunity to showcase its C5 range and take the wraps off the C5 GT. Contestants and celebrities were transported in a range of stylish OMODA C5 models and the vehicle received wide praise for its performance, stylish design and SUV-comfort.

Says Gahagan: “We decided that we would follow a zero-compromise policy with the product planning for OMODA. This means that customers receive the best possible design, features and specifications with the OMODA C5 and OMODA C5 GT, regardless of which model they prefer,” says Gahagan.

This approach to product design and development has certainly benefitted OMODA sales. Aside from its success in the South African market, OMODA has also performed exceptionally well in established markets, such as China, Russia and Australia, and newly launched markets, such as New Zealand and Brazil.

OMODA sold 12 148 vehicles in its export markets in November and an impressive 134 078 vehicles across all its markets since the start of the year. This is a very impressive sales performance for a young brand with limited, but growing, exposure to global markets.

Returning to the SA COTY. The SAGMJ Car of the Year competition is one of the most highly regarded of its kind in the world. Unlike many other COTY competitions, the South African version includes rigorous testing, both at low speeds over uneven surfaces and at the highest possible speeds, with sharp course corrections and dynamic handling of obstacles.

These tests should prove to be no problem for OMODA, which has taken its sporty design and transferred it into an equally sporty and dynamic chassis.

With its purebred engineering credentials and stunning design, the OMODA C5 is sure to offer unmatched value to customers in its segment and to the judges of the competition.

“We are competing in one of the most hotly contested segments – the Compact Family vehicle segment. While there are many contenders in this segment, we are confident that the OMODA C5 will offer unmatched value, dynamic capabilities and performance to impress the judges and make it into the list of COTY finalists,” says Gahagan.

For more information on the OMODA C5, visit www.omoda.co.za.

• OMODA, the official vehicle sponsor of the KZN SUMMER and Ballito BIG Week festivals
• OMODA C5, the official vehicle of artists and organisers
• Daily double tickets up for grabs for anyone who spots the branded C5 in Ballito and the North Coast

It wouldn’t be summer without the Ballito BIG Week and the KZN SUMMER Festival. And it wouldn’t be the hottest ticket on the festival calendar without OMODA.

OMODA has joined the festivities in Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, as the Official Vehicle Partner to both music festivals. This means that it will not only support the various music events but also drive the music stars to and from Sugar Rush Park.

The Ballito BIG Week starts this Friday, and the festivities end with a massive New Year’s Eve event on 31 December and the car of choice for all the fun and festivities is the OMODA C5.

The OMODA C5 is the current flagship in the OMODA range. It represents everything that has made OMODA a global hit among vehicle buyers looking for a sporty SUV that breaks the mould yet delivers on all the features that have made sport utility vehicles so popular.

OMODA designed the OMODA C5 as the first model to follow its fashion-forward “Art in Motion” design language. As such, the model features a diamond-cut geometric matrix grille and notably eye-catching 18-inch dual-tone blade wheels.

The dual-tone theme continues with the roof design, with darkened B- and C-pillars that visually separate the roofline from the muscular body and create a dynamic profile unlike any other SUV on the market.

Inside the OMODA C5, the driver and passengers are spoilt with a long list of luxury features, including dual high-resolution digital screens, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and an Intelligent Voice Command system.

“OMODA is the perfect brand for the next generation of vehicle buyers. These buyers value a unique design that is both fashionable and futuristic,” says Tony Liu, Deputy General Manager of OMODA Brand O&J.

“We believe that the OMODA C5 perfectly represents the OMODA spirit and is therefore a perfect fit for the KZN SUMMER Festival and Ballito BIG Week.”

The Ballito BIG Week kicks off on Friday, 22 December with a massive music spectacular headlined by the Afro House sensation, Shimza. He will be joined by a jam-packed roster of artists, including Lemon & Herb, Argento Dust, Sun El Musician, Culoe de Song and Thandi Draai.

On Tuesday, 26 December, the legendary Black Coffee headlines a second music festival that includes Caiiro, Son of Dennis, Enoo Napa and Mat Elle, to name but a few.

The fun continues on Wednesday, 27 December, when the fleet of OMODA C5 models will drop off Jeremy Loops, Will Linley and the ever-popular Goodluck at Sugar Rush Park for the first of the Ballito Live events.

Not done yet, the third Ballito BIG Week concerts will kick off on Friday, 29 December with superstar DJs, including Blxckie, DBN Gogo, Mellow & Sleazy, DJ Lag, Whitesoul and others.

The fun reaches a crescendo on New Year’s Eve when global stars GoldFish will rock Ballito. They will be joined by the Saxby Twins and Neon Dreams for the perfect start to the new year.

“G&G Productions are proud to welcome OMODA as the official vehicle partner of Ballito BIG Week and the KZN SUMMER festivals in Ballito this December.

“The two festivals are in effect five premium one-day festivals attracting a wide mix of South African and International music lovers and holiday makers. Our approach of offering a premium experience is perfectly aligned with that of OMODA, and we are excited to develop our partnership further in the future,” says Greg Walsh, the Founder & CEO of G&G Productions, the organisers of the two music festivals.

To crown its support of the two music festivals, OMODA has branded a number of OMODA C5 models that will cruise through the streets of Ballito and the wider North Coast during December.

Anyone who spots one of these stunning SUVs can take a picture of themselves with the OMODA C5 and post it on Instagram with the tags @ballitobigweek, @kznsummer and @omodasouthafrica. OMODA and G&G Events will pick one lucky winner every day to win a set of double tickets to one of the music events.

For more information, visit the OMODA social media channels and www.omoda.co.za, www.ballitobigweek.co.za and www.kznsummer.co.za.

JAECOO, the newly established urban off-road SUV marque and second brand from OMODA&JAECOO, is launching its first model, the highly sophisticated J7 in South Africa in early 2024. Endowed with fearless, farseeing elegance and conceived for urban elites with exquisite taste and extraordinary style, JAECOO perfectly embodies the slogan “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.

Committed to crafting urban SUVs, JAECOO persistently centres its approach around the user. Leveraging cutting-edge technology and novel ecological experiences, the brand continually reshapes the relationship between people and vehicles. It brings innovative products and services to the modern urban elite, building on the foundation of the classic SUV’s reliable qualities. In particular, JAECOO relentlessly pursues breakthroughs, especially in terms of dynamic performance and technological innovation, transcending the classics and delivering a sense of the future and technology to a broader consumer base.

“At JAECOO, we are tirelessly dedicated to making breakthroughs in the automotive space and the upcoming J7 will be South Africa’s first taste of the future of intelligent mobility when it arrives early next year,” said Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager for OMODA&JAECOO.

“Tougher than typical urban SUVs but more comfortable than traditional off-roaders, the J7 is poised to start a new urban off-roading trend among local buyers. Add a raft of remarkable safety features, forward-thinking technologies and chic design – all courtesy of master design teams assembled from countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany – and you’ll find the J7 is like no other,” explains Gahagan.

The JAECOO J7’s standard powertrain provides ample power and torque to conquer a variety of surfaces. Just as the refined J7’s on-road credentials speak for themselves, so too do the newcomer’s off-road capabilities. Endowed with JAECOO’s proprietary ARDIS intelligent off-roading system, the multi-talented SUV boasts as many as 7 drive modes, allowing it to adapt to a wide variety of terrains.

The J7’s distinctive exterior styling is a mix of classic aesthetics and cutting-edge design, including a matrix-style grille, slim LED headlights and elegant flush door handles. Thanks to the J7’s master design, the sleekly styled urban off-road SUV is equipped with a minimalistic yet luxurious interior, including a vast 24.6-inch screen.

“While our product rollout in South Africa will commence with the eagerly anticipated J7 early in 2024, there’s plenty more to come from the brand. Later next year, for instance, JAECOO will also launch the new, larger J8 – which was revealed in Qatar as recently as October – packed full of more segment-redefining features, from an ultra-smart curved infotainment screen to row-specific climate control,” said Gahagan

In the interim, South Africans can look forward to meeting the J7, which is poised to challenge local consumers’ traditional perceptions of off-roading. Furthermore, the J7 PHEV is set to be introduced in Q3 2024, before the flagship J8 arrives in Q4 2024. More details, including local specifications and pricing, will be released closer to the respective models’ launches in 2024.

Cape Town, November 2023: The long-anticipated moment arrived today as OMODA officially launched the C5 GT in Cape Town. Local media and guests were not just treated to a visual showcase, but also to a full driving experience of this urban crossover SUV, seamlessly blending power, style, and cutting-edge technology. This reveal follows its initial debut at the 2023 “Mr. South Africa” finals, where the limited edition OMODA C5 GT, serving as the exclusive official vehicle partner, not only provided professional high-end transportation for the competition but also stole the spotlight with its unique aesthetics and advanced intelligent technology. The vehicle’s performance and style were nothing short of extraordinary, keeping pace with the stylish contestants and earning praise from guests, participants, and organisers alike. Since its inception, OMODA has remained committed to pushing the boundaries of technology within avant-garde design while delivering exceptional travel experiences. The OMODA C5 GT lives up to this legacy:

Enhanced Powertrain: The OMODA C5 GT boasts a Kunpeng 1.6T engine and a 7DCT transmission, equipped with advanced technologies like the iHEC intelligent combustion system, low-inertia turbo, and an electric actuator. These innovations address low-speed torque limitations, enhance intake energy, and achieve rapid, efficient combustion. With a maximum power output of 145 kW and peak torque of 290 N.m, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 7.8 seconds, providing drivers with a dynamic and comfortable powerful experience. Customised Finishes: Shannon Gahagan, National Brand and Marketing Manager of OMODA SA, emphasises the importance of individuality, stating, “The GT offers up to eight different exterior customizations, enabling owners to personalise their vehicle to match their unique style. The model features a gold logo and rear gold GT badge, with optional 18-inch high-gloss black and gold sports rims.” The OMODA C5 GT showcases a sportier appearance with a lower front bumper, a split front headlight design, T-shaped daytime running lights, and urban flowing matrix LED taillights. Front and rear spoilers, side skirts, and an aerodynamic rear wing enhance its already award-winning design. The standard piano black interior complements the bespoke exterior, delivering elegance and style. The vehicle’s 12V start-stop function and independent rear suspension enhance fuel efficiency during short stops and increase wheel traction for improved comfort. Additionally, it features a convenient 50 W fast wireless charging pad for efficient, hassle-free device charging.

Launch Price and Demand: “We have seen unprecedented demand for the OMODA C5 GT – it truly has been nothing short of remarkable,” continues Gahagan. This overwhelming response underscores the vehicle’s exceptional allure and appeal. “South Africa holds a pivotal position within OMODA’s strategic markets. With the introduction of this new model, OMODA is dedicated to delivering a heightened level of futuristic sophistication, and intelligent mobility solutions to our valued local customers. Looking ahead, OMODA remains committed to its forward-thinking approach and ongoing technological innovation. We aim to expand our automotive ecosystem, fostering deeper connections with global users, and providing thrilling driving experiences that define a new era of travel and lifestyle,” concludes Gahagan.

The limited edition starts at R589,000.00, and interested customers can reach out to their nearest OMODA dealership for more information or or visit www.omoda.co.za.

Johannesburg, October 2023: Get ready for a powerful upgrade from automotive brand OMODA. Renowned for its dedication to quality, style, and safety, OMODA is gearing up to reveal the OMODA C5 GT this November. While we’re not sharing all the details just yet, here’s an exclusive glimpse of what awaits:

More Power, More Thrills: The more powerful C5 GT 1.6 TGDi additions to the OMODA C5 family will deliver an impressive 145kW of power and 290Nm of torque, propelling you from 0 to 100km within 7.8 seconds.

Efficiency Redefined: OMODA’s engineering experts are introducing the groundbreaking iHEC combustion system, boasting a remarkable thermal efficiency of 37.1%. This redefines fuel efficiency standards in the auto industry.

Safety First: Just like its predecessor, the OMODA C5 GT has passed rigorous tests to meet the highest global safety standards. The OMODA C5’s impeccable safety track record was recently reaffirmed with a prestigious five-star safety rating from ANCAP.

Notably, the OMODA C5 GT 1.6 TGDi is set to enter the market as exclusive limited editions. With fewer than 100 vehicles available, these exclusive editions come with a power boost under the hood, and feature sporty exterior enhancements.

With the Tech, Luxury, and Elegance models already making waves, the new 1.6 TGDi variant promises to be the epitome of power and sophistication. While pricing and further details are still under wraps, you can reach out to OMODA dealerships across the country for more information, or visit www.omoda.co.za.

Johannesburg, 24 October 2023 – From October 15 to 18, the 2023 OMODA International User Ecosystem Co-creation Conference was successfully held in Wuhu, China. User representatives from over 30 countries globally were invited to this grand meeting, a convivial platform where OMODA and users could deeply interact and converge.

“Users” were undeniably the stars of this conference. With an immersive ecological product exhibition, a low-carbon ride involving thousands of global users, newly established directions in philanthropic collaborations witnessed by users, and multi-round, multi-scenario user test rides and drives, the vibrancy was palpable. At the user-themed conference on the 18th, OMODA created a stage for global user representatives to share their stories and life propositions intertwined with OMODA.

Every specialized event, teeming with exuberance, demonstrated OMODA’s significant emphasis on building a user ecosystem. A retrospective glance at the highlight moments of the conference allowed global users to experience the pioneering, joyful new ecosystem, anticipatory technological advancements, new journeys in green development, and the thrilling experiences brought by the intuitive electric vehicles of OMODA.

Peripheral Boutique Exhibition: More Than Just Cars

During the conference, OMODA crafted a technologically enriched “Ecological Product Exhibition” for car enthusiasts and users. Charging piles, drones, digital intelligence, trendy sports, and an array of other exhibits created an immersive, joyful living experience space. Here, users could directly perceive the derivative excellence of OMODA’s products.

This exquisite exhibition showcased OMODA’s stride beyond the “car” boundary, connecting every aspect of users’ lives. In the future, OMODA will embrace a diverse culture and interests, organizing trendy events for global users who are passionate about life, fostering the connection of like-minded partners, and jointly constructing a new paradigm of “mobility + life” with OMODA.

Advancing Technology, Ushering a New Future of Intelligent Mobility

Beyond the enchanting ecosystem of products that are more than just cars, the “Tech Day” at the OMODA International User Ecosystem Co-creation Conference unveiled more uplifting news about technological advancements, showcasing several latest technological achievements.

Amidst the pivotal phase of automobile electrification and intelligence, Tech Day introduced the third-generation PHEV hybrid technology platform, achieving a perfect balance between robust performance and energy conservation. This platform is set to steer the trend of intelligent and green automotive future. In the realm of autonomous driving, OMODA unveiled several new technologies centered around the Robotaxi model, unlocking a new realm of intelligent mobility. In terms of intelligent interaction, OMODA demonstrated many cutting-edge black technologies, including AI large model onboarding and the Car Enjoyment Metaverse.Beyond the enchanting ecosystem of products that are more than just cars, the “Tech Day” at the OMODA International User Ecosystem Co-creation Conference unveiled more uplifting news about technological advancements, showcasing several latest technological achievements.

For OMODA, “technology” has always been the lifeblood and the fundamental element in building excellent cars for users. With innovation touching the future, OMODA is committed to making the beautiful vision of mobility tangible and accessible to all.

Low-Carbon Ecological Ride: Users Transform into Pioneers of Green Living

If “technology” is a crucial element for an automobile brand to win users’ favor, then the exploration of sustainable development and the practice of social responsibility are the surefire strategies for a brand to maintain enduring competitiveness. During the conference, OMODA orchestrated an ecological ride, mobilizing thousands of global users to practice low-carbon travel and lead a green life.

At the opening ceremony of the thousand-people ride, witnessed by global users, OMODA also signed a memorandum of cooperation with IUCN to jointly explore new directions in the green and environmental protection field, further showcasing OMODA’s commitment to building a car brand with “love, warmth, and emotion.”

Exceptional products can help users forge a superior travel experience, but brand culture and ecological construction amalgamate more users of the same belief into a powerful synergy. OMODA will continue to amplify its brand potential and user ecological advantages, further deepen cooperation with global welfare organizations, continuously contribute to the high-quality development of the automobile industry, and advocate for a beautiful green lifestyle.

Deep Test Rides and Drives: Unlocking Boundless Exciting Driving Pleasure

To allow the visiting users and media to profoundly perceive OMODA’s product strength, OMODA initiated multiple rounds of test rides and drives during the conference. The brand won high praise from global users with its avant-garde design aesthetics, outstanding dynamic performance, and forward-looking intelligent technology.

The test ride and drive area was specially set up in the scenic Fantawild, divided into an integrated race track experience area and a straight-line acceleration experience area. OMODA’s two-star models, OMODA 5 and OMODA E5, were put to the test. The OMODA E5, the brand’s newly launched pure electric model, demonstrated OMODA’s extraordinary strength in the new energy field with its surging power and flexible control in various road condition simulation projects like S slaloms and figure-eight slaloms.

As OMODA CEO Shawn Xu emphasized at the conference, “OMODA will not only make good cars for users but will also continuously transcend boundaries, committed to changing the relationship between cars and people. Through its brand power and creativity, it aims to empower those dreamy, talented users, becoming their intimate partner.” This international user ecological co-creation conference is the practice of OMODA’s “user-centered” concept and the starting point of OMODA’s pioneering and joyful ecology. Aiming to create an all-scenario ecological experience for users, OMODA will keep pushing forward, building a global user ecology, and leading a beautiful future of mobility together with more users.