Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda have expanded their UK warranty coverage, giving fleet operators and business users greater protection against potential repair costs as their vehicles rack up mileage.
The manufacturers have increased warranty cover to seven years or 100,000 miles on a range of components that were previously covered for just three years or 40,000 miles.
The changes could make the brands more attractive to businesses assessing new vehicle suppliers, particularly those looking closely at whole-life costs, vehicle maintenance and long-term manufacturer support.
More Components Now Covered For Longer
The revised warranty applies to a wide range of mechanical and electrical components.
Items benefiting from the extended seven-year/100,000-mile coverage include:
- Air-conditioning compressors
- Alternators
- Brake calipers
- Infotainment systems
- Fuel injectors
- Fuel pumps
- Shock absorbers
- Starter motors
- Water pumps
- Wheel bearings
- Electric window regulators
The manufacturers have also increased protection for bushes and other rubber components from three years or 40,000 miles to seven years or 60,000 miles.
Ball joints now receive the same seven-year/60,000-mile coverage.
For businesses operating vehicles over several years, extending protection to these components could provide additional reassurance and help reduce the risk of unexpected repair bills outside the original warranty period.
Existing Vehicles Also Benefit
One of the more significant aspects of the announcement is that the improved warranty terms are retrospective.
Customers do not need to purchase a new vehicle or make any changes to their existing agreements to receive the additional protection.
Jaecoo and Omoda have confirmed that the revised terms apply automatically to vehicles sold in the UK since the brands launched here.
Chery is taking the same approach, with the enhanced warranty applying to all of the vehicles it has sold in the UK so far.
The manufacturers say the decision follows feedback from customers and their expanding UK dealer networks.
Growing UK Dealer Networks
The extended warranty comes as Jaecoo and Omoda continue to build their presence in the UK.
The two brands now have more than 140 UK dealerships between them and have achieved a combined market share of around 5.7%.
That growing dealer network could be particularly important for fleet customers, where access to servicing, maintenance and manufacturer support can play a significant role in vehicle selection.
For businesses considering less established manufacturers, a combination of wider dealer coverage and longer warranty protection could help reduce some of the concerns associated with choosing a newer automotive brand.
Chery Continues To Expand
Chery has also been expanding rapidly since entering the UK market.
The manufacturer now has more than 85 UK retailers and is targeting a network of 120 dealerships by the autumn.
Its growing sales presence suggests that the brand is moving quickly beyond being a relatively unfamiliar name in the UK market.
The Tiggo 8 was the UK’s best-selling seven-seat vehicle during June, while Chery recorded a 2% market share in July.
Its current UK range includes the Tiggo 4, Tiggo 7, Tiggo 8 and Tiggo 9.
All four models are available with Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) plug-in hybrid system.
Hybrid Powertrains Add Fleet Appeal
Chery’s Super Hybrid (CSH) system is designed to allow drivers to complete shorter journeys using electric power while retaining a petrol engine for longer trips, a format also available in models such as the Jaecoo 7.
That could make the vehicles relevant to businesses and company car users who want to introduce electrified vehicles without relying entirely on battery power.
For fleets, the combination of plug-in hybrid technology and extended warranty protection could make Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda increasingly interesting alternatives to more established manufacturers.
However, warranty coverage is only one part of the overall cost of running a fleet. Businesses will also need to consider factors such as purchase or car leasing costs, servicing, insurance, residual values, fuel or charging costs and the availability of local dealer support.
Maintenance And Warranty Are Not The Same
It’s also important for businesses to understand that warranty protection and vehicle maintenance are not the same thing. A warranty can cover certain component failures, while maintenance deals with the ongoing servicing and upkeep required to keep a vehicle on the road. For more information, see our guide to Maintenance Vs Warranty: What’s the Difference?.
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