Chery’s Omoda and Jaecoo EVs Spotted in Toronto as Canada Eases Entry for Chinese Cars

Overview

• Photos shared on social media show Omoda and Jaecoo J5 vehicles parked in Toronto with some logos covered and plates displaying the brand and model, with their registration status not confirmed.
• These appear to be the first reported sightings of Chery’s export models in Canada, which observers say could signal testing or logistics moves ahead of a planned late‑2026 launch that the company has not yet confirmed.
• Canada’s new framework permits up to 49,000 Chinese-made EVs a year at a 6.1% tariff, with the first 24,500 slots available from March through August on a first‑come basis and larger quotas planned by 2030.
• Vehicles imported under the quota do not qualify for the federal $5,000 rebate, which could narrow but not erase the price advantage that Chinese brands have claimed in other markets.
• Chery has been hiring in Canada, filing trademarks, and saying it is studying the market, while automakers and politicians have raised labour and data‑security concerns as advisory groups report several Chinese brands eye entries by late 2026.