Chery Motors Group Dominates Israeli Car Market with 43% Chinese Vehicle Share

In the first half of 2026, Chinese-made vehicles accounted for approximately 43% of all new car deliveries in Israel. However, this significant market share is largely concentrated within a single manufacturer, Chery Motors Group, which controls 51.4% of the Chinese vehicle segment through four active brands in Israel. The Jacco brand, imported by Calmobil, alone holds about 24.8% of the Chinese market share, with its sister brand Omoda contributing 3.4%. Meanwhile, the parent brand Chery, marketed by Carasso, commands 23.2%. Overall, Chery Motors Group accounted for roughly 23.5% of all new car deliveries in Israel during this period.

This rapid dominance is notable compared to other major players like Hyundai and Kia, which took nearly two decades to reach a combined market share exceeding 30%. Chery achieved this in under three years, entering the Israeli market with a modest 4% share in 2023 and expanding quickly with additional brands Jacco and Omoda joining about 18 months later. Globally, Chery's market share is much smaller, with 18% in Russia, 5% in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, and just 2.1% in the European Union.

Chery attributes its Israeli success to the role of local importers as pioneers in key European markets, with Calmobil and Carasso expanding Chery’s presence in Austria, Romania, Switzerland, and Greece. The group plans further expansion with two new brands, ICAR and LEPAS, expected to enter the Israeli market soon.

Several factors underpin Chery’s success in Israel: a well-timed product mix focusing on affordable plug-in hybrid crossovers priced under 200,000 shekels, filling a niche left by Western competitors after tax incentive changes. The group’s vehicles offer attractive features such as spacious design, generous equipment, and advanced technology, appealing to Israeli consumers seeking value and status. Additionally, Chinese government support, including subsidies and regulatory flexibility, has enabled Chery to price competitively, though critics argue this amounts to deep state subsidies.

Despite recent exclusion of Chinese vehicles from security fleet tenders, private consumer demand remains strong. Chery’s growing market share could reach 30-40% or more, signaling a major shift in Israel’s automotive landscape. The company’s expansion strategy and government backing suggest its influence will continue to grow in the coming months and years.