Home Industry Automotive The future is here: OMODA & JAECOO user summit showcases high-tech cars, robots The summit saw the official global launches of OMODA & JAECOO’s latest models, OMODA C7 and JAECOO J5, in the presence of over 2,000 attendees by Neesha Salian October 31, 2024 Images: OMODA & JAECOO From cool robots to feature-packed vehicles, Chinese automaker OMODA & JAECOO‘s International User Summit this year was nothing short of a spectacular showcase of automotive innovation, design finesse and futuristic tech. Held in Wuhu, China, the second edition of the brand’s annual summit brought together over 2,000 car and tech enthusiasts, journalists and brand loyalists from around the world to witness groundbreaking advancements. Industry insiders and international media representatives joined CEO Shawn Xu and chief designer Richard Choo, as the company unveiled a suite of innovations set to redefine the dynamic world of mobility. During the event, the company unveiled two new car models, the OMODA C7 and JAECOO J5, along with their latest robotic companions, Mornine and Argos, developed through an AI collaboration with AIMOGA. Each innovation embodied the brand’s mission of listening to user needs and responding with creativity and precision, transforming mobility into a lifestyle experience. Attendees had the opportunity to see, interact with, and even test the brand’s latest products. Pioneering mobility with OMODA C7 and JAECOO J5 The OMODA C7, revealed to much anticipation, is designed for driving pleasure at its finest. Incorporating high-quality materials and advanced technology, the C7 offers a hyper-futuristic aesthetic that doesn’t just look the part but delivers new levels of comfort and responsiveness. The C7’s sleek design, intuitive tech features, rapid acceleration, and precision handling make it the most sophisticated model in its series, designed to respond seamlessly to driver needs and environmental cues. As the newest flagship, it exemplifies the brand’s ethos of providing premium quality and performance in a dynamic, future-oriented package. On the other hand, the JAECOO J5 speaks to a lifestyle shift, blending high-tech features, sustainability, and outdoor-friendly configurations. Launched to the global market amid great excitement, the J5 is a true example of the seamless intersection between mobility, nature, and practicality. Designed for those with a love for adventure, the J5 comes equipped with camping lights, contact charging ports, and a hefty 1,250 kg towing capacity, ideal for any journey into the wilderness. For pet owners, the J5 goes the extra mile with thoughtful additions, such as antibacterial air purifiers, fur-filtering systems, and extended seating — all features that make travel safe and comfortable for furry friends. Redefining robotics with Mornine and Argos The summit also spotlighted OMODA & JAECOO’s next generation of robots, Mornine and Argos, developed with their AI partner, AIMOGA. Mornine, crafted for showroom floors, revolutionises the customer service experience by offering personalised vehicle suggestions based on individual needs and preferences. From welcoming visitors to guiding car viewings, Mornine bridges the gap between the digital and physical realms, redefining what a car-purchasing experience can be. Argos, the second-generation quadruped robotic family dog, stole the show as a truly innovative companion. Designed for public welfare, Argos can recognise commands, follow its owner’s movements, and even perform anthropomorphic actions like dancing and shaking hands. Engineered as a “compassionate companion”, this bionic canine is a testament to how robotics can blend emotional intelligence with technical proficiency, adding a human-like touch to futuristic technology. Driving connections: The User Ecosystem Carnival Beyond the groundbreaking launches, the summit offered immersive experiences through the User Ecosystem Carnival, an interactive segment allowing users to directly engage with OMODA & JAECOO executives, including CEO Shawn Xu. This part of the summit reflected the brand’s commitment to listening closely to its customers, enabling meaningful dialogues about future models and the user-driven approach that the company values. Test drives provided a firsthand experience of each model’s innovative capabilities, solidifying user input as a foundational aspect of the brand’s design and development. The J7’s mettle was showcased at the summit The summit also showcased the J7 plug-in hybrid vehicle’s (PHEV) endurance and Innovation. The car’s seven-country marathon (Malaysia, Italy, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Turkey, and the UK) attracted media attention worldwide, strengthening OMODA & JAECOO’s reputation as pioneers in the new energy vehicles sector. Covering varied landscapes and driving environments, this marathon journey reinforced the vehicle’s ability to meet the diverse demands of modern drivers. With the summit as a backdrop, the J7 PHEV set a new standard for range and reliability in the PHEV category. The J7 PHEV traversed 1,300 kilometres on a single tank of fuel and a fully charged battery, completing the journey without any need to refuel or recharge. This journey involved a variety of driving conditions, from morning rush-hour congestion to open highways and intercity expressways. Range anxiety — a common concern among EV drivers — was front of mind when JAECOO undertook this ambitious international test. With the market demanding both engine performance and fuel efficiency, the J7 PHEV has set a new benchmark by delivering both without compromise. Although the J7 PHEV’s rated pure electric range stands at 106 kilometres and the fuel consumption at 5.99 litres per 100 kilometres, it defied expectations throughout the journey. With a class-leading 125.2 km in pure electric mode – achieving 139 per cent of its expected range – the J7 PHEV proved itself as more than capable of handling extensive, uninterrupted travel. Even in a power-depleted state, the vehicle demonstrated incredible efficiency, using only 3.3 litres of fuel per 100 kilometres, significantly below the rated figure. The JAECOO J7 PHEV’s success in the marathon was a testament to the brand’s advanced super hybrid system technology. By incorporating advanced battery density, motor efficiency and thermal management, the J7 PHEV overcame range anxiety, showcasing both exceptional range and efficiency. Creating a connected future Overall, the annual summit demonstrated a clear sense of OMODA & JAECOO’s vision: a world where technology enhances daily life in unexpected ways, fuelled by a commitment to co-creating a brighter, more connected future. The summit also reflected the company’s confidence in working towards its 2030 global strategy to sell 1.5 million cars worldwide. A statement issued in May by the company stated that in less than a year, it has expanded its presence to more than 40 markets worldwide, with a network of more than 873 dealers. Furthermore, OMODA & JAECOO also achieved a milestone of 160,000 cars sold in one year through an enhanced brand strategy and sales structure, establishing itself as one of the world’s fastest-growing automotive brands. According to the company’s leadership, for their 2030 strategy, the brands will continue to step up their efforts in market expansion, network building, brand development, product layout and ecological strategy under the theme ‘New energy, a new ecosystem, a new era’. Read: Are autonomous vehicles the key to sustainable mobility in the region’s EV revolution? Tags Annual International User Summit automotive China JAECOO J5 OMODA & JAECOO OMODA C7 wuhu You might also like Raki Phillips on how RAKTDA is partnering with Huawei to boost tourism Classic appeal: Triumph Motorcycles returns to the UAE Insights: How insurance will shape a driverless world Shift to EVs will have far-reaching impact, IMF says