Rely (Chinese: 威麟) was a Chinese passenger car manufacturer owned by Chery. Headquartered in Wuhu, it operated from 2009 to 2021.

Rely
Company typeBrand
Founded2009
Defunct2021; 3 years ago (2021)
Headquarters,
China
Area served
China
Key people
Yin Tongyue
OwnerChery Automobile (100%)
Websitehttps://www.relyauto.com/

History

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Beginnings

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In the spring of 2009, the Chinese automotive corporation Chery Automobile announced plans to expand its portfolio with two new brands aimed at improving the image of the company, which was previously known mainly for cheap cars. Together with Riich, the Rely branch was also launched[1]. In September 2009, the first products were presented in the form of a mid-size SUV Rely X5[2], which was originally developed as a product of the parent brand Chery. In the same month, the mid-size station wagon Rely V5 debuted[3], previously known as the Chery model.

In 2010, the Rely range was expanded with the H-Series family of passenger and delivery models with a design reminiscent of the Japanese Toyota HiAce[4]. That same year, another model was to be launched in the form of the mid-sized minivanRely V8, which, however, never made it beyond the prototype stage.[5] In addition, in December 2010, Chery announced that Rely would officially compete in the upcoming Dakar Rally with a specially modified high-performance version of the X5 SUV.[6]

Range reduction and profile change

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Like the related brand Riich, Rely did not achieve the expected popularity[7]. In 2012, the management of the Chery Group decided to discontinue further development of unsuccessful brands, gradually phasing out their presence on the Chinese market.[7] As a result, the X5 SUV, among others, did not go on sale after extensive modernization, disappearing from production in its previous form completely in 2013. That same year, the V5 model was incorporated into the Chery lineup as the Chery CrossEastar, and the Rely's role was eventually reduced to a line offering the H-Series[7]. However, the production was taken over by another company, Chery, which produces buses Chery & Wanda Bus, offering this model for the next 8 years until 2021 as one of its products[7]. Then, due to the tightening of exhaust emission standards in China, the H-Series disappeared from the market, and with it - the Rely brand[7].

Products

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X5 (2009–2012)

V5 (2009-2012)

H-Series (2010–2021)

Concept vehicles

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  • Rely V8 (2010)

References

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  1. ^ "Chery gets literal, launches two new sub-brands". Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  2. ^ "[原创]威麟X5年内上市 欲向硬派越野市场进军" (in Chinese). Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  3. ^ "Chery Auto launches Rely brand, Rely V5 model". Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  4. ^ "Chery/Rely H5 - kopia Toyoty Hiace czy nie ?" (in Polish). Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  5. ^ "Chery-Rely V8 MPV on Sale Soon". Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  6. ^ "Chery set to participate in 2010 Dakar Rally". Retrieved 2024-11-03.
  7. ^ a b c d e "The Big Read – Chery (3/4) – Brand madness". Retrieved 2024-11-03.