It's Official: Chery Enters the 2010 Dakar Rally

Chery has confirmed its participation in the 2010 Dakar Rally, thus becoming the first Chinese automaker to take part in what is probably the harshest race on Earth. Rival company Great Wall Motors has also announced its intentions to take part in next year’s Dakar, but a clear official statement has not been made.

The 2010 edition of the Dakar Rally will be hosted again by the South American continent, with the official route set through Argentina and Chile. The 9000 km race starts on New Year’s Day at Buenos Aires and ends on January 16 in the same city.

The Chinese automaker will actually enter the competition via its sub-brand Rely, a division created for the indigenous market producing “ high-end all-round commercial vehicles”. Chery also has two other divisions under its wing, both also aimed at the local market: Karry, focused on compact vehicles and Riich, which produces premium passenger cars.

The four cars which will be entered in the rally are two X5 race SUVs, one X5 lead car and one H5 support vehicle for emergency situations. The team will be  will be managed by “Asia wheel drive King”, Dali Ma. Five-time Dakar contender, Ningjun Lu, will be the main driver.

"To attend the Dakar race, good results are expected. However, it is much more important to study, accumulate and explore, just as Chery's 12-years history. The Rely fleet carries the responsibility of brand development, the hopes of Chery people and Chinese people's glory and dream. We believe that through the test of smoke in Dakar, Rely X5 will show the world the strength and brilliance of SUV of Chinese independent brands" said Yin Tongyue CEO Chery Group.