Chinese automobile brand OMODA is preparing to launch sales on the Uzbek market, Spot.uz has reported.

OMODA, a subsidiary brand of Chery International, presents its car models as the choice of "young, trend-following drivers" who "need more than a crossover".

OMODA is already present in countries including Mexico, Israel and Kuwait. In 1Q23 alone, the company sold more than 13,000 cars, showing "steady growth" in all regions.

In 2Q23, OMODA also plans to enter other markets in the Middle East, Latin America and the European Union. By the end of the year, OMODA expects to be selling cars in more than 30 countries.

The sales start in Uzbekistan is expected to occur in the autumn, with OMODA 5 compact crossovers made available to buyers.

The car is equipped with a 1.5-litre turbo engine paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In the future, a version with a 1.6-litre engine and a dual-clutch transmission (DCT) may also be presented.

The model provides a "human-machine interface 4.0" and a set of intelligent driver assistance systems. This includes cruise control, a lane departure warning system and a blind spot tracking system.

According to the company, the OMODA 5 will cost less than competing models from Hyundai and Kia, but provide comparable quality and performance.

Chery announced plans to enter the Uzbek market in November 2021, starting sales with four models. In the summer of 2022, the company signed an agreement with local distributor Roodell on sales of its cars and, at a later date, production of its cars.

A subsidiary brand of Chinese company Exeed last October, meanwhile, announced plans for car sales on the Uzbek market. Test drives for potential buyers are being conducted. Local assembly of the cars should be under way by the end of May.