Chinese auto giant Chery has chosen Romania as the starting point for the European debut of its extreme testing program Global Safety Challenge. Entitled "1st European CHERY Safety Challenge", the event scheduled for September 22–24, 2026 will take place in Constanța and aims to push the boundaries of hybrid technology to a new level of technical transparency.
The centerpiece of the demonstration on the Romanian coast is an extreme experiment dedicated to high-voltage batteries. The hybrid battery pack on the new Tiggo 9 CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) will be submerged for 24 hours in a controlled tank filled with water with a salinity identical to that of the Black Sea.
Increased salinity and prolonged exposure represent a significant stress factor for electrical components, promoting rapid corrosion and the risk of short circuit in the event of faulty insulation.
At the end of the 24 hours of immersion, the technical process does not stop at simply extracting the battery:
1. Visual and mechanical inspection: Chery’s engineering team will examine the tightness of the seals and the condition of the casing in front of the audience.
2. Reinstallation on the vehicle: The battery will be remounted on the Tiggo 9 CSH SUV.
3. Live start: The car will be started live, with all electronic systems, from the hybrid drivetrain to the digital displays and assistance systems, being tested.
Specialized journalists from 16 European countries are confirmed to attend the event, along with technical specialists and members of Chery International's executive management.
The Romanian launch is part of a global validation strategy that Chery is already running in 44 countries. The CSH (Chery Super Hybrid) propulsion technology was subjected to various extreme operating scenarios:
● Indonesia: Prolonged immersion tests in deep ocean water.
● Mexico: Harsh tests of the lower shield's resistance to impact with gravel and obstacles on rough terrain.
● Middle East: Prolonged driving and rapid charging in extreme temperature conditions (over +50°C).
● Latin America: Structural penetration tests of battery cells and torsional strength.
The choice of Constanta marks the first anniversary of the Chery brand on the Romanian market. The decision reflects both the growth dynamics of the local distribution network and the strategic importance that the region plays in the group's expansion on the European market.
The Chery Group has positioned itself on the Romanian market with an offer structured in three main segments: gasoline models (ICE), classic hybrids (HEV) and plug-in hybrids (PHEV / CSH).
All models benefit from an extended warranty of up to 7 years or 150,000 km for the vehicle, and 8 years or 160,000 km for the traction battery and high-voltage components of the CSH range.
Official list prices in Romania
| Model | Powertrain Type | Starting Price (incl. VAT) |
| TIGGO 4 HEV | Hybrid Electric (HEV) | from €22,990 |
| TIGGO 7 ICE | Petrol (1.6 T-GDI 145 HP / 7DCT) | from €27,990 (promo offer: ~€26,700) |
| TIGGO 7 Hybrid | Hybrid Electric (HEV) | from €28,990 |
| TIGGO 7 CSH | Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | from €34,990 |
| TIGGO 8 ICE | Petrol (1.6 T-GDI 7-seater) | from €31,990 |
| TIGGO 8 CSH | Plug-in Hybrid (7-seater) | from €39,490 |
| TIGGO 9 CSH | Plug-in Hybrid Flagship (7-seater) | from €47,000 |
1. Chery Tiggo 9 CSH (Top of the range)
The model subjected to the saltwater test in Constanta is the brand's most luxurious and advanced SUV available in Europe. Equipped with a 34.46 kWh LFP (Lithium-Iron-Phosphate) battery, the Tiggo 9 CSH combines a 1.5-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with high-power electric motors. The 7-seat SUV offers premium-class features: perforated leather interior, ventilated seats with massage, Head-Up Display, panoramic roof, Sony audio system with 14 speakers and a 540° panoramic camera.
2. Tiggo 7 & 8 Series
The compact and medium series (Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 8) represent the sales volume in Romania. They offer versatility through the 1.6 T-GDI thermal versions with automatic dual-clutch transmission (7DCT), but also through the CSH options that allow significant purely urban electric ranges.
The demonstration from September 22–24 in Constanta will show the extent to which Chinese engineering can provide the safety guarantee that European customers demand from electrified vehicles.