Caster Semenya takes the wheel as JAECOO’s brand ambassador for the new J7 SHS plug-in hybrid
Caster Semenya JAECOO’s brand ambassador for the new J7 SHS plug-in
Olympic champion Caster Semenya joins JAECOO South Africa as a brand ambassador behind the wheel of its first plug-in hybrid SUV, the J7 SHS. The J7 SHS delivers 255 kW and a 90 km all-electric range, combining power, luxury, and sustainability for everyday life. Semenya’s partnership embodies JAECOO‘s commitment to excellence, family, and forward-thinking mobility.
Olympic champion and global sporting icon, Caster Semenya, has officially joined the JAECOO South Africa family as the ambassador for the brand’s first plug-in hybrid SUV, the J7 SHS.
Known for her strength, discipline, and commitment to excellence, Semenya’s partnership with JAECOO reflects shared values of performance, innovation and sustainability: qualities that define both the athlete and the vehicle she now drives. “I love the J7’s style. It’s sleek, spacious, and packed with advanced safety features—which is especially important for me as a parent,” says Semenya. “For someone like me with kids and a family, it just fits perfectly.”
Redefining expectations
The J5 SHS represents JAECOO’s bold step into electrified mobility in South Africa. With 255 kW and 525 N.m of torque, it offers impressive performance while maintaining exceptional efficiency. An 18.3 kWh battery delivers an electric-only range of 90 km, while the combined driving range exceeds 1,200 km, making it ideal for both city commutes and long-distance travel.
“The most surprising thing bout the J7 SHS for me is how spacious it is (the boot is massive) and how silent it drives,” Semenya adds. “I was one of those people who had preconceived notions about Chinese cars not being of a certain quality, but I was wrong. The J7 SHS is one of the best driving experiences I’ve ever had.”
Built for real life
With luxurious leather seating, a 14.8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and advanced driver-assistance features, the J7 SHS offers a seamless blend of technology, comfort, and practicality. “My wife loves how comfortable and stylish it is. The J7 SHS made our long-distance trips with the kids so much more enjoyable,” says Semenya. “And the infotainment system really stands out. The screen is super responsive, and the sound quality is amazing.”
Sustainability meets performance
Driving a plug-in hybrid has also changed how Semenya thinks about sustainability. “It’s shown me that I can have my cake and eat it too. The electric range is great for my daily drives, and the petrol engine handles the longer trips.”The partnership between Caster Semenya and JAECOO underscores the brand’s commitment to forward-thinking mobility, built around innovation, safety, and a more sustainable future. “This brand resonates with me because of its commitment to performance, style and innovation. Values that align with my own dedication to excellence in athletics,” Semenya concludes.
JAECOO is a newly established urban off-road SUV brand that already boasts a significant presence in key global markets such as Europe, Russia, Malaysia, the Middle East and indeed right here in South Africa.
Having been announced at Auto Shanghai 2023 in China, JAECOO debuted as an independent brand within the Chery Group, with a distinct focus on urban off-road SUVs and a fitting brand slogan of “From Classic, Beyond Classic”.
The name JAECOO is inspired by the fusion of the German word “jäger” (meaning “hunter”) and the English term “cool”, capturing the feeling of both off-road ability and urbanism. The brand blends the wisdom and craftsmanship of master design teams assembled from countries such as the United Kingdom and Germany, setting a new standard for urban off-road SUVs.
The JAECOO brand launches in South Africa with the cutting-edge J7 range, which will comprise three distinct derivatives and challenge local consumers’ traditional perceptions of off-roading. The J7 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) and the flagship J8, meanwhile, are scheduled to be introduced later in the year.
JAECOO already boasts nearly 40 dedicated dealerships around the country, carefully selected to cover all of South Africa’s major metropolitan areas and cities. The brand’s dealer network offers its customers a dedicated range of sales and support services and is backed by the Chery Group’s well-established parts warehouse and customer-care office.
All JAECOO models come standard with a generous 5-year/70 000 km service plan and a lengthy 5-year/150 000 km factory warranty (as well as Roadside Assist for 5 years), while the vehicle’s engine is covered by an industry leading 10-year/1-million km warranty (the latter linked to the first owner).
Tirelessly dedicated to innovation, JAECOO is committed to leading the new urban off-road trend by offering exceptional all-wheel-drive performance, remarkable safety features and forward-thinking intelligent technologies.
