Chery is the first Chinese brand that understands Malaysians' needs - Android Auto, RHD-friendly controls, could debut RHD Omoda 5

When it comes to business, the first rule of order is understanding customers’ needs and that is what Chery has achieved for the Malaysian market.

Chery is the first Chinese brand that understands the needs of Malaysians as seen in the cars we previewed recently.  

First and foremost is that Malaysia could debut the right-hand drive (RHD) version Chery Omoda 5. Although Indonesia is the first country outside of China to preview the Omoda 5, it was a left-hand drive (LHD) unit; the one shown here is a RHD one.

Also Read: First look at the Chery Omoda 5 in Malaysia, the HR-V and X50's more stylish and powerful rival

In fact, turn back the clock and it is surprising how quick Chery managed to get the RHD unit here. Recall that the Omoda 5 went on sale in China back in July and in less than 6 months’ time, the model has arrived here.

Also Read: Chery assures Malaysians about aftersales; to offer extensive sales and service network

Next up is the inclusion of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on their models. While some manufacturer continues to ignore the existence of Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and insist on their own proprietary system, Chery has included connectivity for both.

One could argue that such systems are banned for Chinese car manufacturers to implement due to sanctions between China and the US, but brands like Haval and Chery have pushed out models fitted with CarPlay and Android Auto right of out China, disapproving this myth.  

Also Read: First look at RHD Chery Omoda 5's interior; Debuting in Australia soon, one step closer to Malaysia launch

The third one comes as a surprise to us, as the right-hand drive Chery models we sampled had wiper stalks on the left and signal stalks on the right – a format that most Malaysians are familiar with, and arguably a better layout for RHD cars.

In an earlier article, we covered why Proton and Perodua adopted such a format and that’s largely due to their respective early-day partners (Mitsubishi and Daihatsu, respectively) and the Japan Industry Standard (JIS). JIS requires turn signals to be on the right and wiper stalk on the left and that was what Perodua maintained until today.

Also Read: JIS vs ISO, why right-hand drive Protons have signal stalks on the left

Proton, on the other hand, being a small volume manufacturer, adopted the Euro-format ISO standard for most of its models, starting with the Waja back in 2001.

Fellow Chinese brands Geely and GAC both have their stalks flipped, meaning the wiper is on the right and signal is on the left, as those marques adopt the European ISO standard. For folks coming from a Japanese or earlier Proton or Perodua models, it will take some effort to get use to the different layout.

It won’t be long before the Chery Omoda 5 (as well as its Tiggo Pro siblings) go on sale in Malaysia. Are you excited? Let us know in the comments below.

Also Read: Chery to establish CKD operations in Malaysia, Tiggo Pro SUVs to be priced competitively against Protons