This August, Chery will make automotive history with Africa's first real-world dual-vehicle collision test, featuring two identical Tiggo 9 SUVs in a controlled 50% offset impact at 50 km/h.
This groundbreaking experiment goes beyond standard testing'it demonstrates Chery's commitment to pushing safety boundaries through real-world validation.
South Africa faces a critical road safety crisis, with head-on collisions occurring more frequently and proving more fatal than global averages. Kantar research confirms safety has become non-negotiable for South African car buyers. Responding to this urgent need, Chery will conduct its test on a straight paved road, precisely replicating a high-risk right-side offset collision scenario.
When the two Tiggo 9s collide, sophisticated evaluation protocols will assess body structure integrity, restraint system performance, airbag coordination, passenger compartment stability, fuel system sealing, and post-crash rescue accessibility. This comprehensive framework ensures authentic assessment of real-world protective capabilities.
The Tiggo 9 showcases exceptional engineering with 85% high-strength steel and 21% hot-formed steel construction. Its passive safety features include innovative dual-impact-beam design, the segment's only standard far-side airbag, and an industry-leading 2,060 mm side curtain airbag system. Additionally, 19 advanced driver-assistance systems work to prevent accidents before they occur. Prior internal testing has validated the Tiggo 9's performance through demanding scenarios including full-frontal rigid barrier impacts and 32 km/h side pole collision tests, consistently demonstrating exceptional protective credentials.
This collision study forms part of Chery's 2025 Global Safety Challenges initiative, which subjects vehicles to extreme conditions worldwide. Previous demonstrations include a 53-hour battery seawater immersion test in Indonesia and intensive battery durability challenges in Mexico.
"South Africa's high accident rates demand extraordinary solutions. By replicating our most dangerous crash scenarios, we're validating advanced safety systems while demonstrating how engineering excellence can reduce real-world collision impacts," explained Verene Petersen, National Brand and Marketing Manager at Chery South Africa. This initiative reflects Chery's unwavering commitment tomaintaining consistent global quality standards across all markets.
Staff Writer
Reporting from the front lines of the automotive industry, delivering expert analysis and the technical updates that drive the South African motor sector forward.
