A Chinese manufacturer wants to make history at the 24 Hours of Le Mans!
- Published on 16/12/2025 18:08
Chery aims for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aspiring to become the first Chinese manufacturer to race in Sarthe.
The Chinese group Chery has revealed an unprecedented strategy to write its name in the grand book of the most prestigious endurance race in the world, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Planned for around 2029, this initiative will rely on its premium brand Exeed, with the goal of becoming the first Chinese car manufacturer to field a factory team in this legendary event.
Chery’s plan is not focused on immediate participation, but extends over a period of five years during which the company aims to structure its approach progressively. A key element is a strategic cooperation agreement to be established with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the historical organizer of Le Mans, which alone is capable of validating this initiative.
The roadmap includes several complementary phases: first, the establishment of a local endurance championship called Exeed Unified Race. This series will serve to develop technical expertise and to recruit drivers in a formative competitive environment. Next, Exeed plans to participate in the Asian Le Mans Series. This step is intended to provide Chery with concrete long-distance racing experience before tackling the global stage.
Finally, the strategy will culminate with the creation of an official structure, the “Exeed Le Mans Team,” aimed at racing on the Sarthe circuit alongside the most established brands.
For competition and image
As part of this initiative, Chery has also planned the construction of a homologated circuit in Wuhu, in the Chinese province where the group is headquartered. Beyond being a training center for the team, this track could become a high-level competition venue in China and a technological testing ground for future production cars.
If Chery’s ambition is clear, the challenge remains daunting. Endurance racing at Sarthe demands not only extreme reliability but also peak automotive performance. To date, Chery’s current range of engines is modest compared to that of its future competitors, but the company highlights its advancements in powerful hybrids, which could play a central role in its future prototypes or production-derived cars.
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Chery’s commitment to the 24 Hours of Le Mans goes beyond mere sporting participation. It is a strong signal sent to the global industry, showing that Chinese manufacturers seek not only to be present in markets but also to compete on the most demanding stages of motorsport.
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This page is translated from the original post "Un constructeur chinois veut entrer dans la légende des 24 Heures du Mans !" in French.
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