Rugby Star Edwill van der Merwe Partnered With Chery
South African rugby player Edwill van der Merwe has secured a brand partnership with the automaker Chery.
Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Electric Vehicles
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Following his recent participation in the match against Australia, South African rugby player Edwill van der Merwe has announced a new partnership with Chery South Africa. The collaboration highlights the brand's Tiggo 7 PHEV model.
Why it matters
Brand partnerships between professional athletes and automotive companies serve to increase market visibility for new vehicle technologies. This collaboration connects Chery's hybrid vehicle portfolio with a prominent figure in South African sport.
The Chery Tiggo 7 PHEV delivers a total output of 265kW from its 1.5-litre turbocharged engine and electric motor. The vehicle is equipped with an 18.3kWh battery that charges from 30% to 80% in 19 minutes using a 40kW charger.
The players
Edwill van der Merwe
He is a professional rugby player for South Africa who made his international Test debut in 2024.
Chery South Africa
It is the regional division of the Chinese automotive manufacturer that produces a range of internal combustion and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
The details
The Tiggo 7 PHEV offers a pure electric driving range of 93km and a total range of 1,200km when utilizing a full tank and charge. The vehicle, which holds a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, automatically switches from its electric motor to the petrol engine during longer journeys.
Timeline
Edwill van der Merwe made his Test rugby debut in 2024.
South Africa played Australia in Perth on September 20, 2026.
Roadmap
This partnership reflects a strategic effort by manufacturers to gain ground in the competitive plug-in hybrid segment through high-profile local endorsements. It underscores the broader shift toward electrified powerplants in the South African automotive market.
Consumers interested in the Tiggo 7 PHEV can choose between the standard variant starting at R619,900 or the Ultra trim at R679,900. Buyers should consider that the vehicle requires a 40kW charger to achieve its fastest charging speeds.
The takeaway
The integration of hybrid technology into popular SUV models offers drivers extended range capabilities by combining electric and petrol power. Prospective buyers should evaluate their daily commuting distance against the vehicle's 93km electric-only range.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in the Electric Vehicles industry.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news..
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