In 2012, the bold Chery TX Concept marked the company’s evolution from a local Chinese automaker into a global competitor. Although it never reached production, this concept car became the foundation for the Tiggo 7 and set the tone for Chery’s modern design language.
🌱 A Turning Point for Chinese Automakers
Compared with their rapid growth over the past few years, the global rise of Chinese automotive brands is still relatively recent. For Chery, now well-established in markets like Brazil, the real transformation began more than a decade ago—with a model that never even made it to the streets.
Unveiled at the 2012 Beijing Auto Show, the TX Concept was far more than an experimental sketch. It embodied a strategic shift in how Chery wanted to present itself to the world.
🎨 A Design Manifesto, Not Just a Prototype
Developed in collaboration with the Italian design firm Granstudio (Turin), the TX Concept introduced what Chery called:
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CLICK HERE“Movement with natural meaning”
This philosophy combined:
- 🌊 Fluid surfaces
- 🌿 Organic, natural lines
- 🚙 Robust SUV proportions
- 🇪🇺 European-inspired styling cues
🛠 Key Exterior Innovations
The TX Concept showcased styling elements that would later become signature features in Chery SUVs:
| Design Element | Description | Later Influence |
|---|---|---|
| 🔦 Slim headlights | Sleek, focused lighting | Adopted by the Tiggo 7 |
| 🎯 Narrow front grille | Clean, modern face | Became part of Chery’s identity |
| 🛞 Large wheels & bold arches | Rugged SUV stance | Influenced Chery’s SUV lineup |
| ➖ Pure, clean lines | Minimalist sculpting | Reflects current global design trends |
These choices signaled a new era of design confidence among Chinese automakers, who were increasingly aiming for global relevance.
🖥️ A Cabin Ahead of Its Time
Inside, the TX Concept previewed features that would only become mainstream years later:
- 🔲 Minimalist interior layout
- 📱 A single, large central display for all major functions
This idea now appears in multiple Chery models, including the 2026 Tiggo 7, which comes standard with a high-definition multimedia center.
🏆 Global Recognition
Even without reaching production, the TX Concept made waves. It earned the title of:
🏆 “Best Concept Car of the Year” — 2013 Geneva Motor Show
This recognition validated Chery’s ambition to move beyond its image as a regional brand and begin competing in more demanding international markets.
🚀 From Concept to Reality: The Birth of the Tiggo 7
The resulting production model, the Chery Tiggo 7, inherited much of the TX Concept’s:
- Design proportions
- Visual identity
- Underlying philosophy
Today, the Tiggo 7 is a key player in Caoa Chery’s lineup in Brazil and has evolved into an entire family of vehicles, including:
| Tiggo 7 Variant | Powertrain |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Hybrid | Electrified |
| 🔌 Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) | Dual-power capability |
| ⛽ ICE versions | Traditional combustion engines |
🔮 A Legacy Still Shaping the Future
Thirteen years after its debut, the TX Concept continues to influence Chery’s direction. From advanced screens to electrified powertrains, the spirit of that early prototype lives on in the Tiggo 7 and the brand’s broader global strategy.
The TX Concept began as a design study—but ultimately became the blueprint for Chery’s future.
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