Chery will launch an independent brand named QQ in China at the beginning of summer, which will specialize in hybrids and battery EVs. The first vehicle with a ‘QQ’ badge on it in China was a localized version of Daewoo Matiz, which came out nearly two decades ago. Chery also used this designation for some of its cars, like the QQ Ice Cream subcompact EV launched last year.

The two letters will now become a standalone brand. This is not the first time the automaker registers a separate badge just to cater to a certain target audience, but such attempts in the past have not all been successful. A good example would be Qoros, a name Chery had intended to put on its European exports, but never succeeded in making it popular.

The new logo represents a rounded square with a capital and small letter Q inside. All official documents seem to contradict this styling choice by naming the brand ‘QQ’ with two capitals. It is official that the QQ subdivision of Chery will make hybrids, full EVs and traction batteries.

Last but not least, we already know the lineup: the first four models to be launched are called eQ1, eQ5, Wujie Max, and Wujie Pro. The latter looks like a rather tame subcompact, but Chinese newspapers insist on calling it an SUV. Unofficial sources are reporting that it comes equipped with an electric motor rated at 95 PS.