In March 1997, Chery was founded by a group of five Chinese officials from Anhui province. The state-owned company began producing engines in May 1999 and vehicles in December of the same year. It is currently the ninth largest automobile manufacturer in China, with 1,232,727 vehicles produced in 2022. It has been China's largest passenger car exporter since 2003, and in 2011 it exported approximately 25% of its total production. It operates Qoros established in 2007, a 50/50 joint venture with Kenon Holdings, for the sale of a range of premium vehicles in emerging markets. In 2012, Jaguar Land Rover formed a 50/50 joint venture with Chery, named Chery Jaguar Land Rover, for the production of Jaguar and Land Rover cars in China.