GAC Trumpchi and eHi Launch Strategic Rental-to-Purchase Partnership

GAC Trumpchi and eHi Establish Rental-to-Purchase Cooperation

On August 25, GAC Trumpchi announced a strategic cooperation agreement with car rental and mobility service provider eHi Car Services Limited. The partnership is designed to establish a closed-loop “car rental-to-purchase” customer journey, creating a structured path for rental customers to transition into vehicle buyers. Through the cooperation, the companies aim to connect vehicle rental experiences with subsequent purchase opportunities, allowing customers to become familiar with Trumpchi vehicles before making a buying decision. The initiative represents a direct effort to use mobility services as a channel for vehicle sales while strengthening the connection between rental operations and retail demand.

eHi Plans to Purchase 50,000 Trumpchi Vehicles

eHi Car Services Limited currently adds approximately 80,000 new vehicles to its fleet annually and plans to purchase 50,000 Trumpchi vehicles during the strategic cooperation period. The planned procurement provides a substantial fleet deployment opportunity for Trumpchi while supporting the partnership’s rental-to-purchase model. Rather than limiting the cooperation to conventional vehicle procurement, the two companies intend to use rental operations as part of a broader customer conversion process. Customers using the vehicles through long- or short-term rental services will have an opportunity to experience the products directly, supporting the intended transition from rental users to potential vehicle purchasers.

Trumpchi Yue 7 Selected as Pilot Model

The companies have selected the Trumpchi Yue 7 intelligent rugged SUV as the pilot model for the initial rollout. Long- and short-term rental services will be launched first in Xinjiang, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and other locations. The Yue 7 measures 5,045 mm in length and has a 2,900 mm wheelbase, giving the SUV a substantial vehicle footprint for its segment. Its selection provides the cooperation with a defined model for the initial rental deployment while allowing the two companies to begin testing the customer journey across multiple locations. The rollout is intended to establish the initial operating foundation for the broader rental-to-purchase strategy.

Yue 7 Combines Plug-In Hybrid Technology and Connected Infotainment

The Trumpchi Yue 7 uses the next-generation Xingyuan plug-in hybrid technology and a 46 kWh CATL Freevoy battery. The powertrain provides a CLTC EV-mode range of up to 261 km, giving the SUV a significant electric-driving capability within its plug-in hybrid configuration. The vehicle also features a cockpit equipped with Qualcomm’s flagship 8838 chip, providing computing support for deep integration between the eHi application and the Yue 7’s in-vehicle infotainment system. This integration connects the rental-service application with the vehicle’s infotainment environment and supports the partnership’s objective of combining mobility services with the vehicle ownership journey.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main objective of the GAC Trumpchi and eHi strategic cooperation?
The partnership aims to create a closed-loop rental-to-purchase journey that can convert vehicle rental customers into potential buyers through direct product experience and integrated mobility services. eHi plans to purchase 50,000 Trumpchi vehicles during the cooperation period, while the Trumpchi Yue 7 will serve as the initial pilot model. Long- and short-term rental services are planned for Xinjiang, Chengdu, Guangzhou, and other locations. The Yue 7 combines plug-in hybrid technology, a 46 kWh CATL Freevoy battery, and Qualcomm 8838 computing technology for integrated vehicle infotainment and eHi application functionality.