THE first Chinese marque to arrive in Singapore is also the first to offer the widest model range covering all major segments of the car market.

Less than a year after budget brand Chery launched its first car here, there are now five models to choose from.

The 800cc QQ supermini made its debut on July 1, 2006, and immediately gained the dubious honour of being Singapore's cheapest new car. It was soon followed by the A168 1.6-litre sedan in November.

Then in April this year, the T11 two-litre sport-utility vehicle arrived. A month later, the V5 2.4-litre seven-seat multi-purpose vehicle rolled in with its surprisingly stylish crossover looks.

Finally, the A5 two-litre sedan came in two weeks ago. All these in just 11 months, including a new 1.1-litre variant of the QQ to complement the original 800cc car.

Prices range from $33,499 for the QQ, right up to $69,999 for the V5.

'We have grown from one model to five, and this is a major feat,' says Paul Ng, general manager of Vertex Automobile. 'We are now a serious player with a car to suit everybody.'

Mr Ng says that almost 800 units have been sold since the first Chery arrived 11 months ago. And for the whole of 2007, he is aiming for total sales of at least 1,000 units.

'We are pretty confident about achieving this number because we now have the full range of models,' he adds.

But that's not all. Towards the end of the year, Chery will also be unveiling a 1.3-litre mini-MPV and a six-seater model lifestyle with a two-litre engine.

'Our ambition is that in five years' time, we will be among the top 10 brands with estimated annual sales of 3,000 units,' says Mr Ng.

He is confident of achieving this because of Chery's appeal, which he attributes to its combination of value for money and attractive design.

Chery was founded in Wuhu, China, in 1997 and quickly became the fastest-growing independent Chinese carmaker.

Its cars are sold in more than 40 countries around the world, including markets in South and Central America, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and the Asia-Pacific region.

It became the first Chinese car to be seen on local roads after Vertex opened its spacious Kaki Bukit showroom.

The company is owned by Lian Fong Credit Holdings. Lian Fong's core business is the wholesale supply of eggs to Singapore supermarkets but it is also active in the car trade.

The entry of Chery into Singapore was quickly followed by Geely in October last year. The Zhejiang-based marque is represented here by Sport Auto, which is part of automotive and leisure player Group Exklusiv.

It currently offers only one model, the 1.5-litre sedan CK, but with enviable average monthly sales of 70 units. Geely and Chery also happen to be China's two major car manufacturers.

The third Chinese brand of cars to hit Singapore roads will be Hafei when its Lobo and MinZ models are registered later next month. Lian Fong is also behind the Harbin-based Hafei dealership, which is a partnership with a Singapore property developer.