Chery Australia has announced a groundbreaking partnership with the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF), marking a significant step in community-focused policing. The collaboration involves the loan of two plug-in hybrid SUVs, the Chery Tiggo 7 and Chery Tiggo 9, to the Burwood Crime Prevention Unit. These vehicles will be utilized for youth outreach, crime prevention initiatives, and community engagement activities across suburbs from Earlwood to Rhodes.
Lucas Harris, Chief Operating Officer of Chery Australia, expressed the company’s commitment to community support. “Chery is dedicated to helping the local community and is honoured to assist with public education through supporting the Burwood Police,” he stated. “These selfless men and women work tirelessly to keep our streets safe, and providing two support vehicles is the least we can do to say thank you.”
NSW Police Superintendent Christine McDonald, Commander of the Burwood Police Area Command, emphasized the importance of the partnership. “Strong community partnerships are essential to effective policing. Working with Chery allows us to expand our engagement efforts and reach more people across Burwood Police Area Command in meaningful ways,” she said. “Policing one of the most culturally diverse communities in Australia, this collaboration supports our ongoing focus on safety, inclusion, and genuine connection with the community we serve.”
Community Impact and Cultural Relevance
The Burwood local government area, where these vehicles will be deployed, is notable for its cultural diversity, with a significant portion of the population having Chinese ancestry. According to the 2021 Australian Bureau of Statistics Census, 32.8 percent of Burwood residents reported having Chinese ancestry. This demographic detail underscores the relevance of Chery’s involvement in the community.
The introduction of Chery vehicles into the NSW Police fleet is part of a broader trend of integrating Chinese-branded vehicles into Australian policing. This move aligns with similar initiatives in other regions, such as Queensland, where the Queensland Police Service has incorporated 45 MG HS Plus EV plug-in hybrid SUVs into its fleet for community engagement roles.
Technological Advancements and Environmental Considerations
Both the Chery Tiggo 7 and Tiggo 9 are equipped with Chery Super Hybrid (CSH) technology, offering impressive environmental benefits. These vehicles boast a driving range of up to 1200 kilometers on a single charge and tank of fuel. The Tiggo 7 utilizes a single electric motor paired with a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while the Tiggo 9 features two additional electric motors, delivering a combined output of 315kW/580Nm.
This technological advancement not only supports NSW Police’s operational needs but also aligns with broader environmental goals. The integration of hybrid vehicles into public service fleets is part of an ongoing effort to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainable practices within government operations.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
The use of Chinese vehicles by Australian police forces is not unprecedented. NSW Police has previously engaged with LDV, a Chinese-owned brand, incorporating an LDV G10 people mover into its fleet as part of a community engagement initiative. These partnerships reflect a growing acceptance and trust in Chinese automotive technology within Australian public services.
Looking ahead, the partnership between Chery Australia and NSW Police could serve as a model for future collaborations between international automotive brands and local law enforcement agencies. As the global automotive industry continues to evolve, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technological innovation, such partnerships may become increasingly common.
In conclusion, the integration of Chery vehicles into the NSW Police fleet represents a significant step towards enhancing community policing efforts and fostering cultural connections. As these vehicles hit the streets, they symbolize not just a technological upgrade, but a commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
