Jaecoo, a brand spun off from Chinese automaker Chery, aims to become the go-to car for owners who want to bring their furry companions along for the ride. This ambition led them to secure a groundbreaking certification from TUV SUD, the German transport authority — making the upcoming Jaecoo J5 compact SUV officially recognized as the world’s first pet-friendly car.
But this isn’t just a marketing gimmick. The distinction stems from a unique material innovation: silicone-based seat trim specifically engineered for the needs of pet owners. This fabric tackles two major concerns: it resists scratches and bacteria, addressing common issues with pets in cars. The rigorous certification process involved 32 laboratory tests, ensuring the durability and resilience of this new material under extreme conditions.
Jaecoo CEO Shawn Xu sees this as a defining feature for the brand, emphasizing their commitment to outdoor enthusiasts who want to share adventures with their entire family, including their dogs. “We are number one with this,” he confidently stated during an exclusive interview at Jaecoo’s headquarters in Wuhu, China.
This pet-centric focus stems directly from customer feedback. During a trip to Poland last year, Xu encountered a couple struggling to find a car spacious enough for their dog. This encounter sparked the idea to prioritize pet-friendliness in the development of the J5. Over 1,000 hours of research and development went into crafting the new organic silicon-based seat material, resulting in a fabric twice as resistant to damage and scratches compared to traditional options. It also maintains a soft, skin-like texture even in extreme temperatures, ensuring comfort for both pets and their owners.
The J5’s success with this innovative material suggests it will likely become a standard feature across the entire Jaecoo lineup, setting a new precedent in the automotive industry.
