Sehol (Chinese: 思皓; pinyin: Sī hào), previously known as Sol, is a Chinese automobile brand launched on April 24, 2018, by JAC Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd., a joint venture between SEAT (a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group) and JAC Motors. The brand was initially conceived as part of a strategy to introduce electric and renewable energy-powered vehicles in the Chinese market. Over time, Sehol has undergone significant changes in its branding, ownership structure, and product lineup.
History
Origins and Branding
The name Sol (Spanish for “sun”) was chosen to reflect the brand’s focus on renewable energy and electric vehicles, as well as to pay homage to SEAT’s Spanish heritage. The brand’s creation was a compromise between the joint venture partners and Chinese authorities, who initially opposed the direct use of the SEAT brand name in China. Instead, they advocated for the creation of a new, locally branded entity.
Joint Venture and Ownership Changes
In 2017, the Chinese government lifted restrictions on foreign automakers’ ownership of electric vehicle (EV) joint ventures, allowing them to hold majority stakes. This policy shift prompted the Volkswagen Group to increase its stake in JAC Volkswagen (the joint venture between JAC Motors and Volkswagen) to 75% in 2020. Following this change, the joint venture was officially renamed Volkswagen Anhui, and the Sehol brand was licensed for use by JAC Motors, effectively making it a standalone brand under JAC rather than a joint venture product.
Rebranding and Product Strategy
In 2020, JAC Motors began rebadging its existing Jiayue series vehicles under the Sol brand, including models like the Sol A5, Sol X4, Sol X7, and Sol X8. This move was part of a broader strategy to consolidate sedans and crossovers under the Sol brand while reserving the Refine brand for MPVs. In 2021, the brand’s name was re-transliterated from Sol to Sehol to better align with Chinese phonetics and branding preferences.
Phase-Out of the Sehol Brand
By 2023, JAC Motors announced plans to phase out the Sehol brand. Several models, including the QX, A5, and X8, were rebadged back to the JAC brand. This decision marked the beginning of the end for Sehol as a distinct brand, with JAC focusing on consolidating its product lineup under its primary marque.
Products
Current Models (as of 2023)
- Sehol E10X (2021–present)
- A city car based on the restyled version of the JAC iEV6E.
- Positioned as an affordable electric vehicle for urban commuting.
- Sehol A5 (2019–present)
- A compact sedan rebadged from the Jiayue A5.
- Available in both internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric variants.
- Sehol E50A (2021–present)
- The electric variant of the Sehol A5.
- Sehol A5 Plus (2021–present)
- A sportier variant of the Sehol A5, featuring enhanced styling and performance.
- Sehol E50A Pro (2022–present)
- The electric variant of the Sehol A5 Plus.
- Sehol X4 (2020–present)
- A compact SUV rebadged from the Jiayue X4, based on the JAC Refine S4.
- Sehol E40X (2021–present)
- The electric variant of the Sehol X4.
- Sehol X6 (2022–present)
- A compact SUV based on the JAC Refine S5.
- Sehol X7 (2020–present)
- A mid-size SUV rebadged from the Jiayue X7, based on the JAC Refine S7.
- Sehol X8 (2020–present)
- A mid-size SUV offering spacious interiors and versatile configurations.
- Sehol QX (2021–present)
- A compact SUV designed for urban and suburban use.
Discontinued Models
- Sehol E20X (2018–2022)
- A subcompact SUV based on the JAC Refine S2.
- One of the first models launched under the Sehol brand, targeting the entry-level EV market.
