- Chinese automotive giant Chery is set to bring a new car brand, LEPAS, to the UK, later this year.
- The LEPAS brand, which stands for ‘leopard’, ‘leap’, and ‘passion, will bring a range of ‘New Energy Vehicles’ (NEVs) to the UK, so we can expect to see a mixture of both plug-in hybrid and fully-electric models.
- In the UK, the OEM already sells vehicles under the Chery, OMODA, and JAECOO badges, with LEPAS being the fourth brand to enter the country.
A new automotive brand enters the UK
A new brand is preparing to launch into the UK’s increasingly competitive EV and PHEV market, with Chery International confirming that Europe-only brand, LEPAS, will become the fourth brand owned by the Chery group to launch in the UK, with the first model launching coming in the third quarter of 2026.
Since originally launching in the UK back in August 2024, the Chery group has already risen from 0 to 5.3% new car market share, taking just 18 months to achieve this significant rise. That success is largely down to the price-competitive OMODA and JAECOO brands, and it seems Chery International is confident that LEPAS can succeed in the UK in a similar form.
While more details remain tightly under wraps, the UK team has confirmed that initial LEPAS launch plans will be revealed in the coming weeks. This phased introduction will include leadership appointments, retailer strategy, and full details of the first LEPAS model scheduled to go on sale. Models potentially coming to the UK could include the LEPAS L4 B-segment SUV, and the larger LEPAS L8 SUV model. Exactly which models will be offered, either in ICE, hybrid, or full EV form, remain to be seen.
