Lepas is latest Chinese brand to arrive in UK

Lepas is to be the next new brand from Chinese car giant Chery to launch in the UK later this year.

The sister brand to the Omoda, Jaecoo and Chery line-ups, it will arrive in Q3 2026, offering a range of plug-in hybrid and electric models.

The Lepas name is said to combine ‘Leopard’, ‘Leap’ and ‘Passion’, claims the firm, which has been created for the European market from the outset.

Lepas launched its first model for Europe, the Lepas L8 large SUV (pictured above), in Italy last October.

The brand also offers the smaller Lepas L4 SUV, and the Lepas L6 mid-size SUV. Its models are based on the Chery T1X platform also used by the Omoda 5, Jaecoo 5 and Jaecoo 7, among others.

While the brand will eventually have its own leadership and retail network, initial sales are expected to be handled through existing Chery Group dealerships which already sell Omoda and Jaecoo.

In the UK, it is expected to sit slightly below Omoda and Jaecoo, offering a more budget-friendly entry point to compete with brands like Stellantis’ Leapmotor.

Lepas’ launch plans were secretly revealed to its dealer network a few weeks ago at the firm’s retailer conference. Bosses also celebrated Chery Group securing the fastest-ever rise in market share in the UK, growing to a 5.3% group share in just 18 months.

More detailed plans of Lepas’ UK launch will follow in the next few weeks, we're told, including full details of the first Lepas model to hit UK roads.

"This phased introduction will outline leadership appointments, retailer plans and the brand’s ambition to establish itself as a distinctive new presence in the UK market."

The brand says the aim is for Lepas to offer a "bolder, more imaginative” identity, with both “smart technology and thoughtful design”. It will be targeting younger buyers than other brands in the portfolio.

Stay tuned for more details of the new Lepas brand, including detailed plans for its UK launch this summer.