Chinese automaker eyes UK launch this year after sister brands smash sales records

03/06/2026

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Chinese car brand set for UK launch this year after sister marques smash sales records

British showrooms will see another Chinese car nameplate this year as Chery International prepares to introduce Lepas to the UK market. The move follows strong recent performance from Chery and its sibling brands, which have rapidly gained traction with UK buyers eager for tech-led, competitively priced electric and hybrid vehicles.

What Lepas means for the UK car market

Lepas is the latest brand from Chery International designed for global markets. The name is inspired by a mix of ideas — agility, ambition and enthusiasm — and the marque aims to stand out with striking design and smart features. The company plans a phased UK arrival with the first models expected in the latter half of 2026.

Chery says the new brand will focus on electrified powertrains and contemporary connectivity. That places Lepas squarely in the growing segment of new-energy vehicles that UK buyers are increasingly choosing.

Sales momentum behind the launch

Chery and its sister marques have recorded rapid gains since entering the UK. Their combined performance helped create the confidence to expand the group’s portfolio with Lepas.

Key sales highlights

  • Group market share: Chery, Jaecoo and Omoda reached roughly a mid-single-digit share of the UK market in under two years.
  • Chery sales in 2025: Just over 5,500 vehicles were delivered in their first full period on sale.
  • Jaecoo performance: The Jaecoo family posted strong volumes, with one hybrid model recording nearly 3,000 sales in a single month.
  • Omoda registrations: Close to 20,000 new registrations helped broaden the group’s appeal.

These figures show British buyers are receptive to the combination of tech features, safety credentials and competitive pricing. That momentum underpins Lepas’s entry strategy.

How Lepas will be rolled out across the UK

The brand’s introduction is being managed as a staged campaign. Chery’s retailer conference earlier this year outlined the roadmap for dealerships, leadership appointments and customer services designed specifically for Lepas.

  • Leadership hires to manage brand development and local operations.
  • Selected dealer partners to receive training and initial stock.
  • Marketing push focused on digital channels and experiential events.
  • Staggered model releases to build awareness and customer confidence.

Dealership readiness and customer support are central to the approach. Chery intends to ensure retailers can handle EV and hybrid service requirements from day one.

What the first Lepas model might offer

Chery has kept specific technical details under wraps, but expectations are that the debut model will emphasise electric or hybrid power, strong in-car technology and a price point aimed at mainstream buyers.

Observers expect:

  • Advanced driver-assistance systems and connectivity as standard.
  • Competitive range figures for battery-electric variants.
  • Design that echoes Lepas’s sporty, youthful image.

Chery’s recent UK launches indicate the group will seek to combine tangible value with modern tech features. That formula helped its sister marques find buyers quickly.

Industry reaction and strategic context

Manufacturers expanding into the UK market now face an audience attentive to electrification and total ownership cost. Lepas arrives at a moment when consumers are judging new entrants on real-world value and aftersales support.

Chery UK’s leadership has framed the arrival as part of a larger push: a drive to provide more choice in electrified vehicles while building long-term customer trust. According to company spokespeople, the early UK response to Chery models has validated that approach.

What to watch next for shoppers and dealers

Over the coming weeks Chery will reveal more specifics about Lepas, including the first model lineup and pricing. Dealers will begin preparations and early marketing activity will ramp up.

  • Official model reveal and specifications.
  • Pricing and range announcements for EV and hybrid variants.
  • Dealer locations and test-drive schedules.
  • Warranty and servicing packages tailored to UK customers.

Expect more detail soon as Lepas transitions from concept to showroom reality.

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