LEPAS to enter five European markets in 2027

LEPAS plans to launch in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden in the first half of 2027 as the Chery Group brand expands its European footprint. The move follows the brand’s 2026 debut in Europe and comes as Chery leans on strong global sales, NEV growth and Europe-specific product tuning.

Why it matters: - LEPAS is widening its European reach into five more markets, signaling a bigger push for premium new-energy vehicles in the region. - The expansion targets countries where customer expectations, electrification levels, road conditions and weather vary, making local adaptation a key competitive factor. - Chery Group’s scale gives LEPAS a deeper backing as the brand tries to build a lasting position in Europe.

What happened: - LEPAS announced plans to enter the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden in the first half of 2027. - The brand debuted in Europe at Milan Design Week in April 2026. - LEPAS began market rollouts in the United Kingdom, Italy and Spain before outlining the next five-country expansion. - The announcement came from Wuhu, China, on Oct. 22, 2026.

The details: - LEPAS is a premium NEV brand within Chery Group. - The brand says it is pursuing “elegant mobility” across Europe. - LEPAS said it is working with local partners to adapt products to different markets. - The first European NEV models are the LEPAS L8 PHEV and LEPAS L6 EV. - Both models are positioned as premium, versatile SUVs. - Development used Euro NCAP 2026 safety protocols as a benchmark. - A professional European team tuned the chassis for varied road conditions. - LEPAS says the vehicles are intended for both daily city commuting and long cross-border trips. - Chery Group sold 2,206,789 vehicles globally in the first three quarters of 2026, up 9.9% year over year. - Global deliveries reached 1,551,178 vehicles, up 65.6% year over year, and exceeded the company’s full-year 2025 result. - NEV sales reached 858,524 vehicles, up 46.1% year over year. - As of the end of September, Chery Group had served more than 20.73 million users worldwide, including more than 7.39 million outside China. - LEPAS says its global network includes more than 500 sales and service locations. - Chery Auto was founded in 1997 and operates in more than 130 countries and regions. - Chery Auto has ranked No. 1 among Chinese brands in passenger car exports for 23 consecutive years.

Between the lines: - The Europe-first product positioning suggests LEPAS is trying to compete on design, practicality and safety, not just price. - The staggered rollout points to a deliberate market-entry strategy rather than a fast, one-size-fits-all launch. - Chery’s export scale and NEV momentum may help reduce execution risk as LEPAS expands into more regulated European markets.

What’s next: - LEPAS said more details on launch timing, model availability, local sales and service will be announced later. - The brand is also looking to build partnerships across multiple business areas in the new markets. - Further European expansion appears likely as LEPAS continues to grow its regional lineup and distribution network.

The bottom line: - LEPAS is turning its Europe strategy from a debut into a broader five-market push, with local adaptation and Chery Group’s scale at the center of the plan.