Chery Launches New Lepas Brand in the UK: Another Big Move in the EV & Hybrid Market
Chinese automotive giant Chery is expanding fast in the UK and now it’s adding another brand to its growing portfolio. After successfully introducing Omoda, Jaecoo, and the Chery brand itself over the last two years, the manufacturer has confirmed that its brand-new marque, Lepas, will officially arrive in the UK later this year.
And if you’re thinking, another new car brand already? You’re not alone. But there’s a smart strategy behind this move.
Let’s break down what Lepas means for UK drivers and why it matters.
What Is the Lepas Brand?
Lepas has been designed specifically with European buyers in mind, combining modern styling with electrified performance. The name itself blends ideas of “leopard,” “leap,” and “passion,” suggesting vehicles that are stylish, energetic, and forward-thinking.
The brand will focus entirely on “new energy vehicles,” the Chinese term covering:
- Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV)
- Fully electric vehicles (EV)
- Efficient petrol and hybrid options
So expect electrified SUVs and crossovers aimed at families and drivers looking to transition toward electric driving.
Which Cars Are Coming to the UK?
While full UK specs are still to be confirmed, industry reports suggest Lepas will launch with the L4 and L6 crossover SUVs.
These models are built on Chery’s proven T1X platform, already used by:
- Omoda 5
- Jaecoo 5
- Jaecoo 7
This shared platform strategy helps Chery keep costs down while delivering modern tech, safety systems, and efficient powertrains across multiple brands.
Buyers can likely expect combustion, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions, offering flexibility depending on budget and lifestyle.
How Will Lepas Be Different from Omoda and Jaecoo?
One big question many people have is: Why so many brands?
Even Chery itself has acknowledged concerns about overlap between its vehicles. At Lepas’s launch presentation, executives even joked with a slide asking, “Too many brands?”
Here’s how they plan to separate them:
- Jaecoo focuses on rugged, premium-style SUVs.
- Omoda is moving toward bold, aggressive, futuristic styling.
- Chery’s Tiggo range will evolve into chunkier, family-focused vehicles.
- Lepas, meanwhile, sits between these, offering sleek, modern crossovers inspired by European design cues, including elements seen in brands like Audi.
The goal is to give buyers clear choices based on style and personality, even if vehicles share underlying engineering.
Chery’s Rapid Rise in the UK Market
Chery’s growth in Britain has been surprisingly quick.
Last year, the combined sales of Omoda, Jaecoo, and Chery models accounted for 2.65% of the UK new car market, putting the group ahead of some well-known names, including:
- Mini
- Tesla
- BYD
With Lepas joining the line-up and more models planned, Chery could soon rival established brands like Renault, Skoda, and Kia in UK sales rankings.
For buyers, that means more competition, more choice, and often better value deals across electric and hybrid vehicles.
Why UK Drivers Should Care
For drivers considering their next lease or electric upgrade, Lepas could bring:
- Modern crossover SUV options
- Competitive pricing thanks to shared platforms
- Choice between petrol, hybrid, and electric power
- Fresh styling alternatives in a crowded SUV market
And with UK drivers increasingly shifting toward electrified vehicles, brands like Lepas could become a regular sight on British roads sooner than expected.
Credits to Lepas for images
