Chery launches new Lepas premium brand and it's coming to South Africa
Yet another Chinese vehicle brand is heading to South Africa, following the introduction of Chery's new Lepas nameplate at the recent Shanghai Auto Show.
Chery describes it as 'ushering in a new premium era', but says it will cover all mainstream segments with a diverse portfolio that caters for families as well as luxury car buyers.
First out the starting blocks is the L8 SUV, and it is set to be followed by the smaller L6 and L4 SUV models, which embody a similar design language, which Chery refers to as 'Leopard Aesthetics'.
The Lepas name, incidentally, is a combination of the words 'Leap' and 'Passion'.
Chery has no shortage of automotive brands in its portfolio. It already owns the Jaecoo, Omoda and Jetour nameplates, although these are marketed separately, and Chery also unveiled its Himla bakkie sub-brand at the Shanghai show, which is bound for South Africa too.
Lepas didn't release detailed specifications for its L8 flagship model displayed at the Shanghai show, but international media report that it will be offered with a combination of petrol, plug-in hybrid and fully electric powertrains.
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