Lepas: Another Chinese brand joins the local ranks
South Africa’s automotive scene is no stranger to Chinese brands; there are already around 11 major players on local roads, many bringing multiple sub-brands along for the ride.
Now, a stylish new contender is preparing to join the pack under the Chery umbrella, bearing the name Lepas. Following its international debut at this year’s Shanghai Auto Show, the Lepas brand is set to launch locally in 2026. Positioned above Chery’s other sub-brands, such as Omoda and Jaecoo, Lepas aims to bridge the gap between premium and mainstream, targeting buyers who want luxury design and features without the inflated price tag.
That said, the brand has appointed Letitia Herold as its National Brand & Marketing Manager. A seasoned professional in the motoring industry, Herold previously served as PR and marketing manager at Honda SA. In her new role, she will oversee Lepas’ market entry strategy, dealer partnerships, and brand positioning.
If things go according to plan, Lepas will introduce the L8 mid-size SUV, which is also underpinned by Chery’s T1X platform that forms the basis of the Tiggo, Omoda, and Jetour SUV models and is compatible with internal combustion, hybrid, and electric drivetrains, giving the newcomer flexibility across multiple powertrain options.
At this stage, there’s still no official information about the L8, but what we know at least is that the SUV is poised to set a new benchmark for mainstream SUVs such as the Kia Sportage and VW Tiguan, amongst other brands. Expect a sleek, coupe-like design, a spacious and premium interior setup, and a wide range of tech and safety features.
Beyond the L8, the Lepas range will grow to include the smaller L6 and L4 SUVs, along with two sedan models, one of which will be fully electric. The decision to include a battery-electric sedan is a brave but timely one, especially as global interest in sedans continues to decline, making room for standout products.
As for what could power the L8, it’s likely to inherit Chery’s proven lineup of turbocharged petrol engines, ranging from the 1.5‑litre and 1.6‑litre units to the more powerful 2.0‑litre engine found in the Tiggo and Jaecoo models. Given Chery’s recent rollout of plug-in hybrid variants across its brands, it’s also reasonable to expect that an electrified version of the L8 will follow soon.
While the arrival of the Lepas brand certainly adds fresh energy to the local automotive fold, the influx of Chinese car brands is starting to blur the lines. How so? You ask. Well, with so many new nameplates entering the scene, often under the same parent company, it’s becoming difficult for buyers to differentiate between them. As for the Lepas marque, it will be interesting to witness how it performs in the market, especially against industry favourites.
