London, 4 February 2026 – The UK automotive landscape is about to welcome a fresh, daring presence. Chery International has confirmed that LEPAS, its newest New Energy Vehicle (NEV) brand, will enter the UK market in the third quarter of 2026. With a name that blends “Leopard,” “Leap,” and “Passion,” LEPAS embodies energy, innovation, and a sense of fun designed to transform everyday journeys into memorable experiences.
Introduced internationally in the third quarter of 2025, LEPAS was built from the ground up for the European market. The brand combines intelligent technology, elegant design, and thoughtful functionality, offering drivers a driving experience that is both practical and inspiring. LEPAS is more than a car—it’s a statement of what the future of mobility can be: bold, imaginative, and intelligent.
Chery International, China’s largest car exporter for 23 consecutive years, has already made a significant mark on the UK market. The company successfully launched OMODA UK in August 2024, JAECOO UK in January 2025, and CHERY UK in the summer of 2025. Together, these brands helped the group achieve an unprecedented rise from zero to a 5.3% market share in just 18 months—the fastest growth any automotive group has achieved in UK history.
LEPAS’ introduction to the UK follows a strategy of measured, confident expansion. Initial launch plans were shared under strict confidence at January’s group Retailer Conference, alongside reflections on the company’s achievements in 2025. The UK team will soon reveal the first LEPAS model set to go on sale, along with leadership appointments, retailer strategies, and a phased launch plan that underlines the brand’s ambition to stand out as a distinctive and exciting new choice for UK drivers.
As the automotive sector continues to evolve, LEPAS promises to redefine expectations for New Energy Vehicles in the UK. Its combination of advanced technology, stylish design, and playful innovation positions the brand to capture the imagination of drivers looking for efficiency without compromise. The countdown has begun, and 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for Chery International and its growing family of brands in the UK.
