Johannesburg, 28 October 2025 – South African car enthusiasts got a taste of automotive elegance on the global stage at the 2025 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China, held from 17 to 21 October under the theme “Co-Create • Co-Define.”
The summit brought together thousands of guests from nearly 100 countries in a dynamic, immersive environment designed to showcase Chery’s cutting-edge mobility ecosystem. From family sedans to off-road SUVs, racetrack tests to outdoor challenges, participants engaged in test drives, interactive experiences, and user research that epitomised Chery’s co-creation philosophy. For many, the summit was a cultural melting pot—blending diverse perspectives into a shared exploration of the future of mobility.
At the centre of the event was LEPAS, Chery Group’s premium subsidiary set to debut in South Africa in February 2026. With its brand ethos of “Elegant Drive”, LEPAS combines technology and lifestyle, transforming the manufacturer’s vision into an elevated driver experience. Highlights from the summit included the world’s first LEPAS Elegant Lifestyle House, LEPAS DAY celebrations, interactive test drives, and the brand’s inaugural public safety test.
A unique feature of the summit was the hands-on approach to innovation: for the first time, engineers and designers handed over their vehicles to participants for real-world feedback. This process transformed user experiences into actionable data, enabling Chery to align technology evolution directly with driver needs.
South African participants had the opportunity to experience the LEPAS L8 across more than 900 kilometres, traversing Shanghai, Suzhou, Moganshan, Xuancheng, and Wuhu. The journey tested endurance, stability, and adaptability on varied terrains. Drivers marveled at the L8’s composure on Xuancheng’s misty hills, reminiscent of Mpumalanga’s Panorama Route, while the highways of Suzhou mirrored the feel of Johannesburg’s N2, showcasing the vehicle’s Adaptive Cruise Control for relaxed, intelligent driving. In Moganshan, precise steering and power response demonstrated effortless control akin to navigating the winding roads of KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands Meander.
Even off the road, the LEPAS L8 impressed. At a campsite, the car’s external power supply illuminated the surroundings, creating an atmosphere of warmth and elegance reminiscent of evenings in Kruger National Park. The final leg in Wuhu featured a scenic riverside cruise and demonstrations of Automatic and Remote Parking Assist, echoing the serene precision of the Orange River as it flows to the Atlantic.
The 2025 Chery International User Summit was more than a showcase—it was a vivid celebration of “Driving Your Elegance”, uniting media, key opinion leaders, and enthusiasts in a shared exploration of automotive excellence. For South African drivers, the LEPAS L8 not only delivered a glimpse of what lies ahead in premium mobility but also demonstrated how technology, lifestyle, and user insight can converge into a truly elegant driving experience.
