WUHU: China's Chery Auto today launched its new sub-brand Lepas.
As part of the global brand launch, the first model - the L8 SUV - rolled onto the stage under the gaze of the international media at Chery's headquarters here.
China is already a crowded market with an ongoing price war. The L8 is being targeted at markets outside its home base. It will go on sale later this year. Prices have yet to be disclosed.
The Lepas brand is expected to enter 89 global markets by 2027 with over 1,200 outlets. As South-East Asia is on its radar, Malaysia is likely to be a market for Lepas, as SUV sales remain strong.
The L8 would initially be offered in yellow and two green shades.
The smaller SUV models, the L6 and L4, will follow later. They were both on exhibit on the sidelines of Chery's sprawling hall.
No frunk as in most vehicles that share platform with a combustion engine automobile.
Series production of the L8 was announced last Friday.
The newest brand from Chery was designed to cater to the young and fashionable and is offered with a petrol engine, a plug-in hybrid and an all-electric version.
The variety of powertrains offered is a way for Chery and Lepas (pronounced Lay-pass) to capture a wider swathe of customers. The L8 displayed today was a plug-in hybrid.
The Chery group also said it wanted to diversify its portfolio and fill a gap that would help to catalyse sales amid slowing demand for its cars.
The name Lepas is a fusion of two words: Leap and Passion. The leopard is used as a key reference in its design and inspiration along with other cues from Mother Nature.
Lepas chief designer Ivan Dulanovic.
The L6.
The L4.
