LEPAS plans 2027 launch in five Nordic and Central European markets

LEPAS, the new Chery Group NEV brand, says it will enter the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden in the first half of 2027. The move extends the brand’s European push after its 2026 debut in Milan and initial launches in the U.K., Italy and Spain.

Why it matters: - LEPAS is expanding beyond its first European launch markets and pushing deeper into Central and Northern Europe. - The planned entry adds five countries with different electrification levels, driving conditions and customer expectations. - The expansion tests whether a new premium NEV brand can scale across Europe with locally adapted products and service.

What happened: - LEPAS said it plans to enter the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden in the first half of 2027. - The brand debuted in Europe at Milan Design Week in April 2026. - LEPAS has already started launches in the U.K., Italy and Spain. - The company framed the move as the next step in its broader European expansion.

The details: - LEPAS is a premium new energy vehicle brand within Chery Group. - The first Europe-focused LEPAS models are the LEPAS L8 PHEV and LEPAS L6 EV. - Both models are positioned as premium, versatile SUVs. - Development of the vehicles used Euro NCAP 2026 safety protocols as a benchmark. - A professional European team tuned the chassis for varied road conditions. - LEPAS says the vehicles are intended for both daily city commuting and long cross-border trips. - LEPAS is working with local partners to adapt products for European markets. - Chery Group sold 2,206,789 vehicles globally in the first three quarters of 2026, up 9.9% year over year. - Global deliveries reached 1,551,178 vehicles, up 65.6% year over year, and surpassed the company’s full-year 2025 result. - New energy vehicle sales totaled 858,524 units, up 46.1% year over year. - By the end of September, Chery Group said it had served more than 20.73 million users worldwide, including more than 7.39 million outside China. - LEPAS says its global network now includes more than 500 sales and service locations.

Between the lines: - The rollout shows LEPAS leaning on Chery Group’s scale, export record and existing European footprint to support a faster regional expansion. - The focus on design, comfort, efficiency, safety and local road conditions suggests LEPAS is targeting European buyers who are selective about EV and PHEV practicality. - The staggered country launch gives the brand time to build service, sales and market-specific support before broader volume growth.

What's next: - LEPAS said more details on launch timing, model availability and local sales and service will be announced later. - The brand is building partnerships across markets as it prepares for the 2027 rollout. - LEPAS will continue positioning itself around “elegant mobility” as it expands across Europe.

The bottom line: - LEPAS is turning its 2026 European debut into a wider 2027 push, with five more markets now in the pipeline.