Australia's Chinese-brand news this week was about structure: who sells the cars and under how many names. Chery's portfolio kept expanding, Changan moved to run Deepal itself, and GWM set a sales-ranking target, while the usual run of certifications and recalls continued.
Chery: more brands, and the products behind them
Chery's Australian plan now covers eight brands: Chery, Omoda Jaecoo, Lepas, Exlantix, Freelander, iCaur, Jetour and Luxeed, according to one report on the expanding portfolio. Chery International president Zhang Guibing said the marques will not all chase high volumes, and that the premium trio of Lepas, Exlantix and Luxeed is aimed at buyers who want technology over combustion engines. Chery is also planning an Australian R&D centre, with no site, date or budget given.
Specific timings firmed up:
- Luxeed arrives in the second quarter of 2027 with the LLounge people mover; pricing is unannounced.
- iCaur opens with the V25 electric SUV in early 2027, with an 80 kWh CATL battery and a preliminary 368 km WLTP claim; dealer recruitment has begun.
- Freelander aims for about 25 dealers when it launches in 2027.
- The Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid ute remains on track for February 2027 deliveries, while Chery is still working on payload: preliminary figures give 765 kg against the 1,000 kg announced earlier. An Ironman 4x4 accessory range is planned.
Distribution and sales targets
Changan will take over Deepal distribution from Inchcape, with a handover running from October 21, 2026 to March 31, 2027, after which Deepal moves to a factory-backed structure. GWM signed a sponsorship with the Parramatta Eels and says it wants to move from seventh in Australian sales to the top five. MG is bringing the U9 EV dual-cab to a ute market where battery-electric models are under one per cent of sales.
Approvals and a recall
The Denza N9 and the Yangwang U8 have cleared Australian Design Rule certification, though only Denza is reported to be heading for launch plans; BYD called a U8 launch too early to comment on. Forthing is recalling 263 electric SUVs over a high-voltage cable that may rub on its bracket and cut drive. Leapmotor is weighing the C16 and D19 for buyers asking for six- or seven-seaters.
What it means
- Brand count is becoming a strategy in itself for Chery; the company says not every brand will target volume.
- Most Chery items are 2027 launches without Australian prices, so the picture will clear only as pricing is published.
- Certification is a step toward a launch, not a commitment; BYD's own comment on the U8 shows that.