Lepas is preparing to build a dealer network separate from Chery’s in Australia, while relying on the wider Chinese group for operational support. The brand has begun its local rollout with the L6, and Australia chief Brad Ryan says Lepas intends to establish its own identity rather than appear as another name within Chery’s retail network.
The company expects to open 23 dealerships across Australia in November 2026. Ryan said Lepas is unlikely to need more than 50 outlets at full scale, and suggested the eventual number may be closer to 30. He also said the brand has tentatively identified at least eight further models for Australian introduction before 2028, potentially bringing its range to nine vehicles.
Although its showrooms will be separate, Lepas will draw on Chery Australia’s existing infrastructure for functions including human resources, finance, parts storage and distribution. Chief operating officer Lucas Harris said using those established systems should reduce operating costs and provide stability. Chery’s Australian presence dates to 2023.
Lepas is the group’s third standalone dealer network in Australia, after Chery and the Omoda Jaecoo network established in 2025. Chery plans to introduce five more brands in Australia during 2027: Exlantix, Freelander, iCaur, Jetour and Luxeed. Jetour is expected to operate independently when it arrives in early 2027.