LEPAS plans 2027 entry into five Nordic and Central European markets

LEPAS, Chery Group’s premium new-energy vehicle brand, said it will enter the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden in the first half of 2027. The expansion follows the brand’s Europe debut in Milan and its launch in the UK, Italy and Spain, as Chery leans on stronger sales and delivery growth to push further into Europe.

Why it matters: - LEPAS is widening its European footprint at a time when demand for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles remains tied to local roads, weather and charging habits. - The move gives Chery Group a new premium channel in five more European markets: the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden. - The expansion could matter for buyers looking for premium NEV options tailored to European safety and drivability expectations.

What happened: - LEPAS said it plans to establish itself in the Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Slovakia and Sweden in the first half of 2027. - The brand made its European debut during Milan Design Week in April 2026. - LEPAS has already started market launches in the UK, Italy and Spain. - The brand positions the expansion as the next step in its European growth.

The details: - Europe is a key automotive market and a central part of the shift to new-energy mobility. - European customers prioritize design quality, driving experience, energy efficiency, cabin space and safety. - Customer needs, electrification levels, road conditions and weather vary across the five target markets. - LEPAS said local adaptation will be important because those differences affect everyday usability. - Chery Group sold 2,206,789 vehicles globally in the first three quarters of 2026, up 9.9% from a year earlier. - Chery Group delivered 1,551,178 vehicles globally in the same period, up 65.6% year over year and already more than the full-year 2025 total. - New-energy vehicle sales reached 858,524 units, up 46.1% year over year. - By the end of September, Chery Group had served more than 20.73 million vehicle users worldwide, including over 7.39 million outside China. - LEPAS said Chery Group’s European presence and global scale provide a strong foundation for the brand’s regional expansion. - LEPAS said it is working with local partners on product adaptation as it expands its mobility vision in Europe. - The brand’s first Europe-focused new-energy vehicles are the LEPAS L8 PHEV and LEPAS L6 EV. - The LEPAS L8 PHEV and LEPAS L6 EV are positioned as premium SUVs. - The models were developed with the 2026 Euro NCAP safety protocols as a benchmark. - A professional European team fine-tuned the chassis for varied road conditions. - LEPAS says the vehicles are designed for both daily city commuting and long cross-border trips.

Between the lines: - LEPAS is trying to localize early, not just sell imported models as-is. - The focus on safety protocols, chassis tuning and market-specific adaptation suggests the brand is targeting credibility in Europe before scale. - Chery’s strong global volume growth gives LEPAS a larger corporate platform, but success in Europe will still depend on dealer reach, service, pricing and product-market fit.

What's next: - LEPAS said more details on launch timing, model lineup, local sales and service will come later. - The brand said it is building relationships in the five markets and is open to partnerships across multiple areas. - LEPAS will continue expanding its European presence as the 2027 rollout approaches.

The bottom line: - LEPAS is using 2027 to push beyond its first European markets and test whether a premium NEV brand can scale across both Nordic and Central Europe.