Chinese automaker Chery could introduce up to six marques in Australia in the near future, with confirmation that it will launch Lepas, a new SUV sub-brand, in 2026.

Lepas is intended to be separate from Chery's other SUV divisions, with different design elements, colour options, and interiors, targeting younger buyers.

The first model is expected to be the Lepas L8, a large SUV closely related to the Chery Tiggo 8 Super Hybrid and Tiggo X, both recently introduced or soon to arrive in Australia. The L8 is expected to launch through a dedicated dealer network, separate from Chery's existing channels.

It will join the master Chery brand, which relaunched locally in early 2023, alongside the newer marques Omoda and Jaecoo, which are already sold through standalone Omoda Jaecoo showrooms. The iCaur electric off-roader brand has also been confirmed by Chery representatives in China, while the Jetour marque is reportedly planned for local showrooms.

Excluded from this strategy is Chery's Rely ute (pick-up truck) brand, which is sold separately in China and has not been confirmed as a standalone marque for Australia.

If implemented, this strategy would represent an increased number of standalone marques-each expected to maintain its own dealer network-for a Chinese automaker that returned to Australia less than three years ago.

The Lepas name is reported to be a portmanteau of "leap" and "passion," while also referring to a family of goose barnacles found along coastlines.

Lepas L8

The L8 appears to share the Tiggo X's front fascia but incorporates a different rear design with a modified roofline and flush-fitting door handles.

Malaysian publications report dimensions of 4,688 millimetres in length, 1,860 millimetres in width, 1,695 millimetres in height, and a 2,800-millimetre wheelbase, broadly comparable with rivals such as the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

According to Automotive News Europe, global markets will receive petrol, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. Images released by Chery Australia display 'CSH' badging, short for Chery Super Hybrid, indicating that the L8 may utilise the Tiggo 8's 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine paired with an electric motor and an 18.3kWh lithium iron phosphate battery.

Lepas is expected to expand with additional models, including the L6 and L4 in the small-to-mid-size segment, and the city-oriented L3, L2, and L1.

Lepas Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris stated that the brand intends to provide vehicles with a combination of design, colour options, and functional features.