New Chinese car brand launching in South Africa next month
With its launch in South Africa scheduled for March 2026, new Chinese car brand Lepas is establishing its after-sales support network.
Lepas is a new premium SUV brand from the Chery Group, which is set to launch in the first quarter of 2026.
Ahead of its launch, Lepas is working to establish strong after-sales support by leveraging its parent group’s assets.
Lepas said that the established infrastructure will provide an unparalleled foundation for premium customer care in the South African market.
The operational backbone includes a central parts warehouse that exceeds 6,000 sq ft, stocks over R180 million in genuine inventory, and achieves a more than 98% part fulfilment rate to ensure rapid availability.
A streamlined logistics system will also enable delivery to major centres such as Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town within 48 hours.
Lepas will also inherit access to a nationwide network of over 330 certified paint and body repair centres, and a 24-hour roadside assistance programme.
This network already supports over 100,000 Chery Group vehicle owners across South Africa.
“After-sales service is a critical part of the Lepas experience,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas South Africa.
“We are leveraging Chery’s proven systems and expertise, while tailoring the experience to meet the expectations of premium SUV owners in South Africa.”
There are also dedicated training centres in Boksburg and Sandton, which are staffed by specialised teams who will ensure that all Lepas technicians are equipped to maintain the brand’s high standards.
Lepas dealerships are currently under construction and are on track for the 2026 launch. They will feature purpose-built service centres that are designed to provide an efficient customer experience.
“Our dealers are preparing to offer an after-sales experience that matches the quality and sophistication of the vehicles themselves,” Botes added.
“This is about more than repairs or maintenance. It’s about building trust, ensuring peace of mind, and creating lifelong relationships with our customers.”
Full retail sales of the Lepas L4 will start in March. Two more models, the L6 and the flagship L8, are expected to launch once the brand establishes its local dealership and distribution networks.
Chery taking hold of South Africa
Chery has massively expanded its presence in South Africa and is now set to start building vehicles following the acquisition of Nissan’s manufacturing assets in Rosslyn, Pretoria.
Chery SA will purchase the factory’s land, building and associated assets, including its nearby stamping plant, in mid-2026.
The deal will see most of Nissan’s employees offered employment by Chery on similar terms and conditions. The deal is also subject to regulatory conditions.
The sale comes amid a massive change in the dynamics of South Africa’s automotive market, with Chinese brands continuing to gain market share due to their affordability.
For context, Nissan’s sales in South Africa reached 1,011 in December 2025. This is far below Chery’s 2,249 vehicles sold during the same period.
“Nissan has a long and proud history in South Africa and has been working to find the best solution for our people, our customers and our partners,” said Jordi Vila, Nissan Africa President.
“External factors have had a well-known impact on the utilisation of the Rosslyn plant and its future viability within Nissan.”
Vila noted that the agreement allows Nissan to secure employment for the majority of its workforce, which helps preserve opportunities for its supplier network.
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