LEPAS is preparing to bring the L8 PHEV to the UK, Italy, Spain and other European markets, as parent Chery Group reports sales of more than 208,000 vehicles across 24 European countries from January to July, up 201% year over year. LEPAS, Chery Auto’s new energy vehicle (NEV) brand, said this week that brand launches, product pre-orders and service networks are progressing in parallel. The rollout follows the brand’s European debut at Milan Design Week in April and makes the L8 PHEV the first LEPAS NEV introduced for the region.
Highlights
- Chery Group sold more than 208,000 vehicles across 24 European countries from January to July, up 201% year over year, according to the company.
- NEV sales reached 102,000 units in the same period, up 332.47%, and NEVs now account for around half of the group’s European sales.
- Chery Group says it ranked first in UK monthly new-car brand sales in August, citing Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) data.
- The group’s cumulative exports surpassed 7 million vehicles by the end of August, the company reports.
Chery Group’s European Sales Growth
The company frames the LEPAS expansion against the group’s sales growth in the region. Chery Group recorded cumulative sales of more than 208,000 units across 24 European countries from January to July, a 201% increase year over year. NEV sales accounted for 102,000 of those units, up 332.47%.
In August, Chery Group topped the UK monthly new-car brand sales chart, ahead of Volkswagen, Ford, BMW and other automakers, according to the release, which cites SMMT data. The company says that result made it the first Chinese automaker to rank first in monthly UK new-car brand sales. NEVs now represent around half of Chery Group’s European sales.
How Is the LEPAS L8 PHEV Adapted for Europe?
LEPAS positions the L8 PHEV as a premium SUV suited to both daily urban commuting and long-distance cross-border travel. According to the company, the model uses the 2026 Euro NCAP safety protocols as a development benchmark, and a European team refined its chassis tuning for the region’s varied road conditions.
The release points to the range of European driving environments — narrow urban streets, congested traffic, mountain roads, coastal areas and changing weather — as the basis for that adaptation work. LEPAS says it is working with local partners on product adaptation, distribution networks and customer service. The preparation follows an earlier L8 PHEV shipment to six European countries.
Design Award and Brand Events
During the Turin Auto Show in Italy, the LEPAS L6 received the Best Interior Design Award in the City Car category at the 2026 Torino Automotive Design Award. The jury cited the model’s spacious cabin, passenger space, materials, flexible storage and the integration of technology throughout the interior, according to the release.
LEPAS also says the European leg of its Global Journey of Elegant Driving will begin soon, taking the L8 PHEV across multiple countries to demonstrate its driving experience, range and intelligent features in real-world conditions. The brand has appeared at Milan Design Week and the Venice International Film Festival as part of its regional marketing.
The first LEPAS Global Elegant Lifestyle Week, themed “TOGETHER IN ELEGANCE,” is scheduled for October during the 2026 Chery International User Summit.
Export Scale Behind the Expansion
By the end of August, Chery Group’s cumulative exports had surpassed 7 million vehicles, which the company says makes it the first Chinese automaker to reach that figure. LEPAS says those group resources support its local product adaptation, distribution and service development. The brand reports a global dealer network of more than 500 sales and service outlets.
