# Chinese automakers' SUV overseas expansion

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/chery-group-suv-expansion-and-ev-launches
> Updated: 2026-09-13T12:39:55.000Z. Sources: 122. Developments: 22.

Since May 2026, Chinese manufacturers have accelerated the global rollout of SUVs and crossovers, launching premium and plug-in hybrid models in Europe, Australia, South Asia, and emerging markets. In Spain, the GANVAM-DAT index for H1 2026 showed a 4-5% drop in average used-car prices as competitively priced Chinese models captured 14.27% of new-car registrations. MG led the Chinese segment, followed by BYD and Chery-related Omoda/Jaecoo.

Chery Group has expanded its footprint through its premium brand, Lepas, which has debuted in Italy and is targeting the Australian mid-tier and entry-premium segments. The Lepas L6 electric SUV is scheduled to debut in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2024, with plans to roll out five models by 2028. Other brand expansions include Leapmotor, which is launching the B03X compact electric B-SUV in Europe via Stellantis, and Zeekr, which has entered the European luxury SUV segment with the 9X high-performance super hybrid.

In the broader EV market, XPENG is preparing to introduce its G9L large SUV to Europe, featuring fast-charging capabilities. Nio reported that its third-generation ES8 electric SUV is approaching 150,000 cumulative deliveries. In the premium segment, Voyah unveiled its ‘Huju’ intelligent chassis technology for the upcoming Dreamer 9 MPV. Meanwhile, SAIC Volkswagen has opened blind orders for the ID. ERA 5X electric SUV in China. Other manufacturers continue to scale, including GAC Motor’s preparations for France and Li Auto’s focus on battery electric vehicles like the Li 6, expected to debut at the Paris Motor Show in October 2026.

## Claims

- The average price of used cars aged 11‑15 years fell to €9,927, a 4.4 % drop in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The average price of used cars older than 16 years fell to €4,635, a 3.7 % decline in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Used cars aged 2‑5 years fell 4.2 % to an average price of €19,435 in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Semi‑new cars fell 5.1 % to an average price of €25,103 in the first half of 2026. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The influx of young used cars from the termination of rental contracts increased supply and contributed to price reductions across the used‑car market. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The aggressive pricing of Chinese new cars is creating a domino effect that lowers used‑car prices across all age segments. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- Chinese models MG ZS, Ebro S700 and Omoda 5 ranked fourth, eighth and ninth among the ten best‑selling new cars in the Basque region in 2026. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-13: Chinese EV manufacturers announce new models and delivery milestones

Chinese EV makers are expanding: XPENG targets Europe with the G9L SUV, Nio nears 150,000 ES8 deliveries, Voyah debuts new chassis tech, and SAIC Volkswagen begins orders for the ID. ERA 5X.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xpeng-to-launch-g9l-flagship-suv-in-china-on-september-17

### 2026-09-13: Automotive industry sees expansion of Chinese EV brands in Europe and Australia

Chinese automakers Leapmotor and Chery's Lepas brand are expanding into Europe and Australia with new electric SUVs, while Lotus shifts to hybrids to navigate European trade tariffs.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-ev-makers-leapmotor-and-li-auto-target-european-markets

### 2026-09-11: Li Auto announces European expansion and debut of Li 6 SUV

Chinese EV maker Li Auto plans to launch its first European model, the Li 6 SUV, at the Paris Motor Show this October, with sales expected to begin in late 2026.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/li-auto-announces-european-expansion-and-debut-of-li-6-suv

### 2026-09-03: Casa Auto partners with LEPAS to expand automotive portfolio in Romania

Casa Auto has partnered with Chery Group’s premium brand, LEPAS, to launch a new showroom in Iași, Romania, offering electric and hybrid SUV models.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/casa-auto-partners-with-lepas-to-expand-automotive-portfolio-in-romania

### 2026-09-01: Chinese automakers GAC and Chery expand global electric vehicle presence

Chinese automakers GAC and Chery are expanding globally, launching new electric and hybrid models like the LEPAS L6 EV and Trumpchi YUE 7 across Asia and Europe.

6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chery-launches-lepas-brand-and-l6-electric-suv-in-the-uk

### 2026-08-29: Lepas debuts in Europe with SUV launch in Italy and UK

Chery Auto's new electrified brand, Lepas, has launched in Europe, debuting the L8 plug-in hybrid SUV in markets including Italy and the United Kingdom.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lepas-debuts-in-europe-with-suv-launch-in-italy-and-uk

### 2026-08-27: Lepas expands globally with L6 EV SUV launch

Chery Group's premium brand Lepas is launching the L6 EV, an all-electric C-segment SUV, with major market entries planned for the UK and Austria by 2026 and 2027.

16 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lepas-reveals-l6-ev-electric-suv-with-279-mile-range

### 2026-08-15: Lepas brand to enter Brazilian market with affordable vehicle lineup

Chery Group's premium brand Lepas is entering the Brazilian market, targeting entry-level and SUV segments with flex-fuel and hybrid technology to compete with major automakers.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lepas-brand-to-enter-brazilian-market-with-affordable-vehicle-lineup

### 2026-08-08: Chery Group launches Lepas L8 plug‑in hybrid SUV in the United Kingdom

Chery Group unveiled the Lepas L8 plug‑in hybrid SUV in the UK, a premium‑priced model with a 56‑mile electric range, part of its fast‑growing Lepas brand after strong UK sales.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chery-group-launches-lepas-l8-plugin-hybrid-suv-in-the-united-kingdom

### 2026-08-04: Chinese car brands drive down used‑car prices and lift new‑car sales in Spain

Chinese car makers are cutting new‑car prices in Spain, causing used‑car values to drop 4‑5 % across all age groups and pushing Chinese models into the top‑10 new‑car registrations.

28 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/spains-auto-market-adds-lepas-l8-mazda-cx6e-and-exlantix-models-in-july-2026

### 2026-07-28: Lepas launches in Spain with L8 Super Hybrid SUV, targeting premium market

Chery's Lepas brand entered Spain with the L8 Super Hybrid SUV, priced from €33,990, offering 279 hp, 90 km electric range, a 7‑year warranty, and a premium dealer network.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lepas-launches-in-spain-with-l8-super-hybrid-suv-targeting-premium-market

### 2026-07-25: Lepas launches L8 hybrid SUV in Spain and Indonesia

Lepas unveiled its L8 hybrid SUV in Spain (starting at €33,990) and Indonesia (Rp589 million), highlighting advanced tech, extended electric range and new dealer networks.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lepas-launches-l8-hybrid-suv-in-spain-and-indonesia

### 2026-07-19: BYD launches Formula S models while exports rise after domestic sales slump

BYD rolls out Formula S lift‑back and kombi, adds Denza Z9S sport sedan and Dolphin hybrid, while domestic sales fall 46% but exports surge amid a record 650 new Chinese models in H1 2026.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinesemade-evs-formula-s-and-cupra-travascan-target-european-market

### 2026-07-03: XPENG launches upgraded G6 EV for European market

Chinese EV maker XPENG unveiled an upgraded G6 family SUV for Europe, featuring a 571‑liter trunk, standard high‑tech safety, a five‑year warranty and rapid charging that adds 300 km in 12 minutes.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xpeng-launches-upgraded-g6-ev-for-european-market

### 2026-07-01: XPENG rolls out upgraded G6 family car and unveils L03 SUV‑coupé at global launch

XPENG upgraded its G6 family car with fast charging and a five‑year warranty, and will globally launch the new L03 SUV‑coupé in Munich, targeting 64 markets.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xpeng-rolls-out-upgraded-g6-family-car-and-unveils-l03-suvcoup-at-global-launch

### 2026-06-30: Lepas expands dealership network in Spain

Lepas, Chery’s new brand, is opening 30‑plus dealerships in Spain by June, aiming for 50 by year‑end, and introduced the L8 Super Hybrid SUV at the Barcelona port.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lepas-expands-dealership-network-in-spain

### 2026-06-28: XPeng launches X‑Mind AI platform and readies MONA L03 EV for worldwide sales

XPeng introduced the X‑Mind AI platform for proactive autonomous driving and confirmed its VLA 2.0 system for global rollout, while preparing the MONA L03 EV for a July launch in Europe with production in China

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xpeng-rolls-out-xmind-predictive-ai-and-readies-vla-20-models-for-global-launch

### 2026-06-28: Chinese Lepas brand launches L8 Super Hybrid SUV in Spain

Chinese Lepas brand from Group Chery launches the L8 Super Hybrid SUV in Spain, offering 279 hp, over 1,100 km range, prices from €41,700, with a 7‑year/150 k km warranty and a ready post‑sale network.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chinese-lepas-brand-launches-l8-super-hybrid-suv-in-spain

### 2026-06-15: Chery's Lepas L6 electric SUV to debut in Australia in late 2026

Chery's Lepas brand will launch the L6 electric SUV in Australia in Q4 2026, featuring a 160 kW motor, 65 kWh battery and a claimed 450 km range, with pricing near AU$40,000.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cherys-lepas-l6-electric-suv-to-debut-in-australia-in-late-2026

### 2026-06-14: XPeng launches upgraded G6 SUV in Australia and targets 2027 AI‑driven autonomous rollout

XPeng unveiled an upgraded G6 SUV for Australia with rapid 800 V charging and new AWD Performance trim, while also announcing its VLA 2.0 AI system aimed at a 2027 global Level‑4 autonomous rollout.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/xpeng-launches-upgraded-g6-suv-in-australia-and-targets-2027-aidriven-autonomous-rollout

### 2026-06-12: Chery and Huawei launch premium electric SUV Luxeed RX

Chery and Huawei’s Luxeed brand revealed the RX, a premium electric SUV with up to 594 hp, large dimensions and LiDAR, slated for Chinese launch this autumn and potential EU release in 2027.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chery-and-huawei-launch-premium-electric-suv-luxeed-rx

### 2026-05-15: Chery Group records record global shipments and expands luxury SUV sales in Pakistan

Chery Group logged record April global shipments and is pushing luxury SUVs into Pakistan, boosting its global and NEV growth.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chery-group-records-record-global-shipments-and-expands-luxury-suv-sales-in-pakistan

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Cite as: Chinese automakers' SUV overseas expansion. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/chery-group-suv-expansion-and-ev-launches