Lepas Pounces Past the 1,000-Sales Mark in South Africa as Local Momentum Builds

The milestone marks a significant step in Lepas’s development as it establishes a stronger foothold in the South African automotive market.

Lepas has surpassed 1,000 vehicle sales in South Africa, marking an important milestone in the brand’s local development.
The brand’s national footprint has grown to 29 operational dealerships, with 42 locations appointed across the country.
The achievement reflects growing customer recognition and the contribution of Lepas’s dealer, service and strategic partners.

Lepas has exceeded 1,000 vehicle sales in South Africa, marking an important milestone in the brand’s local growth and reflecting increasing recognition among motorists across the country.

For a relatively new entrant to the South African market, surpassing 1,000 sales represents more than a headline figure. Each vehicle sold reflects an individual customer’s decision to place their trust in the brand and contributes to the continued growth of the Lepas name locally.

“Surpassing 1,000 sales is a defining moment for Lepas South Africa and everyone who has supported our journey,” said Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery South Africa. “We extend our sincere gratitude to our customers for their trust, as well as to our dealers, service teams and strategic partners whose commitment continues to drive the brand forward.”

A growing national presence

The sales milestone comes as Lepas continues to strengthen its national retail and aftersales footprint.

In May, the brand confirmed that 27 dealerships were operational across South Africa, supported by 39 appointed service stations and trained technicians nationwide.

That footprint has since expanded to 29 operational dealerships, with Waterfall the latest location to join the network. A total of 42 dealerships have now been appointed, establishing a strong foundation from which Lepas can improve accessibility and provide consistent sales and aftersales support to customers across the country.

The continued expansion of the network forms an important part of Lepas’s South African strategy. A broader national presence allows more motorists to experience the brand’s vehicles firsthand while providing existing customers with access to trained technicians, technical expertise and dedicated ownership support.

“Our dealer and service partners have played an essential role in reaching this milestone,” Botes added. “They represent Lepas in their communities, introduce new customers to the brand and ensure that owners continue to feel supported long after leaving the showroom.”

Building recognition in South Africa

The achievement reflects the progress Lepas has made in establishing itself within South Africa’s competitive automotive market.

As more vehicles reach local roads and the dealer network continues to grow, the brand is steadily strengthening its visibility and building relationships with motorists in different parts of the country.

Lepas’s local approach remains centred on delivering vehicles that combine distinctive design, modern technology, comfort and everyday usability, supported by a national network capable of providing customers with a consistent ownership experience.

“The first 1,000 vehicles provide us with a strong base from which to continue growing,” said Botes. “Our focus remains on supporting our customers, strengthening our dealer and service network and building a brand that South African motorists can trust.”

With more than 1,000 vehicles sold, 29 operational dealerships and 42 appointed locations, Lepas is entering its next phase of local development. The milestone provides an opportunity to recognise the contribution of its customers and partners while maintaining a clear focus on sustainable, long-term growth in South Africa.

About Lepas

Lepas is Chery Group’s aspirational lifestyle automotive brand, created for design-conscious customers seeking expressive styling, intelligent technology, comfort and everyday practicality. In South Africa, the brand is aimed at young families and urban professionals.

At the centre of the Lepas identity is “Leopard Aesthetics”, the brand’s distinctive design language. Inspired by the strength, movement and elegance of the leopard, these qualities inform the proportions, surfaces and visual character of Lepas vehicles.

Lepas made its international debut in April 2025, followed by a South African brand soft launch in November 2025. The brand’s local product introduction began with the launch of the L4 in March 2026. The introduction of the L6 expands the local range, with further models planned as Lepas develops its presence in South Africa.

Lepas currently has 29 operational dealerships nationwide, with Waterfall the latest addition to its retail footprint. A total of 42 dealerships have been appointed, supported by 39 appointed service stations and trained technicians nationwide.

Within Chery Group’s portfolio, Lepas occupies a distinct position alongside Chery, OMODA, JAECOO and iCAUR, with a focus on contemporary design, intelligent technology, comfort and lifestyle-oriented mobility.

Lepas is supported by the global resources, engineering expertise and expanding South African footprint of Chery Group. The Group’s investment in the Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Pretoria demonstrates its long-term commitment to the local automotive industry and provides a strong foundation for the continued growth of its brands in South Africa.

Lepas customers benefit from a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, a five-year/75,000 km service plan, roadside assistance and a 10-year/one-million km engine warranty applicable to the first owner. Every L4 Javan and Pantera also includes a standard two-year Lepas Care plan, covering selected minor cosmetic repairs, transport assistance and mobility support.