Key Points
- Changan will take over distribution of Deepal in Australia from Inchcape, with a transition running from 21 October 2026 to 31 March 2027.
- Inchcape says Deepal sales, servicing, warranty, parts and support continue, and all existing customer orders will be honoured.
- Changan plans to launch its Nevo and Avatr brands in Australia during 2027, with Deepal positioned between them.
Changan will take over distribution of the Deepal brand in Australia from Inchcape Australia, ending the importer's role in bringing the Chinese electric vehicle brand to local showrooms. The two companies announced the mutual agreement on 22 October 2026.
A transition period runs from 21 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, during which Changan Australia assumes distribution responsibility. The move comes as Changan prepares to launch its Nevo and Avatr brands locally in 2027.
What Changes For Deepal Owners And Buyers
Deepal's current Australian range is the S07 electric SUV and the E07 Multitruck, a combined SUV and ute. Inchcape said all Deepal sales, servicing, warranty programs, logistics, parts, after sales and customer support will continue, and it will honour all existing customer orders.
Customers keep access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Deepal parts, servicing support and diagnostic updates throughout the transition period.
Neither company has said what happens after 31 March 2027. Pricing, warranty terms and the dealer network beyond that date are unconfirmed. Changan Australia managing director Bryan Guan said Changan will manage the transition with transparency and aims to give customers continuity and the dealer network confidence.
Why Inchcape Is Stepping Away
Inchcape described the decision as part of its standard portfolio management. The company said it continuously reviews its partnerships so its brand mix matches its strategic growth objectives.
Inchcape Australasia managing director Colin Christie said the company is proud of what it achieved with Changan in establishing Deepal and building brand awareness. Guan thanked Inchcape for its professionalism and for helping lay a foundation for future growth.
With the cessation of Deepal, Inchcape now only distirbutes the Subaru and Foton brands in Australia. Inchcape announced in August 2024 that it would drop Citroen, then confirmed about a month later that it would bring Deepal here. It said in July 2026 that it would also drop Peugeot. Stellantis has said Peugeot will stay in Australia, but no replacement distributor has been announced.
Inchcape said it remains committed to the Australian market, with brands covering passenger cars, SUVs, utes and trucks across combustion, hybrid and electric powertrains.
Deepal Sales Have Been Slow
481 Deepals were delivered in 2025, with the caveat that the brand did not appear in VFACTS industry reports until May that year. This year, Deepal has delivered 924 vehicles to the end of September.
That puts Deepal below Leapmotor and XPeng, which are also new to the Australian market, and far below Geely.
Deepal Deliveries Compared With Other New Brands
Brand | Deliveries to end of September 2026 |
Deepal | 924 |
Leapmotor | 1,168 |
XPeng | 1,183 |
Geely | 23,632 |
The Deepal S05 Is Still To Come
Changan is expected to launch the Deepal S05 small SUV under its factory-backed operation. The S05 was first confirmed for Australia in February 2025 with a second-half 2025 launch. That slipped to the first half of 2026, and the car has not arrived.
The S05 received Australian Design Rule approval in January 2026, as Zecar reported at the time.
Deepal also confirmed plug-in hybrid versions of the S05 and S07 for Europe earlier this year.
Changan Plans Nevo And Avatr For 2027
Changan plans to launch Nevo and Avatr in Australia during 2027, alongside a factory-backed Deepal. Avatr arrives with the 07L large electric SUV in the first half of 2027, followed by the 06T electric wagon in the second half.
Nevo's local lineup has not been detailed. The brand previewed electric and extended-range electric vehicles at the Paris motor show this month, and in China the Deepal E07 is sold under the Nevo name. Deepal will sit between Nevo and premium Avatr in Changan's local positioning.
XPeng has also moved to factory-backed operations in Australia.
What It Means For Australian Buyers
For current Deepal owners, the practical message is continuity: servicing, warranty and parts support carry on through to 31 March 2027. The open questions are what changes once Changan takes full control, whether the S05 finally launches, and how Deepal's pricing and dealer network look under factory ownership.
Buyers weighing a Deepal through a novated lease may want to confirm warranty and servicing arrangements with their dealer before signing. Changan has not yet answered the wider questions.
About the author
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
