Chinese EV Maker DEEPAL Challenges Tesla Model Y with Australian Launch of S07 SUV

Inchcape has been appointed as the Australian distributor for DEEPAL, a new all-electric brand from Chinese manufacturer CHANGAN Automobile.

The launch is set for Q4 2024, beginning with the introduction of the DEEPAL S07, an electric SUV that will compete in the same market segment as the Tesla Model Y.

To lead this new venture, Cormac Cafolla has been appointed as General Manager of DEEPAL Australia, reporting to Blair Read, Managing Director Distribution Business for Inchcape Australasia.

Cafolla brings extensive automotive industry experience from both Australia and overseas, with expertise in network development, sales operations, and strategic growth.

The partnership aims to combine DEEPAL's research and development capabilities with Inchcape's local market knowledge and distribution experience.

Colin Christie, Managing Director of Inchcape Australasia, stated that this move aligns with their strategy to diversify their distribution portfolio and strengthen their global presence.

Mr. Shen Xinghua, President of CHANGAN Automobile Asia-Pacific region, expressed confidence in the partnership, noting that CHANGAN views Australia as a strategic market. DEEPAL's goal is to become a prominent electric vehicle brand in growing mainstream markets.

This development represents another entry into Australia's expanding electric vehicle market, potentially offering consumers additional choices in the electric SUV segment.

Key Features of Deepal S07

The Deepal S07 is positioned to compete in the crowded Australian mid-size electric SUV, with specifications that are comparable to other vehicles in this segment, including the Tesla Model Y.

Based on this comparison, we can make several observations:

1. Size: The Deepal S07 and Tesla Model Y are remarkably similar in overall dimensions. They have nearly identical length, width, and height.
2. Wheelbase: The S07 has almost the same wheelbase as Model Y, which could potentially translate to similar interior space, depending on design decisions made by Deepal.
3. Weight: The S07 appears to be slightly heavier than the Model Y, with a tare mass of 2073 kg compared to the Model Y's approximate 2003 kg (though this can vary by variant).
4. Towing: The S07's 1500 kg towing capacity is competitive, though slightly less than the Model Y's 1600 kg capacity.
5. Wheels: Both vehicles offer similar wheel size options, with 19" as standard and 20" as optional.

Overall, the Deepal S07 appears to be closely matched to the Tesla Model Y in terms of physical dimensions and general specifications.

However, the Model Y has the advantage of incumbency and exclusive access to the full Tesla Supercharger network.

Factors like price, interior quality, technology features, dealership customer service and brand reputation will all play significant roles in how the Deepal S07 competes in the market.