Changan to sell Deepal and Nevo cars under one roof in Australia

Key highlights

• Deepal and Nevo models are expected to share Changan’s Australian showrooms.
• The Deepal S05 electric SUV is expected to arrive by early 2027.
• Premium brand Avatr is also targeting an Australian launch in 2027.

Chinese car maker Changan is preparing to introduce multiple brands to Australia, with Deepal and Nevo models expected to share showrooms under the parent company’s local distribution network.

Rather than operating as independent marques, the two sub-brands are expected to retain their individual identities and badging while being sold through centralised Changan dealerships.

The approach would be similar to GWM’s Australian operations, where brands such as Haval, Tank, Ora, Cannon and Wey operate under the same broader distribution network.

Changan has yet to formally confirm its dealership strategy, but it follows the model already used by the company in markets including the UK, Europe and Thailand.

The move also sets it apart from rival Chery, which is preparing to expand its Australian operations across multiple brands and separate showroom networks.

For Australian buyers, a shared dealership structure could make it easier to explore different Changan-owned brands without having to visit separate retail locations.

Read more: BYD outsells Tesla in Australia as EV sales pass 205,000 in 2026 

Deepal moves towards factory-backed distribution

Deepal first entered Australia in late 2024 through third-party distributor Inchcape. However, its Australian operations are now transitioning to its parent company, Changan, under a mutual transition arrangement that runs until 31 March 2027.

Changan Australia recently shared a social media post titled ‘G’day Australia’, featuring the Deepal S05, S07 and E07 electric vehicles.

The company has also launched its Australian website, which displays the logos of Deepal, Nevo and Avatr, alongside an expression-of-interest option for updates on upcoming vehicles.

The Deepal S05 electric small SUV is expected to be the next major addition to the local range. Originally scheduled to arrive in late 2025, the model has been delayed, but its Australian arrival is now expected around December 2026 or January 2027.

It will compete in an increasingly crowded electric SUV segment against models such as the Geely EX5, BYD Atto 3 Evo and Leapmotor B10.

An initial batch of S05 vehicles is believed to be coming from Thailand before production potentially switches to China. However, Changan has not confirmed the final Australian production arrangements.

Nevo models will expand the range from 2027

Alongside Deepal, Changan is preparing to introduce its Nevo sub-brand to Australia.

The Nevo Q05 is confirmed for 2027 and is expected to offer electric and range-extender hybrid powertrain options. A range-extender uses an onboard petrol engine to generate electricity for the battery rather than directly driving the wheels.

The similarly sized Nevo Q06 is also expected to join the Australian line-up next year, although its local arrival has not been formally confirmed.

Deepal will also have further products to consider. The S07 electric medium SUV is expected to receive an updated version in Australia, while the Nevo Q06 could eventually give buyers another option in the same broad vehicle category.

These additions would give Changan a wider spread of electric and electrified SUVs to compete against established Chinese brands already expanding their Australian line-ups.

Avatr will operate through separate showrooms

Changan’s Australian expansion will extend beyond Deepal and Nevo, with premium electric vehicle brand Avatr also scheduled to enter the market.

Unlike the other two sub-brands, Avatr is expected to operate through separate showrooms, although distribution will remain under the Changan Group Australia organisation.

The first model is expected to be the Avatr 07L premium electric medium SUV, due in the first half of 2027. The Avatr 06T electric wagon is expected to follow in the second half of the year.

A larger range-extender hybrid SUV, the Avatr T09, is also planned for Australia, potentially arriving in 2028 or 2029.

Avatr will target more premium electric vehicle rivals, including Zeekr and Denza, while Changan’s mainstream brands will compete in the broader market against BYD, Geely, Chery and Leapmotor.

Australian pricing, final specifications and detailed launch dates for the upcoming models have not yet been announced.

Changan Group Australia is expected to share more information about its local operations and product plans in the coming weeks, ahead of a broader model roll-out in 2027.