Changan takes over Deepal distribution in Australia

Key highlights:

• Changan takes over Deepal distribution by March 31, 2027
• Deepal S05 launch remains pending after repeated delays
• Avatr and Nevo are planned for 2027 Australian launches

Changan will take direct control of its Deepal brand in Australia, ending its distribution partnership with Inchcape as the Chinese automaker prepares to expand its local operations. The transition will run from October 21, 2026, to March 31, 2027, with Changan progressively assuming distribution responsibilities. Inchcape will be left representing Subaru and Foton in Australia.

The move comes as Changan prepares to introduce its Nevo and premium Avatr brands locally in 2027, while Deepal awaits the long-delayed arrival of its S05 small electric SUV.

Deepal distribution changes hands

Inchcape Australia and Changan have mutually agreed to end their distribution arrangement for Deepal. Inchcape said the decision formed part of its regular portfolio review, aimed at aligning brand partnerships with its strategic growth objectives.

Despite the change, existing customers should see continuity in support. Inchcape confirmed that:

• All existing customer orders will be honoured.
• Sales, servicing and warranty programs will continue.
• Logistics, parts supply, aftersales and customer support will remain available.
• Factory-trained technicians, genuine Deepal parts, servicing and diagnostic updates will continue throughout the transition.

Changan Australia managing director Bryan Guan thanked Inchcape for helping establish Deepal locally, crediting its team with building brand awareness and laying the groundwork for future growth. He said Changan would manage the transition transparently and professionally, with respect for customers and confidence across the dealer network.

Inchcape continues to trim its brand portfolio

The Deepal handover follows several changes to Inchcape’s Australian lineup. In August 2024, Inchcape announced it would stop distributing Citroen and just a month later, it confirmed it would bring Deepal to Australia.

In July 2026, Inchcape also announced it would drop Peugeot. The French brand’s future local distribution arrangements remain unresolved, although parent company Stellantis has said Peugeot will not be axed in Australia. No replacement distributor has been announced.

Once the Deepal transition is complete, Inchcape’s Australian portfolio will comprise Subaru and Foton. The Changan agreement is also ending with considerably less acrimony than the dispute between electric vehicle brand Xpeng and local distributor TrueEV, which became the subject of a Federal Court battle that ended earlier in 2026.

Also read: Freelander targets 25 Australian dealers for 2027 launch

Deepal’s Australian sales have been slow

Inchcape launched Deepal in Australia in late 2024 with the mid-size S07 electric SUV, and it followed with the unusual E07 Multitruck in September 2025, combining SUV and ute characteristics in one vehicle. However, the brand’s sales have remained modest.

The 2025 figure needs context: Deepal did not appear in VFACTS industry sales reports until May that year.

By the end of September 2026, Deepal had recorded 924 deliveries. That left it behind other relatively new Australian-market entrants Leapmotor, with 1168 deliveries, and Xpeng, with 1183. Geely, which entered the market more recently, was well ahead with 23,632 deliveries.

The E07 has helped Deepal stand out thanks to its unusual SUV-and-ute format, but its sales and deliveries were paused in March 2026 because of a compliance issue.

Deepal S05 still awaits its Australian launch

Changan’s factory-backed distribution is expected to help move the delayed Deepal S05 small SUV closer to an Australian launch. Inchcape originally confirmed the S05 for local introduction in February 2025, targeting the second half of that year, and this timing later shifted to the first half of 2026, but that window passed without the small electric SUV appearing.

Deepal has also confirmed plug-in hybrid (PHEV) versions of the S05 and S07 for Europe earlier in 2026, and both are considered likely candidates for Australia, although local launch details remain unconfirmed.

Changan prepares two more brands for 2027

The distribution change comes as Changan prepares to expand its Australian portfolio beyond Deepal. Avatr is scheduled to arrive in Australia with the 07L large electric SUV in the first half of 2027, followed by the 06T electric wagon in the second half.

Changan has yet to detail Nevo’s Australian lineup. At the Paris motor show earlier in October 2026, however, the brand previewed a range of battery-electric vehicles (EVs) and extended-range electric vehicles (EREVs).

In China, the Deepal E07 is sold under the Nevo brand. The new arrivals will give Changan a broader spread of vehicles and price positioning, with Deepal sitting between the more mainstream Nevo range and premium Avatr models.

Changan will assume Deepal’s Australian distribution responsibilities by March 31, 2027, following the transition that began on October 21, 2026. The immediate priorities are maintaining customer support, establishing the new distribution arrangements and progressing delayed or potential models such as the S05 and PHEV versions of the S05 and S07.

Meanwhile, the planned 2027 arrivals of Avatr and Nevo signal a broader expansion for Changan in Australia.