Changan to take over Deepal distribution in Australia, ending Inchcape tenure

Changan takes the reins from Inchcape

Changan will take over distribution of its Deepal brand in Australia, ending the tenure of independent importer Inchcape, which is left with just the Subaru and Foton brands here. As CarExpert reported, the two companies have mutually agreed to end the arrangement, with a transition period running from October 21, 2026 to March 31, 2027, during which Changan assumes distribution responsibilities. ¹

In a statement reported by CarExpert, Inchcape said: "The mutual decision forms part of Inchcape's standard approach to portfolio management, with the company continuously reviewing its partnerships to ensure the right portfolio of brands for the business, aligned with strategic growth objectives." Changan Australia managing director Bryan Guan thanked Inchcape for "its partnership in establishing the Deepal brand in Australia" and said the transition would be managed "with transparency, professionalism and respect, ensuring continuity for customers and confidence across the dealer network." ¹

The announcement is a notable reversal from August, when an Inchcape Australia spokesperson told CarExpert there were "no plans for Changan to take over the distribution of Deepal vehicles in Australia from Inchcape". Inchcape was appointed Deepal's Australian distributor in September 2024 and launched the brand here late that year with the S07 electric SUV, followed by the E07 Multitruck in September 2025. ¹²

According to the statement reported by CarExpert, all Deepal sales, servicing, warranty programs, logistics, parts, after-sales and customer support will continue, and all existing customer orders will be honoured. Customers will retain access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Deepal parts and ongoing servicing support and diagnostic updates throughout the transition period. ¹

Sluggish sales and the missing S05

Deepal's performance under Inchcape has been modest. CarExpert reported 481 deliveries in 2025, with the caveat that the brand did not appear in VFACTS industry sales reports until May that year. This year the brand sat at 924 deliveries to the end of September, below Leapmotor (1168) and Xpeng (1183) and well behind Geely (23,632). Sales and deliveries of the E07 were paused in March 2026 for a compliance issue, CarExpert reported. ¹

The S05 small SUV, confirmed in February 2025 for launch in the second half of that year, never eventuated: the timing was pushed to the first half of 2026, which also passed without the vehicle appearing, CarExpert reported. Under Changan's factory-backed distribution, the S05 is expected to finally launch, and PHEV versions of the S05 and S07 confirmed for Europe are both appearing likely for Australia, CarExpert noted. ¹⁴

Fitting into Changan's broader Australian plan

The takeover coincides with Changan's plan to launch two other brands in Australia during 2027. The premium Avatr marque arrives with the large 07L electric SUV, available for pre-order before the end of 2026 with first customer deliveries targeted for the first half of 2027, followed by the 06T electric wagon in the second half, CarExpert reported. Avatr is 40.99 per cent owned by Changan, with battery supplier CATL holding a 14.1 per cent stake. ¹³

The Nevo brand's local line-up has yet to be detailed, but it previewed a range of electric and extended-range electric vehicles at the Paris motor show, and the Q05 compact SUV is expected as a likely first model, CarExpert reported. Deepal will sit between Nevo and Avatr in market positioning. Unlike Deepal's current arrangement, Avatr and Nevo will be distributed through a newly established Changan subsidiary, with Deepal set to join them once the transition to Changan's control concludes on March 31, 2027. ¹⁴