Changan Brings Deepal and Nevo to Australia
The Chinese automaker will sell its Deepal and Nevo models under its master brand, taking over Deepal's distribution from Inchcape.
Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Automotive — General
Changan Automobile plans to sell its Deepal and Nevo cars in Australia under its master brand, becoming the last of China's big four car makers to reach the market. Deepal, which arrived in late 2024 through distributor Inchcape, is being taken over by its Changan parent under a transition plan running until 31 March 2027.
Why it matters
The move gives Changan a single, centralised point of sale in Australia as Chinese manufacturers expand their presence in the local market. For buyers, it signals a consolidation of brand representation and sales channels under one parent company.
The Deepal S05 electric small SUV missed its original late 2025 arrival date by roughly 12 months, and the Changan-Inchcape transition plan ends on 31 March 2027. Chery plans to sell nine brands across eight showroom networks in Australia by the end of 2027.
The players
Changan Automobile
A Chinese state-owned car manufacturer and one of the country's big four automakers, now expanding its brands into Australia.
Inchcape
A global automotive distribution company that has served as Deepal's third-party distributor in Australia since its arrival in late 2024.
The details
Deepal and Nevo cars will retain their unique badging while being offered in centralised Changan showrooms. An initial batch of Deepal S05s will be produced in Thailand, which helps Changan qualify for Thai government EV grants, and Avatr electric cars are due in Australia from the first half of 2027.
Timeline
Late 2024: Deepal arrives in Australia under Inchcape.
Late 2025: Deepal S05 misses its original arrival date.
Mid-2026: Updated Deepal S05 debuts in China.
31 March 2027: Changan-Inchcape transition plan ends.
First half of 2027: Avatr electric cars due in Australia.
Roadmap
Changan is the last of China's big four car makers to reach Australia, following its peers into a market where Chinese brands are steadily growing their share. The centralised showroom strategy mirrors the approach Changan is using in Europe and the UK.
Australian buyers interested in Deepal and Nevo models will increasingly purchase through centralised Changan showrooms rather than a separate third-party distributor. An expression of interest has been opened for updates on upcoming models and the future of Changan in Australia.
The takeaway
Buyers weighing Chinese electric vehicles in Australia should watch for the Changan-Inchcape handover and the arrival of Deepal S05 before committing to a purchase. Registering interest now is a simple way to receive updates on pricing and availability.
What happens next
Deepal S05 will start arriving in Australia in the coming weeks, and the Changan-Inchcape transition plan concludes on 31 March 2027.
Further reading
Explore more in Automotive — General for context on how Chinese brands are reshaping the local market.
