Inchcape, the automotive importer known for brands like Subaru and Peugeot, is set to introduce the Chinese electric vehicle brand Deepal to the Australian market in Q4 2024. This move comes shortly after announcing the withdrawal of Citroen from Australian showrooms by the end of the year, signaling a shift towards electric vehicles in their portfolio.
Deepal, owned by Chinese carmaker Changan, will launch in Australia between October and December 2024. The brand will join Inchcape's existing lineup, which includes Subaru and Peugeot. Deepal's launch vehicle will be the S07 electric SUV, which has been spotted testing in Australia.
The S07 is similar in size to a Tesla Model Y, measuring 4750mm long, 1930mm wide, and 1625mm tall. Initial specifications indicate a 160kW electric motor, with a 190kW option available in China.
Battery options in China include 66.8kWh and 79.87kWh LFP batteries, offering ranges of 520km and 628km (CLTC) respectively. The S07 will feature advanced safety equipment and a 15.6-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay. Deepal is also preparing the G318, a body-on-frame off-roader, for right-hand drive markets.
The introduction of Deepal to Australia represents a significant shift in Inchcape's strategy, embracing the growing demand for electric vehicles. As one of many Chinese brands entering the Australian market in the coming year, Deepal's launch could potentially reshape the local EV landscape, offering consumers more diverse and competitive options in the electric vehicle segment.
