Chery has detailed the LEX platform beneath its new Lepas brand and the first specification for the L6 EV, a 440km mid-size SUV launching in Australia in October and already confirmed for New Zealand.
Chinese media report appliance maker Dreame has closed the automotive division that planned to launch EVs in New Zealand and Australia by early 2027. The company has not confirmed the closure.
Chery Group's iCaur EV brand is coming to New Zealand in the second half of 2027, a spokesperson confirms, following its Australian launch announcement led by the boxy V25 SUV.
We drive the $34,990 Arcfox T1 at its Auckland launch: a roomy, well-equipped small EV with standout driver assistance, while the brand's premium case waits for next year's T5.
Arcfox confirms the T5 mid-size electric SUV for New Zealand in early 2027, with up to 705km of CLTC range, 800-volt charging and the Leapmotor C10 and MG S6 in its sights.
Voyah's Passion S has driven a full 360-degree tunnel loop in Wuhan, and the Dongfeng premium brand has confirmed to sister site Inside China Auto that New Zealand is in its plans.
Leapmotor prices the B03X compact electric SUV from $37,990 in New Zealand, with 292km or 382km WLTP, deliveries from late September and a dealer network tripling to 12 outlets.
Denza's reborn N8 electric SUV claims 1,003km of CLTC range from a 130.15kWh Blade 2.0 battery with five-minute flash charging, though the generous Chinese test cycle deserves an asterisk.
Chery has bought Nissan's former Rosslyn plant in South Africa to build EVs, plug-in hybrids and Jetour models, its first full production base in Africa.
The Chery and Jaguar Land Rover Freelander 8 opens pre-orders in China from around NZ$85,000, a 610kW range-extended SUV with 800V charging, three diff locks and a 46.3-inch display.
