Lepas South Africa is continuing to strengthen its presence in the local market, with the recent opening of its Waterfall dealership marking the latest step in the brand’s national expansion.
The opening provides a timely proof point for a brand that has moved quickly from introduction to establishment in just a few months. Since the Lepas L4 became available in South Africa in March, the brand has built a national retail and aftersales footprint, appointed dealerships in key areas across the country, and begun laying the foundation for a broader product portfolio.
In May, Lepas South Africa confirmed 27 operational dealerships nationwide, supported by 39 appointed service stations and trained technicians across the country. That figure has since grown to 29 operational dealerships, with Waterfall marking the latest addition to the brand’s expanding footprint. In total, 42 dealerships have been appointed.
For Lepas, dealer growth is not only about opening new showroom doors. It is about building confidence in the brand by ensuring customers are supported before, during and after purchase.
“Establishing a strong dealer network has been one of our most important priorities from the outset,” says Jay Jay Botes, General Manager of Lepas and Chery South Africa. “Customers want to know that the right people, the right infrastructure and the right long-term commitment back the brand they are buying into. The continued development of our network is an important part of delivering that reassurance.”
Lepas forms part of Chery Group South Africa, giving the brand access to an established automotive group with growing local infrastructure, dealer experience and aftersales capability. This backing has played an important role in the pace of the rollout, while helping to ensure that the customer experience remains consistent across the network.
The brand’s first local model, the Lepas L4, introduced South African motorists to a compact SUV positioned around design, comfort, technology and everyday usability. Priced from R299 900, the L4 brought the Lepas name to market with a strong value proposition, supported by a five-year/150 000 km vehicle warranty and a 10-year/1 million km engine warranty for first owners.
The brand is now preparing for the next phase of its product expansion, with pre-orders already open for the all-new Lepas L6 ahead of its local launch.
The L6 will broaden the Lepas line-up with a more sophisticated SUV offering, combining a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a high level of standard equipment. Confirmed features include 22 Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems, a 540-degree HD surround-view camera system, a 13.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-operated tailgate and 19-inch alloy wheels.
To mark the opening of pre-orders, Lepas South Africa is offering the first 200 L6 customers a R10 000 Early Bird credit, which can be used towards their deposit, accessories, extended service plans or other options. Terms and conditions apply.
“The L4 introduced Lepas to South Africa, but the L6 will give customers an even clearer view of where the brand is going,” says Botes. “It expands our range, strengthens our showroom offering and gives our dealers another important product with which to engage customers who are looking for design, technology, comfort and value in one package.”
Lepas has also confirmed that its local product portfolio will continue to grow, with the L8 expected to follow at a later stage. Together, the L4, L6 and upcoming L8 will allow the brand to compete across a broader section of the SUV market while giving customers more choice within the Lepas family.
As the dealer network grows and the product range expands, Lepas South Africa says its focus remains firmly on building the brand sustainably. The company’s approach is centred on accessible showrooms, trained dealer teams, nationwide service support and an ownership experience designed to give customers confidence from the start.
“Momentum is not built by one launch or one opening,” says Botes. “It is built by consistently showing up for customers, expanding responsibly and making sure the experience behind the product is as strong as the product itself. That is what we are working towards with Lepas in South Africa.”
South Africans can visit their nearest Lepas dealership to experience the L4, or place a pre-order for the upcoming Lepas L6.
For more information, visit www.lepas-sa.co.za.
To register your interest or place a pre-order for the Lepas L6, please visit the official Lepas L6 pre-order page: https://www.lepas-sa.co.za/models/lepas-l6
About Lepas
Lepas is Chery Group’s aspirational lifestyle automotive brand, created for design-conscious customers seeking expressive styling, intelligent technology, comfort and everyday practicality. In South Africa, the brand is aimed at young families and urban professionals.
At the centre of the Lepas identity is “Leopard Aesthetics”, the brand’s distinctive design language. Inspired by the strength, movement and elegance of the leopard, these qualities inform the proportions, surfaces and visual character of Lepas vehicles.
Lepas made its international debut in April 2025, followed by a South African brand soft launch in November 2025. The brand’s local product introduction began with the launch of the L4 in March 2026. The introduction of the L6 expands the local range, with further models planned as Lepas develops its presence in South Africa.
Lepas currently has 29 operational dealerships nationwide, with Waterfall the latest addition to its retail footprint. A total of 42 dealerships have been appointed, supported by 39 appointed service stations and trained technicians nationwide.
Within Chery Group’s portfolio, Lepas occupies a distinct position alongside Chery, OMODA, JAECOO and iCAUR, with a focus on contemporary design, intelligent technology, comfort and lifestyle-oriented mobility.
Lepas is supported by the global resources, engineering expertise and expanding South African footprint of Chery Group. The Group’s investment in the Rosslyn manufacturing facility in Pretoria demonstrates its long-term commitment to the local automotive industry and provides a strong foundation for the continued growth of its brands in South Africa.
Lepas customers benefit from a five-year/150,000 km vehicle warranty, a five-year/75,000 km service plan, roadside assistance and a 10-year/one-million km engine warranty applicable to the first owner. Every L4 Javan and Pantera also includes a standard two-year Lepas Care plan, covering selected minor cosmetic repairs, transport assistance and mobility support.
Lepas South Africa builds momentum with growing dealer footprint and expanding product rangehttps://t.co/iVedJDq0u2#ArriveAlive #LEPAS @dealerfloor pic.twitter.com/3eBPe4kf8b
– Arrive Alive (@_ArriveAlive) July 15, 2026
