Inchcape to deliver Deepal Down Under

HAVING recently dropped Citroen from its stable, Inchcape Australasia this week announced it has picked-up local distribution for Chinese brand Deepal to help grow its presence in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.

The Aussie arm of the trading company now controls car brands Subaru Australia, Peugeot Australia, Deepal, and associated businesses AutoNexus, Inchcape Automotive Retail, Inchcape Financial Services, and Bravoauto used cars.

Foton utes are due early next year under the same umbrella.

Deepal is another all-electric brand from China (the fourth announcing its arrival here in as many weeks) whose parent, state-owned Changan Automobile, produces and sells vehicles under its own branding, Changan, as well as Deepal, Avatr, Oshan, Kaicene, and is involved in foreign-branded joint ventures such as Changan Ford and Changan Mazda.

Changan Automobile says its principal activity is the production of passenger cars, microvans, commercial vans and light trucks.

Inchcape is not wasting time with Deepal setting a Q4 launch Down Under starting with the S07 medium size SUV that “strikes a balance between futuristic and dynamic aesthetics with a combination of clean curves and distinct edges, cutting-edge technology and luxurious interior ambiance, built on an all- electric platform”.

According to Inchcape, “Deepal pushes boundaries to transform cars from modes of transportation into intelligent mobility companions, embracing the harmony between technology, nature and human experiences”.

The S07 is a Tesla Model Y competitor and as such may be priced in the vicinity of $56,000 excluding on-road costs.

Though Australian S07 specifications are not available, GoAuto has gleaned that the model will be powered by a 160kW rear-mounted electric motor, with an 80kWh battery and claimed range of 560km.

It comes equipped in other markets with a choice of wheels, sunroof, comprehensive safety features and generous levels of luxury kit likely to include a 15.6-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, HUD, premium audio, synthetic leather upholstery, and a raft of ADAS technologies.

“We are pleased to welcome Deepal to the local market and look forward to offering Australian consumers a range of all-electric vehicles that deliver a compelling combination of style, performance and innovative technology,” said Inchcape Australasia managing director Colin Christie.

“As we continue to diversify and grow our local distribution portfolio, the Deepal distributorship in Australia further demonstrates Inchcape’s commitment to delivering on our Accelerate strategy and strengthening our global presence as the undisputed number-one distribution partner of choice.”

From the Chinese parent company’s perspective, president of Changan Automobile Asia-Pacific (APAC) region Shen Xinghua said, “We are delighted to have Inchcape as our partner in the Australian market”.

“We have studied the Australian market for several years as Changan sees Australia as a strategic market. Collaborating with Inchcape and introducing our successful Deepal brand and product, we have strong confidence that we can deliver new energy mobility and better services to Australian customers.”