Subaru and Peugeot adds Chinese EV line-up

Subaru’s Australian distributor ditches French cars for Chinese EVs to challenge the likes of Tesla.

Inchcape, the automotive distributor behind Subaru and Peugeot in Australia, has added a new player to its line-up.

Deepal, a subsidiary of Chinese automaker Changan Automobile, will hit Australian roads this year.

Changan is one of China’s top five state-owned automakers and has a range of electric vehicles (EVs).

The DEEPAL 07 SUV launching in Australia later this year. Picture: Supplied

The brand will launch in the Australian market in late 2024 with the S07, a mid-size SUV.

The S07 is positioned to rival with the Tesla Model Y and it’s rumoured the local variant will be offered in rear-wheel drive with driving range of approximately 485 km (CLTC).

2024 Porsche Macan Turbo. Photo: Supplied

The car’s front-end styling looks to have more than a passing similarity to Porsche’s Macan EV.

We can expect the SUV to be priced competitively, potentially under $50,000.

Deepal joins other Chinese entrants like Leapmotor, Xpeng and Zeekr, as manufacturers and distributors target Australian consumers with affordable, tech-savvy alternatives to traditional brands.

Exterior of the DEEPAL 07 SUV launching in Australia later this year. Picture: Supplied

However, this EV push comes at an interesting time considering Peugeot’s recent decision to scale back its electric vehicle (EV) rollout plans and completely axe its plug-in hybrid models.

The brand states that high costs and insufficient infrastructure as the reasons for the change of plans.

The decision reflects that distributors are prioritising Chinese EVs and as the market develops, geopolitical factors will also influence the market.

For instance, the United States’ proposed ban on Chinese software and hardware in vehicles due to national security concerns.

The growing presence of Chinese EVs in Australia could raise the same concerns.

Interior of the DEEPAL 07 SUV launching in Australia later this year. Picture: Supplied

Inchcape’s decision to discontinue Citroen in Australia also reflects the changing landscape where distributors are focusing on newer, more promising brands like Deepal.

Inchcape Australasia Managing Director Colin Christie said the company is excited to launch Deepal in Australia and offer a “combination of style, performance and innovative technology”.

“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.”