China’s Chery plans to launch its iCAUR V23 electric sports utility vehicle brand in South Africa in May this year as it looks to broaden sales in new markets.

The rollout brings a standalone electric vehicle nameplate to South Africa and aligns with Chery’s wider international push, as Chinese carmaker targets developing EV markets.

The timing also coincides with tougher rivalry in the country’s automotive sector, the most established on the continent.

According to the report from Reuters, electric vehicle uptake in South Africa is still limited, but policy shifts and rising consumer interest are starting to open the door to additional players.

Around 21 Chinese vehicle brands are currently available in South Africa, with further arrivals expected this year, including BYD’s Denza and Chery Group’s Lepas.

Chery said it will release more information and pricing for the V23 nearer to its May arrival.

In a separate update, Chery said last week that its flagship Lepas L8 is scheduled to reach the UK market in the third quarter of 2026, representing the brand’s first step into the country.

Lepas would become Chery’s fourth marque in the UK, alongside Omoda, Jaecoo and the Chery brand.

The company said the name Lepas combines “Leopard”, “Leap” and “Passion”.

It added that the L8’s styling draws on “the agile, muscular contours of a running leopard”, with LED headlights designed to echo “the focused intensity of a leopard’s eye”.

Chery South Africa recently agreed to buy Nissan Motor’s struggling manufacturing site in Rosslyn, Pretoria, covering land, buildings and production equipment, as well as a nearby stamping facility.

The Rosslyn plant currently builds the Nissan Navara pickup and has annual capacity to produce 45,000 vehicles.