A few weeks after the Shufersal rival Auchan? No, after the Israeli discount chain Osher Ad said it would sell Kia cars from Auto Center inventory, Rami Levy is now announcing a different car sale: limited stock Chinese models imported by Dahom, a car importer. According to Calcalist, Rami Levy is not handling the import or marketing itself, but is partnering with an importer trying to bring two new brands into Israel and needing a large retail chain to help introduce them to the market.
The brands involved include Arcfox and BAIC, both Chinese names that are still unfamiliar to most Israelis. In Arcfox’s case, cars from the brand had already reached Israel in the past through EV Motors and later through the Dayan family. BAIC’s licensing history has also shifted, with Alber saying more than a year ago that it had received the franchise, and later the Kadori Group claiming the same. The current franchise holder is Dahom, which is not among Israel’s major importers.
The report says Dahom likely had to commit in advance to large volumes in order to secure the franchise, which is why it now needs outside sales partners such as Rami Levy. Unlike the Osher Ad deal involving the familiar Kia Sportage, which can be sold off as leftover stock from leasing fleets, this case involves brands that are largely new to Israel, with no public pricing yet and uncertain reputations for reliability, resale value, and brand standing.
The article says a launch of unfamiliar Chinese cars through a retail chain could be marketed as low-cost, but it may also damage the brands’ image if they are introduced alongside household goods and food products. Rami Levy says the cars will be sold from limited inventory, but prices have not yet been revealed.
