Israeli Automaker Carasso Motors Achieves Major Success in European Market
Translated & summarized from Ice by baba
Israeli company Carasso Motors has achieved a highly successful launch of the Chery automotive brand in Austria, selling 882 vehicles since June 2026 and experiencing significant sales growth. The company has rapidly built a dealership network and secured fleet customers, leveraging its prior success with Chery in Israel. This expansion into Austria, chosen for its strategic location and market potential, is part of Carasso Motors' broader international growth strategy.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Carasso Motors' Chery brand launch in Austria is the most successful for a Chinese marque in the country.
- 882 Chery vehicles have been sold in Austria since the June 2026 launch, with strong sales growth.
- The company has established 19 dealerships in Austria and entered the local fleet market.
- This European success follows Chery's strong performance in Israel, where it was the third-best-selling brand in 2025.
- Austria's central location and market dynamics present a strategic base for further European expansion.
- Carasso Motors aims to leverage its Israeli experience for international growth in the automotive sector.
Carasso Motors, operating under the freesbe brand, has launched the Chery automotive brand in Austria, marking its most successful debut for a Chinese brand in the country. Since the June 2026 launch, 882 Chery vehicles have been sold, with a significant backlog of orders from both private and business customers. Sales have shown consistent month-over-month growth, reaching 268 vehicles in September, a nearly 60% increase from the previous month.
This European expansion is being conducted through freesbe's Austrian subsidiary, which has rapidly established a network of 19 active dealerships and is preparing to open more. The company has also entered the local fleet market, securing early business clients such as McDonald's and ARBÖ, a leading Austrian roadside assistance provider.
The success in Austria builds upon freesbe's strong performance with the Chery brand in Israel, where it ranked third in vehicle sales in 2025. Chery's global headquarters selected freesbe as its preferred importer for developing operations in additional markets, citing Israel's commercial experience and management capabilities.
Austria was chosen for its central European location, high purchasing power, and a market size comparable to Israel's, offering a strategic base for further expansion. Carasso Motors sees an opportunity in Austria's developed automotive market, driven by the increasing presence of Chinese brands and the rapid shift towards hybrid and electric vehicles.
Oren Elazra, Deputy CEO of Carasso Motors, stated that the Austrian launch is a significant first step for freesbe's global expansion. Sagi Botbol, Chery Austria Operations Manager, highlighted the rapid establishment of a comprehensive dealership network and the positive reception of Chery cars, particularly plug-in hybrid technology, by Austrian consumers and dealers.