Rami Levy Group Expands Car Sales with New Brands and Showroom Complexes in Israel
The Rami Levy Group is significantly expanding its automotive marketing operations through its newly established "Mobility" division. Currently, the group collaborates with DeLhom to market BAIC and Foton models, primarily online due to limited physical showroom space. To broaden BAIC's model range, the company plans to create integrated showroom complexes combining indoor display areas, sales staff, and outdoor parking lots for vehicles. They will also offer "pay and take" sales for licensed "zero kilometer" cars and are exploring aftermarket services similar to Auto Depot. The Mobility division is considered a strategic long-term business arm, actively negotiating to add more brands.
Since partnering with Rami Levy last month, DeLhom sold out its existing stock of 50 ARCFOX electric vehicles and received orders for about 150 BAIC EU5 electric cars priced at 99,000 shekels each. In Q3, DeLhom will import a wider range of models, including a plug-in hybrid crossover aimed at competing with popular mid-market vehicles like the JAC 7 and Tiggo 8. Other Israeli retail chains, including Osher Ad, are also considering entering car sales. Rami Levy Stock stated it aims to lead the car market and provide real consumer value with imminent expansion.
Chinese car brands are set to increase their presence in Israel and Europe in the second half of 2023 ahead of the Euro 7 environmental regulations effective November. New Chinese models will focus on large, rugged SUVs with plug-in hybrid or hybrid drivetrains, resembling Land Rover-style off-road vehicles. The ICAR V27, a large crossover from Chery, is the first to arrive, featuring a 5.05-meter length, plug-in hybrid system, and a price estimated at 200,000-220,000 shekels, about one-third the cost of a Land Rover Defender. The premium Denza B5 from BYD and a new GAC crossover with advanced off-road capabilities are expected to launch by year-end or early next year.
Meanwhile, Korean and European importers are leveraging the strong shekel to introduce lower-priced models. Kia launched the updated Picanto with a 1.0-liter turbo engine for 100,000 shekels and a reduced-price EV3 electric crossover at 175,000 shekels. A new base "Urban" trim of the Kia Sportage hybrid is priced at 185,000 shekels. Citroën cut prices on three models (C4, C4X, and C3 Aircross) to a uniform 130,000 shekels, reducing costs by 15,000 to 25,000 shekels. These models feature a 1.2-liter gasoline engine with hybrid assistance producing 145 horsepower.
Rami Levy's automotive expansion reflects a broader trend of increased Chinese vehicle imports and competitive pricing strategies in Israel's car market, with new showroom formats and a growing aftermarket business expected to reshape the sector soon.
