Israeli Transport Ministry Extends Chery Import License for Four Years Despite Competition Authority's One-Year Recommendation

Carasso Group, the Israeli importer of Renault, Nissan Expang, and Chery vehicles, announced that the Ministry of Transport has renewed its import license for Chery cars in Israel until 2030. While license renewals are typically routine, this extension is significant due to an ongoing investigation by the Israeli Competition Authority into market concentration and the influence of major importers on car prices.

The Competition Authority, which has been examining the Israeli automotive sector for several months, recommended in February that the Ministry renew Carasso's Chery import license for only one year. Contrary to this advice, the Ministry chose to extend the license for four years. Chery and its sub-brands, including Omoda and JAC, are currently the largest car group in Israel by volume, delivering 40,948 new vehicles in the first half of 2026, surpassing even Hyundai-Kia's 31,684 deliveries.

This decision raises questions about the future of non-Chinese import licenses held by Carasso and Calmobile, the latter also representing Chery's brands JAC and Omoda. Calmobile's license for these brands is valid until late 2028, while licenses for Mitsubishi and Smart expire at the end of this year. Carasso's Renault and Dacia licenses expire at the end of next year, suggesting potential brand sacrifices to maintain Chinese imports.

Moreover, the Ministry's approval to import Chery vehicles until 2030 may signal a restriction on introducing new Chinese car brands to Israel. Several new Chinese brands, some affiliated with Chery, are preparing to enter the Israeli market, but the extended license might indicate the Ministry's reluctance to allow Carasso to import additional Chinese brands.