Car Importer Carasso Prepares to Launch LEPAS 8L SUV in Israel

Carasso Group, the leading vehicle importer in Israel and importer of Chery vehicles, is set to expand its presence by introducing a new brand, LEPAS. Following the recent extension of Carasso's import license for Chery vehicles until 2030 by the Ministry of Transport, the company has registered the LEPAS 8L model for import. This flagship off-road vehicle features a plug-in hybrid system with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and electric assistance. The declared price for the LEPAS 8L is approximately 205,000 shekels, though this may change upon market launch.

LEPAS is one of several sub-brands under the Chery automotive group, alongside ICAR, Excellentics, and others. Carasso also imports vehicles from Expeng, Nissan, and Renault. Positioned above Chery’s mainstream models but below the Omoda brand, LEPAS vehicles share components with Chery models, following Chery’s strategy of using a common platform to produce multiple brands with distinct market positioning.

Chery Group holds a 22% market share in Israel and is currently the top-selling manufacturer in the country. In the first half of 2026, combined sales of Omoda and JAC vehicles reached about 22,500 units, alongside approximately 18,500 Chery vehicles, totaling nearly 41,000 cars sold by the group in Israel.