Changan’s Nevo brand coming to Australia to fight Geely

Chinese automotive giant Changan will introduce its Nevo brand to Australia in 2027, giving it a factory-backed mainstream offering below its incoming luxury nameplate Avatr. 

But while Changan also owns Deepal, there’s no immediate plan to bring that brand into the group’s Australian operations and it will continue to be distributed here by independent firm Inchcape, which also oversees Subaru operations here.

Changan Australia head of brand and marketing Andrew Haurissa confirmed Nevo was next in the group’s local rollout during an interview with carsales at the Paris Motor Show.

He revealed the showroom branding has not yet been settled, and Nevo models might be badged “Changan Nevo” in Australia, with the Q05 small SUV likely to be the first model to hit Aussie shores.

The Q05 is a small electric SUV measuring 4435mm long and the Kona-sized SUV has been confirmed as the spearhead product for Nevo’s European launch in early 2027.

A right-hand drive version of the vehicle is already available in Thailand and that version of the Nevo Q05 uses a 120kW front electric motor and 51.9kWh battery with Changan quoting up to 450km (WLTP) range for Euro versions of that car.

Meanwhile, the larger Q06 mid-size SUV is another possibility for an early Australian launch sometime in 2027. In China, the Q06 comes in either full EV or range-extender hybrid versions – the latter using a petrol engine to generate electricity on the go.

Also on the menu is the Nevo A06 electric and hybrid sedan, which is part of Nevo’s expanding international lineup – including in Europe – but it has not been confirmed for Australia.

Local pricing for Nevo models is yet to be announced, but with other sharply priced Chinese brands serving up rivals for the Q05 and Q06, expect to see Nevo targeting the $30K-$50K market.

Explaining Changan’s hierarchy, Haurissa placed yet another brand, UNI, at the mainstream/combustion end, with Nevo’s electrified models in the upper-mainstream tier, Deepal further upmarket, and Avatr at the premium peak.

He acknowledged that some Nevo products could appear to be more sophisticated than their Deepal counterparts, but insisted that “from a brand hierarchy perspective, Deepal sits above [Nevo].”

It’s a strategy reminiscent of the Volkswagen Group’s Skoda, VW, Cupra, Audi and Porsche stable, or Geely’s collection of mainstream and premium brands, which include Volvo and Zeekr.

There’s an unusual overlap: the Deepal E07 SUV-ute crossover sold in Australia – via Inchcape’s distribution – is marketed by Nevo in China.

The Deepal brand presents Changan Australia with a headache.

Inchcape began importing Deepal locally in 2024 before Changan established its new factory-backed Australian operations.

Bringing Deepal in-house when its existing distribution agreement expires or comes up for renewal may present a logical opportunity for Changan to consolidate its local business.

Haurissa declined to discuss any potential takeover of Deepal, acknowledging Inchcape’s importance as a strategic Changan partner in overseas markets.

Inchcape has previously said there are no plans for a handover.

Avatr’s 07L SUV is due to hit Australia in the first half of 2027, with the slick 06T wagon following in the second half of that year.

Meanwhile, Nevo has now been confirmed to launch through a separate dealer network next year.

Haurissa indicated that Nevo, and the other Changan brands, will have 40-50 dealers in Australia compared to just 10 luxury outlets for Avatr.

Expect more details on launch models, specifications and pricing for Nevo to be announced in the coming months.

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