Inchcape lost another brand, and this time Inchcape wasn’t the one doing the dumping. Changan is taking Deepal distribution back and running it itself.
Inchcape and Changan announced on the 22nd of October 2026 that they’d agreed to end their Deepal distribution partnership. Changan takes over distribution of Deepal during a transition that started on the 21st of October 2026 and finishes on the 31st of March 2027.
Both companies call the split mutual. Inchcape describes it as part of its “standard approach to portfolio management”, continuously reviewing partnerships “to ensure the right portfolio of brands for the business, aligned with strategic growth objectives”. That’s word for word the line Inchcape used when it dropped Peugeot in July. The wording didn’t change, but the direction did. Peugeot was Inchcape cutting a brand loose, whereas with Deepal, Changan is taking its own cars back.
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Third Name Off the Inchcape Door
Inchcape axed Citroën in 2025, after Citroën recorded 3 deliveries for the year before it went. Inchcape then declined to take on DS Automobiles. On the 1st of July 2026 it announced the end of its Peugeot distribution, with Peugeot continuing under a new arrangement from Stellantis. Peugeot sold 373 vehicles in the first 5 months of 2026, down 35.0%, a long way from Inchcape’s promise to “be in it for the long run”. See our Inchcape dumps Peugeot story for more detail.
Deepal Started With the S07
Inchcape launched Deepal in Australia with the S07, after a signing ceremony in 2024, and we tested that car in our Deepal S07 review in January 2025. The S05 and E07 joined the range later.
Colin Christie, Managing Director of Inchcape Australasia, said, “We are proud of what we have achieved alongside Changan in establishing DEEPAL in Australia and helping build awareness of the brand with customers. Through our partnership, we have shared valuable local market expertise and supported DEEPAL’s successful introduction to the Australian market.”
He added, “We continue to focus on ensuring Inchcape has a portfolio of brands aligned with our strategic growth objectives, and I would like to thank Changan for its partnership and wish the brand continued success in the Australian market.”
Bryan Guan, Managing Director of Changan Australia, said, “On behalf of Changan Australia, we thank Inchcape for its partnership in establishing the DEEPAL brand in Australia. We appreciate the team’s professionalism and contribution to building brand awareness and creating a strong foundation for future growth.”
Guan continued, “As DEEPAL enters its next phase in Australia, Changan will manage the transition with transparency, professionalism and respect, ensuring continuity for customers and confidence across the dealer network.”
Deepal Owners Keep Their Servicing
Both companies say they’ll work together on the handover. Staff, customers, dealers, and partners are named as the focus. Sales, servicing, warranty, parts and customer support all continue through the transition. It’s being handled considerably better than the Xpeng shambles.
Existing customer orders will all be honoured. Owners keep access to factory-trained technicians and genuine Deepal parts throughout the transition, along with ongoing servicing and diagnostic updates.
Inchcape remains committed to the Australian market, so it says. It has passenger cars, SUVs, utes, and trucks still in the portfolio, electric and hybrid as well as combustion. Deepal is no longer in that once burgeoning book, but Subaru is. In a sign of a rapidly terraforming landscape, Subaru sold 2,009 cars in September, down 42.6%.
Source: VFACTS
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More Deepal Stories
- DEEPAL S05 and E07 to Join S07 in OZ Lineup, Pricing Here
- DEEPAL Listens to Aussie Drivers: S07 Gets Service & Tech Updates
- DEEPAL to add S05 and E07 to Australian Ranges PICTURES
Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.
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