Exlantix and Luxeed: two more Chery brands planned for NZ

Two October executive interviews point to additional Chery-group brands for New Zealand. AutoTalk’s 18 October report records Exeed and Exlantix International chief executive Lilian Xiong confirming Exlantix for Australasia. Its 22 October Luxeed report records international chief executive Shawn Xu outlining New Zealand plans around mid-2027.

These are launch intentions reported from the executives’ media briefings. They do not supply a local price list or a complete New Zealand order specification. Buyers should keep the two brands and their different proposed vehicles separate when deciding whether a future arrival is relevant.

Exlantix starts with an SUV and a shooting brake

AutoTalk’s Exlantix report identifies the ET SUV and ES GT shooting brake as the first two models and says both were shown in right-hand drive. The report says launch timing is still to be confirmed.

The right-hand-drive display is relevant to the export programme, but it does not prove that a New Zealand customer allocation, completed compliance process, or local equipment package exists. A display car can establish a programme’s direction while leaving the actual retail vehicle to be specified.

The report describes Exlantix as the electric and range-extender arm of Exeed. That does not establish which powertrain combinations will be offered here. Keep local battery capacity, charging, fuel use, electric range, towing, and warranty questions open until the importer publishes the New Zealand documents.

Luxeed has a separate export plan

In the later interview, Xu identifies the LLounge people mover as the first export model and discusses a right-hand-drive programme. AutoTalk reports New Zealand timing around mid-2027 and says international cars will not use Huawei hardware or software.

That last distinction is a reason to avoid treating Chinese-market technology demonstrations as the final local product. An overseas screen, assistance system, connected service, or software feature is not automatically included in an export car carrying the same badge.

The reported timing remains an intention. Confirm the eventual local range, importer, dealer network, service arrangements, and delivery schedule before making a purchase or replacement commitment. An announcement to media is different from a written customer order with defined terms.

The support network matters alongside the new badge

A new brand needs a practical ownership plan. Ask where routine work and specialist repairs will be performed, how parts and software support are supplied, and which business provides the local warranty. Obtain the vehicle and battery warranty wording for the actual grade offered.

When demonstrators become available, test the seating, luggage space, visibility, parking fit, and controls with the people who will use the vehicle. A shooting brake, SUV, and people mover solve different jobs; a premium positioning statement does not determine which suits a household.

Keep overseas prices out of a New Zealand cost comparison unless the local supplier publishes an applicable figure. Exchange-rate arithmetic does not include the final specification, tax treatment, delivery charges, or retail support package.

The October interviews establish that both brands are being planned for this market. The next useful evidence is local: published specifications, prices, the named support network, and confirmed allocations. Until those arrive, compare the announcements as future options and retain an available alternative if a vehicle is needed sooner.

Sources

• Exlantix executive interview and NZ confirmation — AutoTalk, 18 October.
• Luxeed executive interview and NZ plans — AutoTalk, 22 October.
• Practical test-drive checks — OpenBoot.