SOUTH AFRICAN car enthusiasts were among the thousands of guests captivated at the 2025 Chery International User Summit in Wuhu, China.
Held from October 17 to 21 under the theme “Co-Create • Co-Define,” the summit became a melting pot of cultures, including the vibrant energy of South Africa, as participants from nearly 100 countries came together for an integrated experience of driving, discovery, and dialogue.
This year’s event provided an immersive glimpse into Chery’s full-spectrum ecosystem, powered by new energy and intelligent technology across every mobility scenario.
From family sedans to rugged off-road suvs, from racetrack trials to outdoor adventures, Chery showcased its co-creation philosophy through test drives, interactive exhibits, and user-led research, all highlighting how inclusive innovation is shaping the future of mobility worldwide.
A highlight of the summit was LEPAS, a premium subsidiary of the Chery Group, which embodies the brand value of “Elegant Drive.”
The company aims to merge advanced technology with refined lifestyle, inspiring each user’s personal journey toward elegance.
LEPAS unveiled several firsts at the summit, including the world’s first Elegant Lifestyle House, LEPAS Day, interactive test drives, and its first public safety test.
In a bold move, engineers and designers handed over their cars directly to users, inviting them to test drive and provide first-hand feedback, a true exercise in co-creation.
This approach transforms real-world user experiences into valuable data, bridging the gap between technology development and consumer needs.
The immersive 900-kilometre test drive stretched across Shanghai, Suzhou, Moganshan, Xuancheng, and Wuhu, giving South African drivers the chance to experience how the LEPAS L8 could perform back home.
At the off-road testing site, participants explored the model’s impressive endurance and adaptability, tackling challenging terrains with confidence. Many were awed by the L8’s stability and resilience through Xuancheng’s misty hills, reminiscent of Mpumalanga’s scenic Panorama Route.
The highways to Suzhou evoked comparisons to Johannesburg’s N2, where the L8’s Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system delivered a smooth, intelligent drive against the poetic backdrop of Suzhou’s classic gardens.
In Moganshan, the precise power delivery and steering calibration shone through on the winding roads — much like navigating the kwazulu-Natal Midlands Meander.
At the campsite, the vehicle’s external power supply illuminated the evening, creating a warm, elegant atmosphere that felt not unlike a night under the stars at the Kruger National Park.
The journey concluded in Wuhu, where guests enjoyed a tranquil riverside cruise before witnessing the Automatic Parking Assist (APA) and Remote Parking Assist (RPA) in action, intelligent features that, as one guest quipped, would feel right at home on the banks of the Orange River.
The immersive test drive brought together media, key opinion leaders, and users to experience the LEPAS L8’s blend of style, intelligence, and performance — a panoramic showcase of “Elegant Driving.”
More than just a test drive, it was a celebration of co-creation — and a vivid reflection of LEPAS’s brand promise: “Driving Your Elegance.”
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