LEPAS appoints Tim Whitworth to head dedicated UK fleet operation

August 23, 2026 by LEPAS UK
• Tim Whitworth appointed National Leasing Manager for LEPAS UK
• Appointment will see LEPAS establish its own dedicated fleet operation
• LEPAS fleet approach underlines the brand’s ambitions and the importance of fleet to its growth strategy
LEPAS has appointed Tim Whitworth as National Leasing Manager in the UK as the new brand prepares to establish its own dedicated fleet operation.

The appointment represents a significant statement of intent from LEPAS – which officially launched in the UK this month – with Whitworth tasked with building a dedicated fleet team from the ground up.

Other brands within the Chery International UK family – OMODA, JAECOO and CHERY – are supported by a combined fleet operation, headed by Fleet Sales Director, Chris Clayton. However, the intention is for LEPAS to have its own bespoke set-up, reflecting both the ambitions for the new brand and the importance of the UK fleet market to its growth.
Whitworth brings considerable experience of both the UK fleet industry and the wider Chery Group to his new role, having joined Chery International in 2024 as Contract Hire and Leasing Manager. He was subsequently promoted to National Leasing and Rental Manager for OMODA and JAECOO, helping to establish the two new marques within the UK fleet and leasing sectors during a period of rapid growth.

His move to LEPAS will now give the opportunity to apply that experience to an entirely new operation, establishing the commercial partnerships and infrastructure required to make the brand a serious contender for UK fleet business from launch.
‘I’m incredibly excited about the opportunity. Joining Chery in 2024 gave me the chance to be part of something new and to help drive OMODA and JAECOO’s incredible growth in the UK. With LEPAS, I now have the opportunity to do that again, but this time to build a completely new fleet operation from the ground up. That doesn’t happen very often in this industry and it is a fantastic challenge,’ said Tim Whitworth, National Leasing Manager for LEPAS UK.

---

Trending News• Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles showcases its complete world of modern camping solutions at CARAVAN SALON 2026
• Škoda receives Red Dot Award for its Vision App concept
• OMODA&JAECOO strengthens its seven-year warranty as it marks two years in the UK
• Save £1,000 with the Volkswagen End of Summer Sale
• AION UT on top for spec, range and space from £28,950

---

‘Having a dedicated LEPAS fleet operation means we can really focus on what our fleet, leasing and rental partners need from the brand. We can build those relationships from day one and make sure that fleet is at the heart of the LEPAS business as it grows in the UK’

Commenting on LEPAS’ prospects, Whitworth added: ‘I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with all of the vehicles across the group, both here and overseas, and I genuinely believe the LEPAS L8 is one of the best; it feels incredibly well suited to the UK. It is comfortable and refined, but it also has the kind of chassis and steering that make it genuinely enjoyable to drive. Combine that with the technology, equipment, efficiency and overall value proposition, and I think we have a very strong car for fleet customers.’

The new LEPAS L8 premium SUV will spearhead the brand’s arrival in the UK. Powered by the state-of-the-art LEPAS Super Hybrid ecosystem, it combines a highly efficient 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine with a Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) and next-generation 18.4kWh battery.

The powertrain can deliver a combined range of up to 745 miles*, a pure-electric range of up to 56 miles* and combined fuel consumption of up to 403.5mpg*. CO2 emissions are just 21g/km, helping to strengthen the L8’s appeal to company-car drivers and fleet operators.

The L8 has also been specifically developed for European roads, with dedicated chassis development focused on the steering precision, body control, ride quality and driver engagement expected by European customers.

It will be offered in two trim levels, Essence and Elevate, with high levels of technology, safety and comfort included as standard and a straightforward specification strategy designed to make the vehicle easy for both customers and fleet operators to understand.

Prices for the LEPAS L8 PHEV Essence begin at £34,900, while the range-topping L8 PHEV Elevate starts at £37,900.