From Aion to Zeekr, right here’s the most recent on 12 Chinese language automotive manufacturers with huge plans Down Underneath.
Some are already right here, some are launching quickly, and others are nonetheless dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. Is there room for all of them? Will the vehicles maintain as much as Aussie circumstances and meet Aussie consumers’ expectations? One factor is for positive: the Australian new automotive market is about for attention-grabbing instances… very like its second-hand counterpart.
Aion
A sub-brand of Guangzhou Vehicle Group (GAC), Aion is China’s third-largest EV model — behind BYD and Tesla. Concentrating on an early 2025 launch of each sedan and SUV-style EVs, Aion has established a wholly-owned operation in Australia. It’s not simply EVs both — hybrid fashions are additionally on the agenda beneath the GAC model.
Deepal
Subaru and Peugeot importer Inchcape has formally introduced it’ll distribute Changan’s Deepal EV model Down Underneath. Beginning in This fall 2024, it’ll launch the S07, a compact battery-electric SUV.
Foton
Inchcape is reintroducing Foton to Australia. The group took over distribution in mid-2024 with plans to launch EV and standard rivals to the likes of the Ranger and HiLux. Now, it appears Foton may also enter the big pick-up market with a RAM/F150 rival arriving by mid-2025.
Geely
Geely is organising an area operation to launch a spread of EV fashions, together with the EX5 midsize SUV and the RD6 electrical dual-cab ute by mid-2025. It’s price noting that the Geely Group additionally contains manufacturers resembling Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, Lotus, Lynk & Co, and the corporate that manufactures London cabs. Deep pockets then…
Jaecoo
In response to its Australian web site, Jaecoo will launch its compact Vary Rover lookalike J7 domestically in early 2025. A sub-brand of Chery, Jaecoo was solely created in early 2023. The debut J7 is described as “city and adventure-oriented.” EV and PHEV powertrains are anticipated throughout a lineup that may also embrace smaller J6 and bigger J8 fashions.
Jetour
One other model beneath the Chery umbrella, Jetour is meant to be extra off-road-focused than its Jaecoo and Chery counterparts. Debuts are deliberate for late 2024 in Thailand and South Africa, with a possible Australian launch in 2025. Depend this one as a possibly.
Leapmotor
You possibly can register your curiosity to check drive and buy a Leapmotor C10 electrical SUV on the model’s Australian web site now — so this model is a particular. Leapmotor is bought internationally through a three way partnership between the Chinese language producer and the worldwide auto group Stellantis (assume Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, and so on.). The product roadmap contains extra SUVs and hatches, with a five-model lineup (not less than) anticipated by the tip of 2026.
Lynk & Co
A particular possibly at this level. When it does arrive, Lynk & Co is predicted to be distributed in Australia by fellow Geely Group model ,Volvo. Again in 2021, the corporate introduced an ETA of 2025. Proper now, any native hiring is being saved quiet, suggesting it might be a 2026 proposition.
Nio
Most well-known (to this point) for selling a solid-state battery-equipped sedan with a 1000km vary between recharges, Nio continues to be removed from a certainty for Australia. It has been linked with each current third-party distributors and a wholly-owned greenfield operation. The previous appears the stronger wager.
Skywell
One other ‘register your curiosity’ 2025 proposition for Australian EV SUV consumers is the Skywell EVA5. The native connection is Tenerife (QLD)-based EV Automotive, which has been promoting Skywell-manufactured electrical business automobiles for round 5 years. The vans resemble Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, however the EVA5 has extra of a Honda CR-V vibe than European aptitude.
Xpeng
Importer TrueEv has introduced native pricing and a free house charger provide for early Xpeng X6 SUV consumers, together with a nationwide service settlement through Ultratune branches. The X6 is predicted to be joined by the bigger G9 SUV and X9 folks mover in 2025. First deliveries of the X6 are due in November 2025. PS: Xpeng additionally makes a quadrocopter…
Zeekr
Geely’s premium Chinese language EV model, Zeekr, is nicely into its launch planning for Australia, with vehicles already in-country and supplier and launch preparations nicely underway. Initially, the choice shall be area of interest, with the debut choices being the 009 luxurious folks mover and the X, a high-spec small crossover. Anticipate extra fashions quickly, together with the subsequent iteration of the good-looking 001 capturing brake. That is one to observe for positive.
