A growing number of Chinese automotive brands are being confirmed for the Australian market, with new entries announced on a near-weekly basis.

Many are pursuing extensive export strategies - some with the stated objective of becoming top-five players in Australia, and at least one expressing intentions to surpass Toyota in market share.

Several Chinese brands have either been officially confirmed or are widely expected to enter the local market within the next 12 to 18 months.

Their line-ups primarily consist of battery-electric models, raising questions regarding the potential reception by Australian consumers.

Over the past year, multiple Chinese brands entered the Australian market, joining the existing importers already operating locally.

Most of the major manufacturers now maintain a presence in the country.

Upcoming brands are frequently subsidiaries of larger Chinese automotive groups and are intended to target different market segments.

While earlier entrants prioritised sales volume, many of the newer brands appear to be focusing on profitability and higher-end positioning. With few exceptions, their offerings fall within the luxury, premium, or off-road categories.

Several of these companies have adopted elements of Tesla's business model and are incorporating lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery technology, which enables faster charging. This may present a technical distinction compared to electric vehicles produced by established manufacturers.

Uncertainties persist regarding pricing, warranties, servicing, and aftersales support. The potential impact of these new entrants on existing brands and product ranges also remains to be seen. Long-term sustainability, particularly for newer companies seeking international expansion, is another consideration.

Outlined below are 13 Chinese automotive brands expected to enter the Australian market, along with the models they are likely to introduce:

Aion

Aion, a sub-brand of GAC Motor, is expected to launch in Australia in 2025 with the UT, an electric hatchback similar in size to the Toyota Corolla. The Aion UT is projected to be priced below the BYD Dolphin, potentially becoming the lowest-cost electric vehicle in Australia. The second-generation Aion V small SUV may follow. The Hyper SSR supercar, manufactured in Thailand, is also being considered for release in the local market.

Avatr

Avatr, a joint venture involving Changan, battery manufacturer CATL, and technology company Huawei, has confirmed plans to enter the Australian market by 2026. Anticipated models include the Avatr 11 mid-size electric SUV and the Avatr 06 sedan, both available in China with plug-in and extended-range hybrid powertrains.

Denza

Denza, the premium division of BYD, is scheduled to launch in Australia in 2025. Its initial offering will be the B5, a plug-in hybrid SUV based on the BYD Shark 6 platform. The B5 has undergone local testing for chassis and durability. Other models under consideration include the B8 SUV, the D9 people mover, and the Z9 GT, which has styling similarities to the Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo.

GAC Motor

Guangzhou Automobile Group is expected to enter the Australian market officially in 2025 with a combination of petrol and electrified models. These may include the GS8 hybrid, the ES9 plug-in hybrid SUV, and people movers such as the M8 and E9. A pickup truck styled similarly to the Tesla Cybertruck, referred to as Pickup 01, is also under consideration for future release.

iCaur (formerly iCar)

Due to legal concerns raised by Apple, Chery's iCar brand will be marketed internationally as iCaur. The brand is focused on the off-road segment rather than the premium market. The iCaur V23 is anticipated for release in 2025, followed by the V25 hybrid SUV and the V29, a large off-road vehicle comparable in size to the Range Rover.

IM (under MG Motors)

IM Motors, an MG-affiliated brand, has announced pricing for its first two models: the IM5 sedan and IM6 SUV. Both are built on the modular platform shared with the MG4. The IM5 and IM6 are expected to launch with pricing below that of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y. The IM6 is priced under AUD 91,000 (US$ 58,800) drive-away.

Jetour

Jetour, a Chery sub-brand focused on SUVs, is expected to enter the Australian market in 2025, although a specific launch date has not been confirmed. Production of right-hand drive vehicles will occur in China, Malaysia, or Indonesia. The Jetour T2, a lower-cost alternative to the Land Rover Defender, is likely to be among the initial offerings.

Lynk & Co

Lynk & Co, a premium brand under Geely, was initially expected to enter the Australian market. However, the launch has been postponed by at least three years as parent company Zeekr has taken precedence in the brand's export strategy.

NIO

NIO has been evaluating the Australian market since 2021 and is expected to introduce the Firefly, a compact hatchback similar to the Honda e and a competitor to the BYD Dolphin. Other potential models include the ET5, ET7, ES6, ES7, and ES8, all positioned as alternatives to vehicles offered by Tesla. The Firefly has been observed undergoing testing in Australia.

Onvo

Onvo, a new electric SUV brand developed by NIO, plans to release three models: the L60, L80, and L90. The L60 is aimed at the Tesla Model Y segment, while the Kluger-sized L90 features three rows of seating and may compete with the Kia EV9. Limited details are available about the L80, which is expected to occupy a position between the other two models.

Skywell

EV Automotive has announced plans to introduce the Skywell ET5 - temporarily branded as the EVA 5 - to the Australian market in late 2025 or early 2026. This mid-size SUV will be available with two battery configurations (72kWh and 86kWh), offering a maximum driving range of 490 km and powered by a 150kW electric motor. Pricing is expected to start below AUD 50,000 drive-away.

Xiaomi

Xiaomi has stated its intention to enter the Australian market by 2028. Its current EV line-up includes the XU7 sedan and YU7 SUV, both positioned in the premium segment as competitors to the Tesla Model S and Model X. High demand within China has contributed to delays in international expansion.

Yangwang

Yangwang, a premium sub-brand of BYD, is considering launching two models in Australia: the U8 SUV and the U9 sports coupé. The U8, larger than the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series, has already been tested in South Australia and the Northern Territory. It may be released under the Denza brand. The U9 coupé, with design similarities to the Nissan GT-R (R35), is less likely to be introduced in the short term.

Conclusion

Australia is expected to see the introduction of numerous Chinese electric and hybrid vehicle brands, covering a range of market segments. While there are ongoing questions concerning pricing, aftersales support, and long-term viability, the scale and diversity of these new entries are likely to contribute to changes in the structure of the local automotive market in the coming years.