Which new automotive manufacturers coming to Australia are the CarExpert crew enthusiastic about?

2025 shall be a 12 months of change within the Australian automotive business, with a minimum of 10 new manufacturers set to reach on native shores along with the circa-50 already in showrooms.

Whereas there are some gamers returning after prolonged breaks from the native market – akin to Cadillac and Foton – most shall be making their debut in Australia, and preventing to remain alive in our ultra-competitive market.

The ten manufacturers set to return right here embrace:

• Cadillac
• Deepal
• Foton
• GAC/Aion
• Geely
• Jaecoo
• Leapmotor
• Skywell
• Xpeng
• Zeekr

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With these 10 manufacturers in thoughts, we’ve shared our ideas on which we’re eager to see – and the way they’ll stack up towards the present competitors.

William Stopford: Cadillac and Deepal

Of the over half a dozen manufacturers within the strategy of launching in Australia or coming throughout 2025 Cadillac got here tantalisingly, frustratingly near coming to Australia over a decade in the past, with mother or father Common Motors pulling the plug on the eleventh hour and rerouting automobiles that had been destined for our shores.

I do marvel how the CTS would have executed right here as, regardless of its extra luxurious disposition, on paper this V6-powered rear-wheel drive sedan might need been a tough promote over a Holden Calais. 

This time round, Cadillac is launching with the Lyriq electrical SUV. It undercuts equally sized German rivals, although whether or not it undercuts it by sufficient for a brand new model to Australia stays to be seen. 

Having pushed a US-spec model, I used to be impressed by the consolation and styling, although it wasn’t excellent. However as somebody who has been following the model carefully for over 20 years, it’s thrilling to see it lastly come right here even when GM’s discuss of promoting in “unique volumes” feels appropriately conservative. 

As for the bevy of Chinese language manufacturers coming right here, I’m most interested by Deepal. Whereas this model is barely younger in China and unknown right here, it’s a part of Chinese language automotive big Changan, one of many 4 largest carmakers there. It additionally has the backing of Subaru distributor Inchcape. 

Okay, that didn’t assist Citroen, however aggressive pricing (if steep service pricing) plus enticing styling for the model’s debut mannequin, the Tesla Mannequin Y-rivalling S07, assist Deepal stand out among the many crowd… even when technical specs like its energy and DC charging charge aren’t something to jot down dwelling about. 

Deepal has additionally steered it’ll carry the E07 right here, this ute-cum-SUV which is among the many most fascinating designs to return out of China and vastly extra fascinating than the customarily bland transportation pods that market produces.

James Wong: None

The checklist of manufacturers coming to Australia did little to excite me, and I may barely inform you which upcoming fashions belong to which model.

I’m all for extra client alternative, however the inflow of Chinese language manufacturers all with fashions which are totally different combos of numbers and letters are all a bit meh.

And sure, I do know Cadillac is in there – however none of its icons are coming right here so I’ll depart the thrill for Will.

Paul Maric: Zeekr

I had the possibility to drive the brand new 009 as a part of the drag racing collection we’ve been filming and it’s unbelievable what an costly Chinese language automotive appears like.

Usually Chinese language vehicles are related to cheaper automobiles and worth for cash, however for costlier automobiles just like the 009 you’re actually getting every little thing, even the kitchen sink.

Manufacturers from Chinese language producers are actually well-regarded in Australia and I feel we’ll see a shift of punters extra prepared to spend extra money on luxurious manufacturers from China.

Jack Fast: Zeekr

I actually wish to say none, as a result of all these manufacturers which are coming to Australia are exact same similar. 

If I actually have to decide on nevertheless, I’d have to choose Zeekr. I used to be the one to interrupt the information that this model was coming to Australia earlier this 12 months. 

The Zeekr X is a little bit of a cutie in particular person, plus its pricing is fairly aggressive in comparison with its Volvo EX30 twin beneath the pores and skin. 

I can also’t wait to expertise the Zeekr 009 individuals mover as a result of it looks like the type of automotive I’d prefer to be chauffeured in. Keep tuned to the CarExpert YouTube channel as a result of one thing particular is coming.

Jordan Mulach: Cadillac

The agony of alternative is actual. 

I legitimately needed to kind this out 3 times as I bought confused about which new Chinese language EV specialist model was which, so I’m simply going to say Cadillac – however extra for what it may carry fairly than what it undoubtedly will. 

Once I hear Cadillac, I don’t consider electrical SUVs and even huge barges with fins, I consider the Escalade. Sadly, Caddy goes to be electric-only in Australia, which appears like a missed alternative when the Lyriq may steadiness out the emissions from the Escalade-V. 

I’d additionally like to see the Blackwing fashions right here, however there’s in all probability a snowball’s probability in hell of that.

Josh Nevett: Jaecoo

Look, I’m not leaping up and down with pleasure over any of the confirmed arrivals, however Jaecoo is my choose of the bunch.

The Chery-owned Chinese language model will launch subsequent 12 months with the J7, a luxurious leaning mid-sized SUV. It’s the promise of a premium product that piques my curiosity – Chery is among the greatest within the enterprise on the subject of producing a cultured cabin on a finances, so I can’t wait to see what Jaecoo does with a bit additional cash within the kitty.

Past showroom enchantment, Jaecoo is quoting huge numbers for the J7 PHEV, together with EV vary of 90 kilometres on the WLTP cycle, and a mixed driving vary of 1200km. That’s certain to have rivals together with Toyota, Mitsubishi and BYD nervous.

The J7 PHEV will be part of the usual petrol J7, which may also arrive in Australia in the course of the first quarter of 2025.

Max Davies: GAC Aion

Honestly, I’m probably not excited by any of the brand new manufacturers making their solution to Australia.

All however one are Chinese language manufacturers coming to compete with themselves, and nearly all of them are launching with an electrical SUV of some description – in some instances with just one mannequin at first. Hardly inspiring, for those who ask me.

But when I needed to choose one, I’d in all probability say GAC Aion is the one model who is likely to be in with an opportunity of clearing my already low bar of expectation.

The fascinating factor about that’s that alternative has actually been guided by the vehicles they may carry to Australia. Solely two of Aion’s vehicles had been stated to be becoming a member of the model in launching Down Underneath, one more mid-sized electrical SUV (Aion V) and the considerably interesting-looking UT electrical hatch.

The latter of the 2 has a minimum of caught my eye, partly as a result of it may very well be a enjoyable little hatch, however principally as a result of it may truly be a possible competitor to the GWM Ora and MG 4. I feel its cute exterior is one among its greatest options in that regard, however naturally worth would be the decider.

Its 1500kg-ish kerb weight doesn’t appear ridiculous (particularly within the context of the practically two-tonne Cupra Born), whereas 100kW of energy with 600km of vary may make it fairly the versatile little runaround.

Past that although, we’ve seen a bunch of different Aion fashions that genuinely look fairly cool just like the Hyper SSR and even the Hyper – however after all there’s no concrete phrase on whether or not they’ll present up right here.

Maybe my skepticism shall be confirmed improper, however till one among these manufacturers can carry one thing to Australia that’s legitimately totally different to stake a concrete declare in our crowded market, I’ll in all probability go on most.