From Aion to Zeekr, here’s the latest on 12 Chinese car brands with big plans Down Under.
Some are already here, some are launching soon, and others are still dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. Is there room for them all? Will the cars hold up to Aussie conditions and meet Aussie buyers’ expectations? One thing is for sure: the Australian new car marketplace is set for interesting times… much like its second-hand counterpart.
Aion
A sub-brand of Guangzhou Automobile Group (GAC), Aion is China’s third-largest EV brand — behind BYD and Tesla. Targeting an early 2025 launch of both sedan and SUV-style EVs, Aion has established a wholly-owned operation in Australia. It’s not just EVs either — hybrid models are also on the agenda under the GAC brand.
Deepal
Subaru and Peugeot importer Inchcape has officially announced it will distribute Changan’s Deepal EV brand Down Under. Starting in Q4 2024, it will 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 conventional competitors to the likes of the Ranger and HiLux. Now, it seems Foton will also enter the large pick-up market with a RAM/F150 rival arriving by mid-2025.
Geely
Geely is setting up a local operation to launch a range of EV models, including the EX5 midsize SUV and the RD6 electric dual-cab ute by mid-2025. It’s worth noting that the Geely Group also includes brands such as Volvo, Polestar, Zeekr, Lotus, Lynk & Co, and the company that manufactures London cabs. Deep pockets then…
Jaecoo
According to its Australian website, Jaecoo will launch its compact Range Rover lookalike J7 locally in early 2025. A sub-brand of Chery, Jaecoo was only created in early 2023. The debut J7 is described as “urban and adventure-oriented.” EV and PHEV powertrains are expected across a lineup that will also include smaller J6 and larger J8 models.
Jetour
Another brand under the Chery umbrella, Jetour is intended to be more off-road-focused than its Jaecoo and Chery counterparts. Debuts are planned for late 2024 in Thailand and South Africa, with a potential Australian launch in 2025. Count this one as a maybe.
Leapmotor
You can register your interest to test drive and purchase a Leapmotor C10 electric SUV on the brand’s Australian website now — so this brand is a definite. Leapmotor is sold internationally via a joint venture between the Chinese manufacturer and the global auto group Stellantis (think Jeep, Ram, Peugeot, etc.). The product roadmap includes more SUVs and hatches, with a five-model lineup (at least) expected by the end of 2026.
Lynk & Co
A definite maybe at this point. When it does arrive, Lynk & Co is expected to be distributed in Australia by fellow Geely Group brand ,Volvo. Back in 2021, the company announced an ETA of 2025. Right now, any local hiring is being kept quiet, suggesting it may be a 2026 proposition.
Nio
Most famous (so far) for promoting a solid-state battery-equipped sedan with a 1000km range between recharges, Nio is still far from a certainty for Australia. It has been linked with both existing third-party distributors and a wholly-owned greenfield operation. The former seems the stronger bet.
Skywell
Another ‘register your interest’ 2025 proposition for Australian EV SUV buyers is the Skywell EVA5. The local connection is Tenerife (QLD)-based EV Automotive, which has been selling Skywell-manufactured electric commercial vehicles for around five years. The vans resemble Mercedes-Benz Sprinters, but the EVA5 has more of a Honda CR-V vibe than European flair.
Xpeng
Importer TrueEv has announced local pricing and a free home charger offer for early Xpeng X6 SUV buyers, along with a nationwide service agreement via Ultratune branches. The X6 is expected to be joined by the larger G9 SUV and X9 people mover in 2025. First deliveries of the X6 are due in November 2025. PS: Xpeng also makes a quadrocopter…
Zeekr
Geely’s premium Chinese EV brand, Zeekr, is well into its launch planning for Australia, with cars already in-country and dealer and launch preparations well underway. Initially, the selection will be niche, with the debut offerings being the 009 luxury people mover and the X, a high-spec small crossover. Expect more models soon, including the next iteration of the handsome 001 shooting brake. This is one to watch for sure.