Weekly Auto News

1 December 2025

ANCAP revamps safety ratings with ‘Stages of Safety’

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) will change its star‑rating system from 2026. The current four categories will be replaced with four ‘Stages of Safety’: safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post‑crash response. Read more.

BYD launches $3 000 cashback to hold onto sales crown

The Driven noted that BYD, which overtook Tesla as Australia’s top‑selling EV brand in October, announced a $3 000 cashback for buyers of the Sealion 7, Seal and Atto 3 models. Read more

Delta Electronics promises megawatt‑level charging within a year

At the All‑Energy conference in Melbourne, Delta Electronics’ Australian head, Tom Hew, said the company would launch 1‑megawatt and even 6‑megawatt chargers in 2026. He explained that a megawatt charger will add roughly 400 kilometres of range to a heavy‑duty electric truck in about half an hour and that battery‑buffer systems will help manage grid constraints. This is a big deal because most Australian charging infrastructure tops out at 350 kW; the jump to megawatt levels means electric prime movers and buses could compete with diesel on range and turnaround times. It also signals that equipment suppliers are thinking beyond passenger EVs and addressing freight decarbonisation. Read more

NSW Government to restart Kickstart grants for business EVs

The New South Wales government is preparing another round of its Kickstart program, which subsidises the purchase of the first electric vehicles and chargers for small‑to‑medium businesses. Fleet EV News reported that the government would soon open applications for grants covering up to 15 battery‑electric vehicles and charging hardware. The article advised fleet managers to start gathering data on utilisation, operating costs, and whole‑of‑life costs, as these metrics are required for grant applications. Many businesses missed out in the last round because they couldn’t produce the numbers quickly. This policy could stimulate thousands of EV sales if companies do their homework, and it underlines the need for solid fleet analytics rather than gut‑feel decisions. Read more

KGM unveils Australia’s first mainstream electric ute

South Korean carmaker KGM (formerly SsangYong) showed off its Musso EV, a dual‑cab ute priced from around A$60,000 drive‑away. The entry‑level rear‑wheel‑drive model uses an 80.6 kWh lithium‑phosphate battery and offers an estimated range of 420 km; the all‑wheel‑drive version cuts range slightly to 380 km. Read more

Mercedes‑Benz eEconic waste truck debuts with integrated rear loader

Daimler Truck Australia Pacific and body builder Bucher unveiled a fully electric eEconic garbage truck with a factory‑integrated rear loader. Unlike previous prototypes, this version is ready to work: it pairs Mercedes’ low‑entry cab and 400 kWh battery with Bucher’s hydraulic compactor, creating an all‑electric waste collection vehicle. Read more

Volkswagen’s all‑electric Transporter T7 readies for Australian fleets

Volkswagen announced specifications and pricing for its Transporter T7 battery‑electric van ahead of an Australian launch. The T7 uses a 64 kWh battery and 210 kW motor, delivering an estimated 330 km of range. Payload capacity is between 760 and 806 kg, towing is rated at 2,300 kg, and the van supports 11 kW AC and 125 kW DC charging. Read more.

17 November 2025

Call to scrap the Luxury Car Tax gains traction

Australia’s motoring industry is ramping up pressure on the federal government to abolish the Luxury Car Tax (LCT). Advocates argue that the tax hampers the uptake of cleaner vehicles, imposes additional costs on buyers, and works against the transition to sustainable transport. They say removing it would stimulate purchases of EVs, hybrids and improved fuel-efficiency models. The push reflects rising frustration across the sector at policy misalignment between emissions targets and tax settings. Read more

Industry leader warns of “reckoning” ahead

A senior figure within a major automotive company has publicly warned that the Australian market may face a wave of consolidation or “collapse” among weaker players. The comment comes amid margin pressure, shifting vehicle technologies (EVs/hybrids) and new regulatory burdens. It highlights that while growth opportunities exist, the structural risks are real — especially for suppliers, smaller importers, or retailers that lag in digitalisation or electrified-product readiness. Read more

10 November 2025

Record rise in electrified-vehicle share

The latest quarterly data shows battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 9.7 % of new car sales in Australia, and internal-combustion engine (ICE) models dropped below a 70 % share for the first time. The shift illustrates how rapidly the market is changing, even if hurdles remain (charging infrastructure, cost, consumer trust). Read more.

Big ute safety concern sparks fresh testing

Regulators have flagged “huge” risks associated with large-pick-up trucks (utes) losing control and causing significant harm. A new series of safety tests is underway in Australia to understand how such vehicles behave, especially given their growing size and weight. Read more.

October new-vehicle market posts modest growth

According to Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) data, Australia saw 99,588 new vehicles sold in October 2025, up 1.2 % compared to the same month last year. SUVs still dominated (around 60 % of the market) with hybrids gaining momentum. This suggests underlying demand remains resilient. Read more

Chinese-brand EV pricing push in Australia

Several Chinese-manufactured EVs and extended-range models are pressing the Australian market with aggressive pricing and specs. This is intensifying competition, and puts pressure on traditional brands to adapt both cost structure and value proposition. Read more

Hybrid vehicle uptake accelerating

While full-EVs are growing, the hybrid (and plug-in hybrid) segment is showing fast gains. Both consumers and fleets appear more comfortable buying models with internal-combustion backup. This suggests transitional tech will remain important in Australia for years, affecting OEM planning, parts supply and dealer training. Read more

3 November 2025

Quiet cars must make noise

The regulation Australian Design Rule 113/00 (AVAS requirement) came into force 1 November 2025 for new models. It mandates that EVs, PHEVs and hybrids emit a minimum sound at low speeds (0-20 km/h) to warn pedestrians, with a cap of 75 dBA and no “mute” option. Initially, this applies only to new models, then to all new vehicles of those types from 1 Nov 2026. Read more

Victoria introduces electric-motorcycle technician training

In step with the shift to electric mobility, Kangan Institute in Victoria has launched a specialist training course for servicing and repairing electric motorcycles. The initiative is described as the first of its kind in Australia and aims to fill a skills gap as two-wheel EV adoption increases. Read more.

Record EV choice and infrastructure growth, but transition still steep

A recent report by the Electric Vehicle Council shows that in the first half of 2025, Australia reached a new level of EV supply and public charging roll-out: about 12.1% of new car sales were BEVs/PHEVs, around 410,000 EVs in the fleet, and 1,272 fast-charging locations (≥ 24 kW) nationally. Yet the report flags that much more needs to happen for a full transition. Read more

Australia’s cheapest EV on the horizon

BYD has confirmed the upcoming launch of its “Atto 1” (also known as the Seagull in other markets) in November, aiming to be Australia’s most affordable EV (estimated around A$25,000 before on-road costs). This could shake up the mid/lower-end of the EV market. Read more

Fuel-efficiency regulation (NVES) continues to frame the playing field

The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) for Australia, which began 1 January 2025, remains a key backdrop for automakers and importers. It obliges suppliers to meet average CO₂ targets, thereby influencing which vehicles enter the market and how they’re priced. Read more

20 October 2025

Holden to reshape Chinese SUVs, Utes

Australian engineering is set to shape the next generation of GWM vehicles from the planning stage, in an effort to make them more suitable for roads outside of China. Read more

Australia sees record EV growth — but challenges ahead

A fresh State of EVs 2025 report published today reveals that electric and plug‑in hybrid vehicle (EV/PHEV) sales are accelerating in Australia — and for the first time account for over 12 % of new car sales. Read more.

Tesla kicks off production of lower‑cost EVs, with deliveries about to start

Tesla has started producing its new “standard” versions of the Model Y and Model 3 in its Austin factory, following their unveiling just a couple of weeks ago. Read more

Chery confirms a convertible SUV‑ute (Tiggo X) for Australia

Chery has officially revealed the “Tiggo X,” a crossover that can convert into a ute (by removing its rear canopy in about 30 minutes), and confirmed it will be launched in Australia. Read more.

PACCAR backs hydrogen for heavy transport

PACCAR Australia is pushing hydrogen combustion engines as a credible zero‑emission pathway for heavy transport, signalling a pivot from pure battery‑electric strategies. In an interview at the Brisbane Truck Show, PACCAR’s Director of Product Planning said hydrogen combustion is already recognised by European regulators as zero emission — meaning a hydrogen engine can qualify under emission‑zone rules just like a battery EV. Read more

China’s GAC (Guangzhou Automobile Group) entering the Australian market

GAC is launching with key models including the Aion V electric SUV, a M8 plug‑in hybrid people mover, and an “Emzoom” internal combustion SUV. GAC claims it’s one of China’s top 5 automakers globally. Read more.

Zeekr gets 2,500 pre-orders for fast-charging 7X electric SUV

At a Sydney event on 16 October 2025, Zeekr announced it had collected 2,500 pre‑orders for its newly launched 7X electric SUV as deliveries commenced across Australia. Read more

Carma Used Cars has locked in a A$369 million IPO ahead of its debut on the ASX

The fintech-style used‑car platform — modelled loosely on U.S. players like Carvana — buys and sells used vehicles online. Read more

BYD’s Four New Models Set to Electrify the Market

The compact ATTO 1 and ATTO 2 will arrive in November 2025, while the larger SEALION 5 and SEALION 8 SUVs are due in early 2026. Together, they signal BYD’s intent to cement itself as one of Australia’s dominant new energy brands. Read more

Volvo EX60 electric SUV features Google Gemini AI

Earlier this year, Volvo announced that all of its existing models with Google built in would receive Gemini through a software update scheduled for release later in 2025.

It will now be introduced first to the EX60, which is due locally in July 2026. Read more

13 October 2025

Volvo warns of sales slump but pins hopes on new BEVs

Despite September sales dropping 33.5 per cent (just 616 units), Volvo Australia remains optimistic that upcoming models like the EX60 electric SUV, slated for mid-2026, will help recover volume and stabilise the brand’s position locally. Read more

Ram Trucks’ new Australian factory secures hundreds of auto jobs

Ram Australia announced its relocation into a newly completed facility in Dandenong South, stating that more than 270 factory, warehouse, and engineering roles are now secured. Production of the Ram 1500 is expected to begin in November at the facility. Read more

Sedans slip toward extinction as buyers flock to SUVs and Utes

The sedan segment is collapsing — 2025 sees massive declines across models, including Toyota Camry down 46.4 percent. Once staples of Australian driveways, mid-size sedans are increasingly sidelined in favour of higher-riding SUVs and electrified utes. Read more

6 October 2025

BMW Australia swept into a major global fire-risk recall

BMW Australia was swept into a major global fire-risk recall spanning over 300,000 vehicles, due to corroding starter relays and overheating starter motors that may spark fires—even when parked. BMW advised affected owners to park outdoors until repairs are completed, a move that dents brand credibility in a premium segment. Read more

Australia’s new vehicle sales jumped to 101,992 in September

Up 5.1 percent year-over-year, with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) capturing 11.3 percent of sales and Chinese-built EVs comprising 77.5 percent of that share — a clear signal that electrification is gaining momentum in the mainstream. Read more

BYD confirmed it will bring the Atto 1 hatchback to Australia

Positioning it as the nation’s most affordable EV entry — likely to shake up pricing dynamics among legacy and EV players alike. Read more

29 September 2025

AGL launches a residential vehicle-to-grid trial

AGL has kicked off a trial allowing select EVs from Hyundai, Kia, BYD and Zeekr to discharge energy back to the grid or home, while guaranteeing that participating owners’ battery warranties remain valid — a critical concern for adoption. Read more

Mercedes-Benz revives the convertible G-Wagon

The iconic G-Class will return in a cabriolet version, expanding Mercedes’ rugged luxury portfolio. The brand indicated it may bring this roofless G-Wagon to Australia as part of its global rollout. Read more

Polestar defends model-naming logic amid upcoming launches

As the brand prepares to launch a new generation of Polestar 2, which would sit between Polestar 7 and Polestar 6 in lineup sequence, officials pushed back on criticism that the numbering scheme is confusing. Read more

22 September 2025

GAC gets green light for Aion V in Australia

Chinese automaker GAC secured regulatory approval to sell its Aion V electric SUV in Australia. The mid-sized EV promises up to ~480 km WLTP-equivalent range, 180 kW fast charging, and a starting price expected under AU$45k. With approval now granted, GAC joins the growing wave of Chinese entrants challenging incumbents with sharper pricing and strong EV specs.  Read more

Zeekr 7X racks up 2,000 local orders

Zeekr, Geely’s premium EV brand, announced 2,000 pre-orders for its 7X SUV in Australia before first deliveries even begin next month. Priced from $57,900, the 7X offers up to ~615 km range and ultra-fast 450 kW charging. The strong early uptake signals consumer confidence in new EV brands and intensifies competitive pressure on both legacy automakers and fellow Chinese entrants.  Read more

Tesla launches Full Self-Driving (Supervised)

Tesla rolled out its FSD (Supervised) software update in Australia and New Zealand for Hardware 4.0 vehicles. Available via a $10,100 one-off payment or $149 monthly subscription, the update pushes semi-autonomous driving features into the mainstream. Regulators, insurers, and consumers will now need to grapple with new safety, legal, and liability questions as supervised autonomy becomes available on public roads.  Read more

Toyota declares diesel has “no future”

Toyota Australia confirmed that diesel powertrains are on the way out, to be replaced by plug-in hybrids, EVs, and hydrogen by the mid-2030s. With the iconic LandCruiser already confirmed for a hybrid update, Toyota’s stance reflects growing pressure from Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard and shifting consumer expectations. This declaration signals the beginning of the end for diesel dominance in large SUVs and 4WDs.  Read more

Toyota eyes Chinese-built imports for local sale

Toyota said it is open to importing Chinese-made Toyota models for Australia, leveraging its joint ventures with GAC and FAW. While no models are confirmed, the move would align Toyota with rivals like BYD, MG, and GWM that are already reshaping Australia’s market with cost-competitive Chinese production. Success will depend on right-hand-drive conversion, regulatory compliance, and consumer acceptance.  Read more

Next-gen Toyota Fortuner faces uncertain Aussie future

The 2026 Toyota Fortuner is being readied with new styling, better cabin tech, and a 48-volt diesel hybrid system aimed at rivalling the Ford Everest. But despite the updates, Toyota has not confirmed an Australian launch, citing its global shift toward electrification. Whether the Fortuner survives locally will depend on regulatory compliance, demand, and Toyota’s broader strategy for electrified SUVs.  Read more

16 September 2025

Policy certainty for EVs

Federal and state treasurers agreed that any future road-user charging must not deter EV uptake, a clear signal that reform will be designed to support electrification rather than slow it. This reduces policy risk for OEMs, fleets, and dealers planning EV allocations and pricing. Read more

Deepal E07 Multitruck priced for Australia

Chinese brand Deepal priced its shape-shifting E07 “Multitruck” from $64,900 + ORC. The EV toggles between SUV and dual-cab-style utility, tightening price pressure in the mid-tier EV utility/SUV space. Read more

Nissan rejects deep EV discounting

Nissan Australia criticised aggressive EV price cuts (e.g., Tesla, MG), arguing they harm residual values and customer trust. This hints at a pivot toward more sustainable pricing strategies that protect brand equity. Read more

Cupra flags aggressive future design

Cupra’s Tindaya concept previewed a sharper design direction that will flow into upcoming models in Australia. While not a direct launch, it offers useful competitive intel for brand and retail positioning. Read more

LDV launches factory campervan locally

LDV introduced a factory-built Deliver 9 campervan in Australia, undercutting established rivals. This shows Chinese brands expanding into higher-margin lifestyle niches, influencing dealer mix and aftermarket competition. Read more

Avatr confirms Australian entry

Premium Chinese EV marque Avatr confirmed plans to enter Australia (models including the 06, 07, 11, and 012). This intensifies competition in the upper-tier EV segment and pressures incumbents on spec-to-price. Read more

Lucid edges closer to Australia

With right-hand-drive production locked for the UK, luxury EV maker Lucid is now a step closer to entering Australia. This adds to signals that Australia is firmly on the radar for premium EV expansion. Read more

Ram axes electric 1500 program

Ram cancelled its 1500 electric pick-up before launch due to weak demand projections. For Australia’s ute-centric market, this suggests near-term uptake may favour hybrids or PHEVs over full-size BEV utes. Read more

8 September 2025

Four Chinese carmakers enter Australia’s top ten; Tesla sales slump massively

For the first time, four Chinese brands—BYD, GWM, MG, and Chery—have broken into the national top-10 car brands list. Australians bought over 20,000 Chinese-made vehicles in August, pushing these brands to rank alongside traditional leaders. BYD surged into sixth place, nearly quadrupling its sales year-on-year. Meanwhile, Tesla’s sales plunged from approximately 28,000 in early 2024 to under 18,000 for the same period in 2025, with the Model 3 dropping from over 12,000 to just 4,680 units. The Tesla Model Y also faced a recall and declining sales. Analysts attribute Tesla’s fall partly to controversial actions by its CEO, Elon Musk, and the rising, competitively priced EV offerings from Chinese brands. Read more

August sees a sales boom—100,539 new cars sold, second-best August on record

August 2025 delivered 100,539 new vehicle registrations—up 2.2% from August 2024 and marking the second-highest August result ever. SUVs accounted for 60.1% of the market, followed by Light Commercial Vehicles at 22.7%, with passenger cars trailing at 13.3%. Notably, the surge included contributions from Chinese brands, reinforcing their growing market presence. Read more

Nissan Qashqai to become hybrid-only in Australia for 2026

Nissan confirmed that the 2026 Qashqai in Australia will be offered in hybrid-only powertrain. This move aligns with broader industry trends toward electrification and regulatory improvements. It aims to simplify the lineup and improve fuel economy without fully committing to battery-electric models, giving dealers a cleaner, more efficient product story amid shifting consumer expectations. Read more

1 September 2025

Mercedes‑Benz May Use BMW Engines for New Plug‑In Hybrids

Mercedes‑Benz is reportedly exploring a deal to source four‑cylinder engines from rival BMW for its upcoming plug‑in hybrid models. It's a notable shift—brands working across traditional boundaries to optimise technology and production efficiencies. Read more.

Vehicle air pollution is now more deadly than the road toll

A new research report from the Centre for Safe Air at the University of Tasmania, published in the journal Environmental Research, reveals a startling fact: air pollution from motor vehicles is now responsible for 1,864 premature deaths per year in Australia—504 more deaths than the country’s annual road toll, which stood at 1,360 fatalities in the 12 months up to 31 July 2025. Read more

Suzuki Jimny XL stop‑sale lifted, deliveries now resuming

Suzuki Australia has officially ended the temporary halt on orders and deliveries of the five-door Jimny XL four-wheel drive. That stop‑sale was initiated in late July following an internal investigation by Suzuki Motor Corporation. Read more

Eagers Automotive posts a record first‑half revenue of $6.5 billion

Eagers Automotive Limited, one of Australia’s largest automotive retail groups, announced record-breaking half-year revenue. Read more

Australia’s trucking industry is under severe pressure as firms collapse

Australia’s trucking sector is in real trouble. A wave of company closures and liquidations has been unfolding—some of the country’s largest transport firms have gone under. We’re talking XL Express, Tailored Freight, DJK Transport, Transtar Linehaul, Don Watson, and the Truck Repair Group. Together, these failures left thousands of employees out of work, stranded vehicles, and millions in unpaid debts. Read more

Toyota Hiace Gets Safety Upgrade—and Price Bump

Toyota Australia has refreshed its best-selling commercial van, the Hiace, with additional safety features and enhancements for the 2025 model year. However, there's a trade-off: prices have increased by A$3,000. Read more

Two rare South Australian number plates go to auction

South Australia is preparing for a notable auction this September featuring two highly coveted low‑digit licence plates: ‘10’ and ‘98’. These follow the record‑breaking sale of plate ‘8’, which fetched over A$2 million last year. Plate ‘55’ also made headlines, selling for A$625,100—the first two‑digit plate sold since 1985. Read more.

Nio’s Firefly EV Clears Hurdles for Aussie Launch

Shanghai-based EV maker Nio has moved a step closer to entering the Australian market. Read more

Tesla’s Supervised Full Self‑Driving edges closer to Australia

Tesla has signalled that its Full Self‑Driving (FSD) “Supervised” feature is coming to Australia and New Zealand. The company shared the update on its official Australia & New Zealand Twitter account, along with testing footage captured locally. Read more

Australia Post launches its largest-ever electric van pilot

• Australia Post has begun the largest electric van pilot in its history, deploying 36 new Mercedes‑Benz eVito electric vans into its operations.

• This move builds on an existing EV fleet of over 5,000 electric vehicles that already serve the network.

• The initiative aligns with Australia Post’s broader target of achieving Net-Zero emissions by 2050, part of its sustainability strategy. Read more

Tesla Model Y Performance set for Australia before year‑end

Tesla is gearing up to launch the ModelY Performance in Australia before the end of the year. It’s already opening for orders in Europe next month—so Australians are likely to see deliveries shortly after. Expected pricing? About A$82 000, excluding on‑road costs. That’s notably cheaper than its UK price of around £62 000 (roughly A$121 000). For those who want electric performance without breaking the bank, this could be big. EV watchers, fleet managers and performance‑EV enthusiasts—keep an eye on Tesla’s next moves. Read more

VW’s UK OTT subscription for extra EV power raises eyebrows

VW’s new “access‑by‑subscription” approach for its ID.3 electric car contours a sharp line between convenience and cost creep. For an extra £16.50 a month, or a one‑off £649, drivers can boost their vehicle’s power from 150 kW to 170 kW by flicking a digital switch. There’s even a one‑month free trial—so you can test the gain before you pay. Read more

25 August 2025

Australian aftermarket exporters warn of 25% US tariff hit.

The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) urged the federal government to re‑engage with Washington, saying Section 232 tariffs at 25% are jeopardising local component makers’ access to their biggest export market. CEO Stuart Charity called it a “critical issue” for the sector’s survival. Read more

Toyota to end orders for the current GR Supra in Australia

Toyota will stop taking customer orders this month; limited dealer stock remains. The model continues as the basis of Toyota’s Supercars entry from 2026. Read more

Infiniti QX80 Terrain Spec concept gets an Aussie touch

Melbourne engineering firm Premcar revealed an off‑road‑focused version of the Infiniti QX80—known as the Terrain Spec concept—at Monterey Car Week. This rugged reinterpretation of Nissan's Patrol cousin demonstrates Premcar’s design and engineering capabilities on the world stage. Read more

2025 Honda Civic Type R limited and pricier

Honda Australia confirmed that the 2025 Civic Type R will come in limited numbers—and at a roughly A$6,400 price increase versus earlier models. The petrol‑powered hot‑hatch remains in strong demand, and supply constraints are expected to continue. Read more

2025 Ram 1500 Rebel debuts in Australia as off‑road variant

CarAdvice reports the twin‑turbo inline‑six 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel is now in Australian showrooms, priced from A$141,950 before on‑road costs. It delivers lifted Bilstein suspension, all‑terrain tyres, enhanced payload (893 kg), and a full‑size tub—targeting buyers seeking both GT look and off‑road capability. First customer deliveries are expected in September. Read more

MG U9 ute with independent rear suspension confirmed

The upcoming 2025 MG U9 mid‑size ute will launch in Australia next month, featuring independent rear suspension—a rare move in its segment, likely boosting comfort and handling. Read more

EV Road‑User Charge Gains Consensus

Australia’s Treasurer, Jim Chalmers, confirmed that federal and state leaders have reached a broad consensus on introducing a national road‑user charge, initially targeting electric vehicles (EVs). The aim is to replace the declining revenue from fuel excise as more Australians shift to EVs and hybrids. Read more

New Nissan Leaf could undercut its predecessor in Australia

Nissan has dropped U.S. pricing for the brand‑new Leaf electric vehicle, and it points to a significant drop in price for Australia. The new model, which comes with liquid‑cooled batteries, faster DC charging, larger infotainment and instrument screens, and enhanced driver‑assist tech, may arrive with a price tag around A$41,490 for the base version and A$50,190 for long‑range—down from A$49,990 and A$60,490 respectively. Read more

Polestar Opens First Canberra Store as EV Sales Soar

Swedish electric vehicle brand Polestar has opened its first dealership in Canberra, marking a tactical expansion into a new Australian market. The move aligns with a reported uptick in electric vehicle (EV) interest and purchases across the country. Read more

Hyundai expands digital key tech across SUVs in Australia

Hyundai has confirmed its flagship SUVs in Australia—the Tucson, Santa Fe, Palisade and Ioniq 9—will support digital key technology by the end of the year. That means you'll soon be able to lock, unlock and start your vehicle with nothing more than your smartphone or smartwatch. Read more

Xiaomi Electric Cars Closer to an Australian Launch

Xiaomi is best known for smartphones and smart home devices. Its entry into the EV space could shake up the local market, adding a globally recognised tech brand. Read more

18 August 2025

National EV Road‑Use Charge Gains Momentum

A federal push is underway to introduce a national road-user charge for electric vehicles (EVs). The goal is to offset falling fuel excise revenue and fund charging infrastructure and road maintenance. The Infrastructure Partnerships Australia backs the idea, though the Electric Vehicle Council cautions it should only apply once EVs make up at least 30% of new car sales - a threshold Australia hasn't hit yet (currently sitting at about 16%) Learn more

Record EV Sales in Q2

Australia set a new benchmark for electric vehicle sales in the second quarter, with battery-electric (BEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles making up 13.1% of new car registrations. That’s a 37% surge over the same period last year, with 29,244 BEVs and 11,902 PHEVs delivered—marking a distinct shift in adoption trends . Learn more

A Tiny MG SUV on the Way

MG Australia confirmed plans to release its smallest SUV yet in about two years, with pricing likely below $25,000—making it a competitive offering against low-cost rivals. Learn more

Fleet Software Startup Delivers Strong Results

Connexion Mobility, which builds fleet-management software tools, posted a 14% uplift in revenue and a 16% increase in other income, signalling solid growth in fleet services demand. Learn more

11 August 2025

Registrations Hit Record High in July, Led by SUVs and Utes

Australia’s automotive market delivered a record-breaking month in July 2025, with 103,097 new vehicles sold, a 3.6% increase on July 2024

• Utes and SUVs drove the growth—Toyota Hilux, RAV4, Ford Ranger, and Chery Tiggo 4 led the mix.

• Plug-in hybrids saw rapid year‑to‑date growth (+183%), even as full EVs stayed below 8% of sales. Learn more

Team Global Express Launches EV Truck Trial

Team Global Express (TGE), one of Australia's largest logistics providers, has kicked off a trial of 60 electric trucks sourced from Daimler and Volvo in Western Sydney. Backed by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency and endorsed by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, this initiative signals a major shift toward electrification in urban freight logistics. Learn more

NHVR Launches Operation Quay

The National Heavy Vehicle Regulator has launched Operation Quay, a targeted safety and compliance inspection blitz at major ports—including Botany, Brisbane, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Bell Bay. Checks include load restraint, vehicle fitness, and driver fatigue . Learn more

Honda Confirms BEV Launch Coming by 2028

Honda Australia has committed to bringing its first all-electric car—likely the e:N1—by or before 2028. Learn more.

VW to Axe Touareg in 2026

Volkswagen is reportedly discontinuing the Touareg in Australia by 2026. The luxury SUV—first introduced in 2002—will be replaced in the line-up by the more affordable Tayron as VW’s largest offering . Learn more

BYD Takes Control of Its Own Australian Operations

BYD will end its partnership with EVDirect and begin handling its own distribution in Australia starting July 2025 . Learn more