Fifteen years have passed since the first Chinese car brand made its way into the Australian market, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry. Since then, over 550,000 vehicles manufactured in China have been sold in Australia, making Chinese brands a prominent player in the new car segment.
Great Wall Motors, now known as GWM, was the pioneering Chinese car manufacturer to establish its presence in Australia on June 24, 2009, with the introduction of two utes. Subsequently, other Chinese brands such as Chery, Geely, and Foton entered the Australian market, but faced setbacks due to safety concerns and recalls, including asbestos-related issues affecting Great Wall and Chery vehicles.
Despite these challenges, Chinese car sales in Australia experienced a surge in 2012, with 12,139 vehicles sold, only to decline to 2320 sales by 2015. However, in recent years, the landscape has shifted dramatically, with China becoming the third-largest source of new vehicles in Australia, surpassing countries like South Korea, the US, and Germany.
In 2023, more Chinese-made vehicles were sold in Australia than Australian-made cars 15 years prior. This growth was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, as Chinese brands proved to be more resilient in terms of stock availability compared to other regions. The shift towards electric vehicles has also played a pivotal role in driving sales, with nearly 80% of electric vehicles sold in early 2024 being manufactured in China.
BYD and Chery have emerged as key players in the Australian market, with a focus on electric vehicles and petrol SUVs. Additionally, several new Chinese car manufacturers are gearing up to enter the Australian market, with plans to introduce electric vehicles, luxury models, and family SUVs, showcasing the evolving landscape of the automotive industry.
As we look towards the future, the influx of Chinese car brands in Australia signals a new era of innovation and competition in the automotive sector. With a diverse range of offerings from budget-friendly city hatchbacks to cutting-edge electric vehicles, Chinese car manufacturers are poised to make a lasting impact on the Australian automotive market.