Which new automobile manufacturers coming to Australia are the CarExpert workforce enthusiastic about?

2025 will probably be a 12 months of change within the Australian automotive trade, with not less than 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 – equivalent to Cadillac and Foton – most will probably be making their debut in Australia, and combating to remain alive in our ultra-competitive market.

The ten manufacturers set to return right here embody:

• 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 in opposition to the prevailing competitors.

William Stopford: Cadillac and Deepal

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

I do marvel how the CTS would have performed 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 intently for over 20 years, it’s thrilling to see it lastly come right here even when GM’s speak 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 simply younger in China and unknown right here, it’s a part of Chinese language automotive large 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 price aren’t something to jot down residence 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 attention-grabbing than the customarily bland transportation pods that market produces.

James Wong: None

The listing of manufacturers coming to Australia did little to excite me, and I might barely let you know which upcoming fashions belong to which model.

I’m all for extra shopper alternative, however the inflow of Chinese language manufacturers all with fashions which can be totally different mixtures 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 go away the thrill for Will.

Paul Maric: Zeekr

I had the possibility to drive the brand new 009 as a part of the drag racing sequence we’ve been filming and it’s unimaginable what an costly Chinese language automobile seems like.

Usually Chinese language automobiles are related to cheaper autos and worth for cash, however for dearer autos just like the 009 you might be actually getting the whole lot, even the kitchen sink.

Manufacturers from Chinese language producers at the moment are well-regarded in Australia and I believe 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 can be coming to Australia are exact same identical. 

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 below the pores and skin. 

I can also’t wait to expertise the Zeekr 009 individuals mover as a result of it looks like the sort of automobile I’d wish 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 sort this out 3 times as I obtained confused about which new Chinese language EV specialist model was which, so I’m simply going to say Cadillac – however extra for what it might carry slightly than what it positively will. 

After I hear Cadillac, I don’t consider electrical SUVs and even large barges with fins, I consider the Escalade. Sadly, Caddy goes to be electric-only in Australia, which looks like a missed alternative when the Lyriq might stability out the emissions from the Escalade-V. 

I’d additionally like to see the Blackwing fashions right here, however there’s most likely 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 decide 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 without doubt one of the finest within the enterprise in the case of producing an aesthetic cabin on a funds, so I can’t wait to see what Jaecoo does with a bit additional cash within the kitty.

Past showroom enchantment, Jaecoo is quoting large 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 sure to have rivals together with Toyota, Mitsubishi and BYD nervous.

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

Max Davies: GAC Aion

Honestly, I’m not likely 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 virtually all of them are launching with an electrical SUV of some description – in some instances with just one mannequin at first. Hardly inspiring, in case you ask me.

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

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

The latter of the 2 has not less than caught my eye, partly as a result of it might be a enjoyable little hatch, however principally as a result of it might truly be a possible competitor to the GWM Ora and MG 4. I believe its cute exterior is one in all its finest 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 might 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 in fact there’s no concrete phrase on whether or not they’ll present up right here.

Maybe my skepticism will probably be confirmed mistaken, however till one in all these manufacturers can carry one thing to Australia that’s legitimately totally different to stake a concrete declare in our crowded market, I’ll most likely cross on most.