Articles by James Cleary

After a 15-year absence from the local new car market Renault's Scenic has returned as a pure-electric, mid-size, five-seat, premium SUV priced and specified to take on established EV competitors from Europe and South Korea as well as recently arrived disruptors from China.

Subaru has confirmed it will unveil a first-ever hybrid version of one of its Wilderness models at this week’s New York International Auto Show and the brand’s current US line-up suggests it will be based on the Forester Wilderness.That spells big trouble for rivalling family favourites - the Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Hyundai Tucson - which can't match the Forester Wilderness' ruggedness.Initially developed for North America, there are currently three Wildnerness varieties - the Outback Wilderness launched in early 2021, the Forester Wilderness that followed later the same year and the Crosstrek Wilderness, which arrived in 2023.Typical upgrades include increased ride height with extra ground clearance, greater roof load capacity, revised transmission gearing and all-terrain tyres to optimise low-speed traction, matt black wheels, retuned ‘X-Mode’ off-highway settings and a transmission oil cooler.All are produced at Subaru’s US manufacturing plant in Lafayette, Indiana. But the US-only factor was side-stepped when the Subaru Outback Wilderness hit Australian off-road tracks in February this year. And Subaru Australia General Manager Scott Lawrence  has previously told CarsGuide to “watch this space” on further Wilderness developments.Subaru currently offers Crosstrek and Forester Hybrid models in the USA, and a Wilderness Hybrid version of the latter is more likely as the Forester Hybrid is built in America while the Crosstrek Hybrid is produced in Japan. If the new Wilderness variant is indeed based on the Forester it’s likely to feature the current Forester Hybrid’s powertrain that combines a (121kW/212Nm) 2.5-litre petrol engine with two electric motors (90kW/276Nm) integrated into the car’s continuously variable transmission (CVT) for total system power of 145kW.You could also expect miserly 6.2L/100km fuel consumption on the combined (urban/extra-urban) cycle and a 1000km-plus range from every 63-litre tank of fuel.Over and above the upgrades detailed above, the Forester Wilderness features a specific nose treatment including a unique grille, skid plates, fog lights, anodized copper accents, and a glare-reducing matt black bonnet decal.Subaru has also confirmed it will unveil an “all-new, all-electric SUV” in New York, positioned under a theme of “Fast. Family. Fun.” and likely based on the recently released pure-electric Toyota Highlander (Kluger).

Subaru has confirmed it will unveil an “all-new, all-electric SUV” at this year’s New York International Auto Show, which kicks off on (no joke) April 1st.Positioned under a theme of “Fast. Family. Fun.”, the Japanese maker has previewed the upcoming arrival via a dark teaser image with the only hard specifications noted being a power output of 313kW (420hp) and all-wheel drive, both of which point to dual-motor propulsion.Visual clues include narrow six-point headlights similar to the existing Solterra and Trailseeker EV line-up, roof rails and an illuminated star-cluster badge on the nose.The emphasis on ‘Family’ could also point to a three-row configuration, which opens up the possibility of the new model sharing its development with the recently released pure-electric Toyota Highlander (Kluger).A connection makes sense with Subaru and Toyota confirming expansion of their model-share partnership with three electric SUVs in 2026-’27, Subaru on the record noting the Toyota connection will accelerate development of its EV portfolio.The three-row Highlander, Toyota’s first battery-electric vehicle for the US market, rides on the brand’s ‘Toyota Next Generation Architecture-K’ (TNGA-K) platform and is slated for assembly in the southern US state of Kentucky with batteries sourced from Toyota's recently opened battery assembly plant in Liberty, North Carolina.For reference, the Highlander measures 4950mm long, 1989mm wide and 1709mm tall with a 3050mm wheelbase.If Subaru follows the high-standard spec strategy it applies to other Toyota-shared models, it’s likely the new SUV will adopt the top-grade Highlander Limited’s 95.8kWh battery, for a 515km range.Other premium Highlander features like ‘Vehicle-to-Load’ (V2L) are likely to feature and although the flagship Highlander’s overall output is quoted at just over 250kW, it’s not hard to imagine Subaru putting its own, more performance-focused spin on the powertrain.Expect the interior to include a 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, 12.3-inch driver's display, a large-format head-up display and customisable ambient lighting.

With the avalanche of fresh brands entering the Australian new car market showing no sign of slowing, clearly some recent newcomers and longer-term legacy brands will come under increasing pressure in the next 12 to 18 months.Fold in the additional complexity and potential cost of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) and the thumbscrews are already starting to tighten for certain players.In this context, one well-established Euro brand is focused on its ability to “survive” in what it describes as an exceptionally aggressive market.Speaking at the local launch of the new Scenic E-Tech SUV, Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey was asked about increasing competition and said, “Renault as a brand is really in a good position to survive in a market like it is now. And I say that because this is an aggressive market.” “You’ve got annual sales of around 1.2 million vehicles and the top 10 brands accounting for 70 per cent of them.“That leaves 60 brands competing for 360,000 cars a year. That’s the reality of life if you’re going to compete.“So, can you survive on 6000 cars a year? We can,” he said.Despite the French brand’s concerted push towards electric propulsion in Europe and elsewhere, Sealey made the point that EVs still account for less than 10 per cent of new car sales in Australia.While acknowledging the brand buzz funky Renault EV models like the R4, R5 and Twingo (even at a relatively steep price) would generate he said the Renault Kangoo E-Tech, Megane E-Tech and now the Scenic E-Tech EVs currently on offer here are “enough for a market our size”.“If the market goes to 50 per cent EV, guess what, we’ve got a cupboard full of cars. But if the market stays at 10 per cent EV we’ve got cars and drivetrains we can access.“Not everyone wants hybrid, not everyone wants electric and not everyone wants ICE and there’s a (Renault) drivetrain for everyone.”Year-on-year Renault sales were down 17.8 per cent in 2025 (to 4569 units). And so far this year numbers are down by exactly the same percentage.But Sealey confirmed Renault Australia would renew or refresh six models over the next 18 months, noting the age of the brand’s current line-up.“Koleos and Master make up 60-70 per cent of our volume and they are right at the end of their lifecycle.“So, to expect to be flying when you got that on your hands… it’s never going to happen.“And that’s obviously coinciding with some aggressive entrants into the marketplace.“But there’s Duster and Scenic and there’s more coming,” he said.  When asked about potential range inclusions like the Bridger small SUV (to be built in India), the Filante mid-size hybrid SUV (out of South Korea) and the Symbioz compact crossover (produced in Spain), he was expansive on available production sourcing opportunities from those centres as well as France, Morocco, Romania, Turkey and Brazil.“We've put our hand up, we'll look at the business cases and we’ll have some exciting things to say soon.”In pin-pointing the ‘sell’ that will help stand Renault apart from others in the market, Sealey said, “Fundamentally Renault represents a couple of things and it comes back to emotional design. Our cars look good. “It could be Master in its old age. The car’s nearly 10 years old but had an all time sales record in 2024. Koleos is holding up reasonably well for the age of that car, as well.“And we have user-friendly technology. Everything’s easy to use. It’s not intimidating, it’s not minimalistic and it’s not all on screens. There’s an appeal to that,” he said.

A determined push by Chinese carmakers towards large luxury SUVs offering a choice of pure-electric and range-extender hybrid power continues to gather momentum as the XPeng GX enters full global production.Exuding an unmistakable Range Rover vibe, the GX joins the Aito M9, BYD U8L, Denza N9, Li Auto L9, MG IM LS9 and Zeekr 9X as similarly sized, specified and priced (not to mention Range Rover-inspired) rivals in the Chinese domestic market.Breaking cover earlier this year, we now know the XPeng GX is a substantial six-seater, measuring close to 5.3m long, 2.0m wide and 1.8m tall with a lengthy 3115mm wheelbase. Kerb weight ranges between 2690kg and 2890kg.Offered in pure-electric (BEV) and range-extender hybrid (EREV) form, the BEV sends a combined 430kW and a solid 695Nm to all four wheels via dual motors and Xpeng’s 800-volt coaxial electric drive system.An 800V AI battery platform supports 5C ultra-fast charging capable of completing a full charge of an 80kWh pack in around 12 minutes.That said, battery sizes for the BEV are yet to be confirmed but claimed ranges across four grades are 635km, 665km, 720km and 750km.The EREV GX also features a dual-motor AWD set up delivering a combined 370kW and a claimed pure-electric range of 320km. A 110kW 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine acts purely as a generator to power a CALB-sourced 63.3kWh LFP battery, but not the wheels. No word from XPeng yet on the EREV’s combined range figure, but a number in excess of 1000km is likely.Specifications detailed by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) point to upper GX grades featuring front- and rear-steer-by-wire tech to assist slow speed manoeuvrability and high-speed stability. And Xpeng has already confirmed the GX will be equipped with four Turing AI chips boasting computing power in excess of 3000 TOPS (Trillion Operations Per Second).Design details include a split-opening tailgate (a la Range Rover), retractable door handles, a panoramic sunroof and an active front air intake. Wheel size varies between 21- or 22-inch, depending on the version, and the large SUV’s relatively tight front and rear overhangs are 980mm and 1170mm, respectively. Domestic pricing is expected to land between ¥400,000 – ¥500,000 (~$82,000 – $102,000).CarsGuide has previously contacted XPeng for its position on the GX’s potential for Australian sale with the company not making any comment at this stage.

Of the 113 primary and 173 sub-clause Australian Design Rule (ADR) standards for safety, anti-theft and emissions currently applied to new vehicles marketed in Australia one stands out as a regular sticking point for manufacturers.It’s ADR 34/03 - Child Restraint Anchorages and Child Restraint Anchor Fittings - originally gazetted in 1989 and most recently updated in 2017.It mandates a compliant ‘Upper Anchorage’ and ‘Upper Anchor Fitting’ (aka a top-tether point) for “each seating position in the ‘Second Row Seats’ equipped with an adult ‘Seatbelt Assembly’”.And this makes Australia a global stand-out. Although three top-tether anchorages are required in Canada and the USA, only two are mandated in Europe, and China has no specific demand for top-tether points. We strictly require a top tether anchor for all rear-seating positions, including the centre. In many markets, in concert with ISOFIX, use of the three-point seatbelt to help stabilise the seat and reduce twisting in a crash is deemed adequate.  But it sounds easy, right? Drill a hole in the parcel shelf or rear floor, bolt in a hook and the job’s done. Authorised restraint fitting stations do it all the time. Of course, it’s light years away from being that simple.The time, money and engineering focus required to homologate a centre rear top-tether for this market across a vast array of interior and rear seat arrangements is often a stumbling block for potential new model introductions.Specialised research and development required for certification of the strength and real world performance of reinforced mounting points will typically involve a full program including virtual and physical engineering as well as testing to destruction of rear seat modules or entire vehicles.Then there’s the time and cost of the compliance process, submitting required technical data  to the The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts that oversees the ADR regime.And a case-in-point is the Renault 5 E-Tech.Although it’s never been confirmed for local sale, Renault Australia has previously told CarsGuide it would “love to have the car here” as long as it “does the business case to get the investment for the unique Australian ADRs”.Having started European deliveries in late 2024, the R5 E-Tech is still a possibility for this market, but it’s a much longer shot than it was thanks in part to ADR 34/03.Speaking at this week’s launch of the Scenic E-Tech, Renault Australia General Manager Glen Sealey confirmed the R5 E-Tech was originally going to be a four-seater but a European tax change mid-way through the car’s development cycle saw it morph into a five-seater (thanks to additional subsidies for three seats in a rear bench).Suddenly, the need to homologate a top tether for the middle rear position threw a big spanner in the works for the car’s Australian market potential. Sealey estimates the prospective compliance cost at around 3 million ($4.9M).Also speaking at the launch, Renault S.A. Country Manager, Oceania Arnaud Mourgue confirmed Australia is now plugged into the brand’s relevant new model programs from day one, which minimises the chances of ADR compliance roadblocks. But other recent ADR 34/03-related hiccups include a temporary pause on sales of the Deepal E07 Multitruck to rectify a missing child seat restraint anchor in the rear.The Tesla Model 3’s 2024 update was paused early that year because of a rear-centre top-tether compliance issue and BYD Atto 3 deliveries were briefly paused in 2022 in light of child seat anchor point issues.There are other instances and who knows how many interesting EVs from China and elsewhere have been ruled out for Australian sale   A spokesperson for The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts told CarsGuide, “ADR 34/03 is likely to remain in force in its current form for the foreseeable future.”Which, depending on your perspective, means kids in capsules and car seats in Australia are doubly protected. Or onerous ADRs mean Aussie new car buyers are potentially missing out on exciting new products from around the globe.   

At the end of 2020, after 160 years in existence, owner General Motors made the decision to retire the Holden brand following the US automotive giant’s move to discontinue supply to right-hand drive markets.Due in no small part to the then Australian Government’s call in 2013 to end ‘co-investment’ with local car manufacturers and the brand’s consistently shrinking market share, after close to 69 years and nearly 7.7 million cars built, local Holden production had finished in 2017.With former GM brands Opel and Vauxhall having already been acquired by PSA Group earlier in 2017, long-term ‘in-house’ access to a RHD imported (ZB) Commodore donor, via the Opel Insignia, was also to become a dead end, while potential alternatives from Buick and Chevrolet were deemed cost prohibitive.General Motors was digging itself out of a financial hole around this time, and with Holden sales struggling across its now pure-import range, on February 17, 2020 the official announcement was made that Holden would be no more from October that year.So, who were the key players within Holden at that tumultuous and emotional time when the ‘Football, meat pies, kangaroos and Holden cars’ music stopped and where are they now?David ButtnerDavid Buttner AM, raised eyebrows across the Aussie automotive industry when, after more than 30 years with Toyota Australia (the last three and half as President), he came out of retirement to take on the role of Holden’s Chairman and Managing Director in August 2018.At the time Buttner was bullish about Holden’s prospects as a pure-importer, telling CarsGuide in late 2018, “The facts are we can draw on a fantastic stable of SUVs and trucks.”But just over a year later he had pulled the pin on his time at Holden, according to a GM statement for “personal reasons”. But a 30 per cent year-on-year slump in sales (Holden had dropped out of the top 10 sellers list) may well have played a part.And surely by the end of 2019 Buttner had a clear take on what was to come down the pipe from Detroit only a couple of months later.Today he’s a freelance mentor and coach, positioning his work under the banner ‘Coaching from Experience’, leaning into his strategic ability and appetite for innovation.Kristian AquilinaKristian Aquilina was Holden Australia’s final Executive Director of Marketing, taking over the role in April 2018. Following David Buttner’s departure (see above) and the announcement that General Motors was axing the Holden brand, Aquilina served as interim Managing Director, overseeing the transition to closure, leaving the position on November 1, 2020.At the time he said, “The brand will work towards a dignified wind down of operations”, which is arguably what happened.After stints as Managing Director of Cadillac International Operations and Cadillac Middle East, Aquilina joined GM Canada in early 2024, serving as President until his appointment as Global Vice President of Cadillac late last year. Based in Detroit, it’s the position he holds currently.Richard FerlazzoA key player in Holden’s design team for more than three decades, Richard Ferlazzo was the brand’s Design Director for seven years from late 2013 to closure.Ferlazzo is best known to many as the father of Holden’s dramatic Efijy concept car that dropped jaws around the world in 2005. But his work on global design projects and GM advanced concepts was even more significant.Having had input into the Commodore line-up from VN in the late 1980s, his time as Chief Designer included a lead position on exterior design for the breakthrough VE Commodore, as well as fine-tuning the next-generation VF, which proved to be the best and last locally made Holden.Today, Richard Ferlazzo Design Consulting works across multiple disciplines including transport (which takes in military vehicles), architectural concepts and product design.Peter KeleyAt the time of the closure announcement Holden had 185 dealers in Australia, 31 in New Zealand and Peter Keley (former MD of Holden NZ) was the brand’s Executive Director of Sales.Of course, unpicking that historical retail knitting would have been traumatic and potentially a legal minefield.With around 1.6 million Holdens still on the road, shell-shocked dealers were offered the option of becoming an authorised service and parts outlet and over 90 per cent of them had finalised compensation and separation packages by mid-2020.Today, Keeley is still in the motorised four-wheeler business as Victoria General Manager for Melbourne Tractors, retailing New Holland and other brands through multiple outlets across the state, with a focus on construction and agricultural equipment. Rob TrubianiRob Trubiani was Lead Vehicle Dynamics Engineer at GM Holden, and famously the guy who punted a VF SS-V Redline Ute around the Nurburgring in mid-2013, setting a new commercial vehicle record for the iconic German circuit at an indecently rapid 08:19.47. Over a 15-year career at Holden he achieved guru status, tuning the final-generation VE/VF Commodore’s Zeta platform to such a fine point that it could hold its head confidently high globally.Continuing his focus on brake, chassis, vehicle dynamics and technical integration he worked through the import-only era, tweaking the Opel Insignia-based ZB Commodore and other models before departing as waves of staff redundancies began in early 2020.After a stint as Senior Mechanical Engineer at global automotive engineering specialist Segula Technologies, Trubiani joined GWM Australia in early 2025 as, you guessed it… Product Engineering Manager.George SvigosWith the benefit of 20/20 hindsight it was probably telling that when Holden’s Director of Communications, Anna Betts resigned in late 2018, it was George Svigos, then GM International’s Director of Communications for Asia-Pacific, took on the accountability.From that point the Holden comms team in Melbourne reported to Svigos who operated out of GM’s regional office in Bangkok, Thailand.But almost in parallel with the closure announcement in early 2020, Anna Betts’ predecessor as Holden Director of Communications and then Director of Marketing, Communications & Customer Experience, GM Southeast Asia, Sean Poppitt stepped in to take on the tricky role of managing corporate comms as the company moved towards shutdown. For the record, Anna Betts (now Anna Tassone) is Associate Director, Communications - Operations at RMIT University, Sean Poppitt is Executive Director - Global Buick & GMC and GM Global Design Communications in Detroit and George Svigos is Executive Director Communications, Global Markets General Motors, also based in Detroit.Lang Lang Proving GroundOpened in 1957, the 877-hectare Lang Lang Proving Ground, located roughly 85km south-east of Melbourne, was part of GM’s global research and development network for over 60 years.Retained by GM beyond the end of local Holden manufacturing in 2017 it was ultimately sold to Vietnamese EV manufacturing specialist Vinfast in late 2020.The iconic circular track, ride & handling loop, as well as various specialist off-road trails and test labs remain intact with Chinese giant GWM securing ‘permanent resident’ status in a long-term agreement finalised in July, 2025.Which of course means Rob Trubiani (see above) will once again be drifting around the skid pan and generally making best use of the facility to adapt the dynamic performance of Havals, Tanks, Cannons and Oras for local conditions. 

Mazda has added two new model grades to its Australian BT-50 ute line-up.The first is the flagship Thunder, powered by the BT-50’s top-shelf 3.0-litre, four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, sending 140kW/450Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.A returning model grade, for $78,400, before on-road costs, it includes all of the premium GT variant’s standard equipment and adds a single hoop bull bar paired with Lightforce Beast driving lights, reinforced anti-slip side steps, a steel sports bar and a manual roller tonneau cover. Car-spotters should also look out for gloss black door handles and ‘Thunder’ graphics.And in case anyone on the job site is confused about who’s running the show, the BT-50 Boss is a new model grade, again a 4WD powered by the 3.0L turbo-diesel engine.This time, base standard equipment is equivalent to the XT grade with the addition of gloss black door and tailgate handles, gloss black exterior mirrors and a black steel sports bar. The Boss also picks up a tub liner and side steps.Standard price is $60,220, before on-road costs but Mazda has set an introductory price of $58,990, BOC. At the same time a 360-degree camera system is now standard on the XTR, GT and SP pick-up variants.2026 Mazda BT-50 pricing2026 Mazda BT-50 engine/powertrain and efficiencyPower options (varying by model) are a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine producing 120kW/400Nm and a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four delivering 140kW/450Nm. Both are matched with a six-speed automatic transmission sending drive to the rear or all-four wheels.Official combined-cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel efficiency for both powertrains is 7.1L/100km.2026 Mazda BT-50 standard featuresAside from included safety tech, standard feature highlights across all grades are:Android Auto & Apple CarPlayReversing camera8.0-inch colour multimedia touchscreenDigital radioAdaptive cruise control XT and above:Alloy wheelsLED headlightsHigher grades:9.0-inch multimedia screenSatellite navigationFolding exterior mirrorsSide stepsLeather-trimmed steering wheelLeather seat trimRemote engine startPower-adjustable driver’s seat 2026 Mazda BT-50 coloursStandard: ‘Ice White’.Optional ($695):‘Red Earth Metallic’‘Sailing Blue Metallic’‘True Black Mica’‘Geode White Pearl’‘Concrete Grey Mica’‘Ingot Silver Metallic’ Interior:Black clothBlack leatherBlack & ‘Terracotta’ synthetic leather & cloth2026 Mazda BT-50 safetyThe current Mazda BT-50 received a maximum five-star ANCAP assessment from testing in 2022:Adult occupant protection - 86 per centChild occupant protection - 89 per centVulnerable road user protection - 67 per centSafety assist - 84 per cent2026 Mazda BT-50 warranty and servicingService interval - 12 months / 15,000 kmWarranty - Five years / unlimited kmFive-year roadside assist2026 Mazda BT-50 dimensionsLength: 5320mm - 4470mmWidth: 1870mm - 1942mmHeight: 1785mm - 1800mmWheelbase: 3125mm

Honda has made the tough financial decision to cancel three electric vehicle programs in the face of a slower than expected global transition to EVs.The Honda 0 SUV, 0 Saloon and Acura RSX were all scheduled to be produced in North America, but in a statement the Japanese maker said it "determined that starting production and sales of these three models in the current business environment where the demand for EVs is declining significantly would likely result in further losses over the long term."The statement added, "As a result, in the consolidated financial results for the current fiscal year, (it) expects to record 1) operating expenses of ¥820 billion ($7.2B) to ¥1.12 trillion ($9.9B) and 2) a share of the loss of investments accounted for using the equity method of ¥110 billion ($975M) to ¥150 billion ($1.3B)."Moreover, Honda expects to record special losses of ¥340 billion ($3.0B) to ¥570 billion ($5.0B) in the non-consolidated financial results for the same fiscal year. "Combined with the losses to be recorded in the current fiscal year, the total amount of losses is expected to be a maximum of ¥2.5 trillion ($22.2B)," it said. Yikes!In summary, the statement confirmed, "The profitability of Honda automobile business is currently declining due primarily to 1) the unfavorable impact of changes in U.S. tariff policies on the gasoline and hybrid vehicle business and 2) a decline in the competitiveness of Honda products in Asia due to the impact of the allocation of more resources to EV development."Expected to arrive in the second half of 2026, the dual-motor AWD Acura RSX was "a dramatically styled premium, performance SUV" noted at the time of the concept version’s unveiling at last year’s Monterey Car Week as “a significant next step in the performance brand's electrification strategy.Honda said it was also "The first model engineered in-house on the new Honda-developed EV platform and the first EV produced at the Honda EV Hub flexible manufacturing facility in Ohio."Shown for the first time in prototype form at the CES in 2024, as it was "being developed for a North American market launch in 2026", the Honda 0 Saloon was positioned as the flagship model of the Honda 0 Series.In 2024 Honda said it would be "based on the newly developed dedicated EV architecture and feature a number of next-generation technologies that embody the ‘Thin, Light and Wise’ development approach" including "highly reliable Level 3 automated driving technology.”"Also presented as a concept at the 2024 CES in Las Vegas, the oddly-proportioned Honda O SUV, also set for a 2026 introduction in North America, was a mid-size five-seater featuring “high-precision attitude estimation and stabilization control based on 3D gyro sensors”, technology that came out of Honda’s original robotics program.Worth noting Honda retired its iconic humanoid robot, ASIMO in early 2022 after a 22-year development focus.Honda said it will now direct electrification investment into hybrids with a new hybrid powertrain and automated driving system under development for commercialisation after 2027. 

In 2026 it appears two ‘new’ new challenger brands have overtaken a pair of ‘old’ new challenger brands in the Aussie new car market.Two of the earliest automotive disrupters from China, LDV and MG, have been heading backwards in terms of year-on-year sales performance in recent months while relative newcomers BYD and Chery continue to grow at a spectacular rate.For context, MG suffered something of a false start here with the MG6 in 2013, distributed by private importer Longwell Motor (operating as MG Motor Australia).But the MG brand (re)launched here as a SAIC factory subsidiary in 2016, with the first cars registered - a bunch of elderly MG6s as well as the new MG GS and MG3 - in early 2017.MG’s SAIC Motor Corporation cousin LDV entered the Aussie new vehicle market way back in 2013. At first, the focus was the V80 van range before independent importer/distributor Ateco Group broadened the brand’s scope with the addition of the G10 van, T60 ute and D90 SUV through 2017.And looking at the annual sales volumes for these brands from 2017, the parallels are striking, with both growing impressively thanks to increasing awareness, new models and sharp positioning, until they reach a turning point in 2024.MG went from 600 registrations in 2017 to no less than 58,346 in 2023; perilously close to a 10,000 per cent rise in six years! Meanwhile, LDV rose from 2580 to 21,298, an increase of only 725 per cent for the same period.So, what happened in 2023? Two words… Chery and BYD (well, four if you include Build Your Dreams).Chery had re-started its Aussie efforts as a factory subsidiary after a less than stellar run with the J1 hatch and J11 compact SUV from 2011-2015 (with Ateco as distributor).And BYD had landed with the Atto 3 compact electric SUV which made an immediate impression on the sales charts.Since then, each has added more and more new model options that have found their way onto a huge number of Aussie driveways.  As MG sales softened 29 per cent from 58,346 units in 2023 to 41,298 in 2025, LDV followed suit dropping 34 per cent from 21,298 sales to 14,108 in the same period.So far in 2026, to the end of February, MG is down 14.7 per cent year-on-year (6377 vs 7479), while LDV is 9.4 per cent lower (2125 vs 2346).And the current superstars? Chery is up 91.2 per cent (7718 vs 2875 - hello, Tiggo 4) and BYD is a staggering 161 per cent ahead (10,324 vs 3956). Nothing like competition to shuffle the new car pecking order. And it will be fascinating to see how Chery and BYD fare as even more newcomers like Denza, Forthing, JMC, Lepas, Wey and others make their mark in the near future.