Articles by James Cleary

There’s been a lot of noise about US President Donald Trump’s high-percentage import tariffs on everything from steel, copper and aluminium to timber, furniture and you guessed it, cars and car parts.But it was his predecessor, Joe Biden that upped the tariff on Chinese electric vehicles from 27.5 per cent under the first Trump administration, to the current 100 per cent rate.Not surprisingly, this slammed the brakes on the ambitions of Chinese carmakers for growth in the US, which has led to a pitched battle in the domestic market with manufacturing capacity and current output outweighing demand.And China’s biggest carmaker, BYD has been reaching into its deep pockets to cut profit margins and drive a price war many believe is designed to put smaller players to the sword.But it’s possible these heavy-handed tactics may be backfiring because for the first time since 2020 the rise and rise of BYD has faltered. As reported by CarNewsChina BYD Group sales in China fell 5.9 per cent (to 393,060 units) in September, compared to the same month last year, following two months where year-on-year sales had been close to flat.In particular, BYD’s plug-in hybrid numbers dropped 25.6 per cent last month, with sales now declining for six consecutive months since April.But while the mother ship BYD brand has borne the brunt of the domestic downturn, its relatively small-volume sub-brands have gone the other way. Fang Cheng Bao (off-road capable SUVs) grew 345 percent (to 24,121 units), Denza (premium models) was up 20.5 per cent (to 12,407 units) and Yangwang (super performance models) improved by 145 per cent (to 758 units) in September, YOY.Of course, BYD has been aggressively seeking new market opportunities to fill a USA-sized export hole in its business plan. And Australia is clearly a target, as the brand has made a big impact locally in a stunningly short period of time.Having recently switched from an importer/distributor arrangement to a direct factory subsidiary, BYD is now a regular top 10 new car player here (P8 year-to-date in 2025) with models like the Sealion 7 SUV and Shark 6 dual cab ute occupying an increasing number of Aussie driveways.And there’s lots more on the way, with the Atto 2 small electric SUV and large three-row Sealion 8 PHEV both approved for local sale and expected to arrive before the end of the year.But the next step is a flanking manoeuvre, using the Denza brand to expand BYD’s group-wide offering. And this week saw confirmation of a November arrival for the Denza B5 and B8 PHEV 4WD SUVs.Marketed in China under the Fang Cheng Bao Leopard Series banner, the B5 is a mid-size plug-in hybrid riding on a full body-on-frame chassis powered by a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine and two electric motors for combined outputs of 505kW and 760Nm with a 1200km overall range. Then, the larger, seven-seat B8, also a Fang Cheng Bao Leopard model in China, is a similar separate-frame 4WD powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a pair of electric motors delivering 550kW/760Nm with a 1200km range.Both feature a trio of diff locks, selectable terrain modes and generous ground clearance for serious off-road performance and the standard specification is sky-high with multiple media and instrument screens included in a premium interior fit-out.Look out Toyota RAV4 and LandCruiser Prado! BYD said this week it would offer a curated range of premium vehicles from BYD’s three acclaimed sub-brands in Australia under the Denza brand.This means models from the Yangwang product portfolio will soon be on offer here. Most likely the front-engine, quad-motor U8 SUV; a large, five-seat ‘tank turn’ capable 4WD.Stand by for more BYD and Denza new model news as the Chinese giant’s push into this market continues to build momentum.

Tesla has announced a battery upgrade for its flagship Model 3 Performance as well as a new Long Range rear-wheel-drive variant of the long-serving pure-electric sedan.Available to order from today (03/10/25), the Model 3 Performance now features a higher capacity Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) battery increasing (WLTP) range from 528km to 571km, with pricing unchanged at $80,900, before on-road costs.With dual motors delivering 343kW/741Nm, the Model 3 Performance accelerates from 0-100km/h in just 3.1 seconds before storming on to a maximum velocity of 261km/h.At the same time, the local Model 3 line-up has been massaged with the addition of a new Long-Range RWD variant, replacing the existing Long-Range AWD model.With a (WLTP) range of “up to 750km”, a whopping 230km more than the standard RWD model, Tesla is claiming it as “the longest-range EV in Australia”.All Model 3s have also been tweaked cosmetically with black Tesla badging, and the brand has confirmed its ‘Supercharger’ charging network has grown to 163 sites across Australia which equates to 1003 plugs. Tesla lays claim to “the largest global, fast charging network in the world” and says its superchargers can add up to 282km of range in 15 minutes. Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive and Long-Range RWD models are powered by a single 190kW/375Nm electric motor with claimed ranges of 520km and 750km, respectively. The top-spec Performance puts out 343kW/741Nm and now has a range of 528km. Alloy wheels15.4-inch centre touchscreen8.0-inch second row displayNine-speaker audio (RWD)17-speaker audio (Performance)Wireless phone chargingGlass roofNavigation (with real-time traffic updates)Acoustic glassAmbient lightingVentilated front seatsFull Self-Driving (Supervised) - $10,100Home charger - $800Mobile charger - $55019-inch alloy rims - $1800Exterior - Pearl White Multi-Coat (no cost)Diamond BlackDeep Blue MetallicStealth GreyQuicksilverUltra RedInterior -BlackBlack and White (optional)The Tesla Model 3 received a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from assessment in 2025. Its Adult Occupant Protection score was 90 per cent, Child Occupant Protection was 95 per cent, Vulnerable Road User Protection was ranked at 89 per cent and Safety Assist came in at 88 per cent.Features -AEB (car-to-car junction, crossing and head-on)Lane keeping assistBlind-spot monitoringDriver fatigue monitoringForward collision warningIn-cabin child presence detectionActive cruise controlRear cross-traffic alertAuto emergency callNine airbagsActive bonnetFortified battery packMulti-collision brakeTesla’s standard warranty in Australia is four years/80,000km (including roadside assistance for the duration) with the drive battery covered for eight years/160,000km. Servicing is computer determined so the car will tell you when it's time to visit the workshop. However, Tesla recommends the following maintenance items and intervals:Brake fluid health check every four yearsCabin air filter replacement every two yearsWiper blade replacements every yearClean and lubricate brake calipers every year or 20,000kmRotate tyres every 10,000kmTesla also offers a mobile customer tyre repair service covering puncture repair, tyre replacement and wheel loan.The Tesla Model 3 is 4720mm long, 1848mm wide (excluding mirrors) and 1442mm tall with a 2875mm wheelbase. Boot space is 594 litres with 88L in the ‘frunk’.

After it received Federal Government approval for local sale this week, a Hyundai Australia spokesperson has told CarsGuide its second-generation (NH2) Nexo fuel cell electric SUV is “launching Down Under in 2026”.

It’s one of those under the table automotive dark arts everyone knows is an industry norm but is rarely spoken about publicly.But Xiaomi Founder and CEO Lei Jun hasn’t held back in describing his company’s detailed analysis of the Tesla Model Y during development of the brand’s YU7 EV SUV.This week, while delivering his annual speech at the Beijing National Convention Centre, Mr Jun confirmed the Xiaomi engineering team had acquired not one but three Tesla Model Ys for the express purpose of disassembly and forensic analysis of every component. And it’s a safe bet the Model 3 underwent a similar breakdown process as part of the Xiaomi SU7 sedan’s production program.Showing multiple side-by-side comparison slides of the YU7 and Model Y Mr Jun said, “We bought three Model Ys at the start of this year, disassembling the parts one by one, and studied every component, one at a time.”And in the face of massive supply shortages resulting from a huge order backlog for the recently released YU7, Mr Lei was effusive in his praise for Tesla's top-selling model and encouraged prospective Xiaomi buyers to consider it. “If you don’t choose YU7, you can consider Model Y. I’m not criticizing the Model Y. The Model Y is a very, very outstanding car,” he said.Within 18 hours of the YU7’s mid-year launch, Xiaomi said it had received around 240,000 orders, with the waiting list quickly pushing out to as much as 12 months. On social media Jun has also recommended the Xpeng G7 and Li Auto i8 as worthwhile YU7 alternatives. Already established as a large-scale global consumer electronics maker and software developer (it’s currently the world’s third-largest smartphone manufacturer), Xiaomi unveiled the single- and dual-motor SU7 EV sedan in 2024, with the YU7 SUV following this year.The tri-motor SU7 Ultra, currently the fastest EV around the Nurburgring Nordschleife and claimed to accelerate from 0-100km/h in 2.0 seconds, was recently spotted exiting Ferrari’s Maranello HQ, sparking speculation it’s being benchmarked in the development of the Prancing Horse’s upcoming pure-electric model.And a similarly focused version of the YU7, likely to be called YU7 GT, is expected soon, with a heavily camouflaged version of the car already spotted circulating on the famous German road circuit.   

Chinese Dyson-rival to enter ultra luxury car space.

Chinese auto giant Chery may have kick-started the Chinese push into the Aussie new-car market, but in recent years a slew of other challengers from China have joined it.How’s this for a laundry list of newcomers within the last few years? BYD, Deepal, Foton, Geely, a ramped up GWM Haval, JAC, Jaecoo, LDV, Leapmotor, MG, Omoda, Smart, XPeng and Zeekr, with Aion, Avatr, GAC, Jetour, Lepas, Lynk & Co, Skywell and others waiting in the wings.Phew! Talk about an onslaught… and that’s not even taking into account other arrivals like Cupra from Spain, a reinvigorated Mahindra from India and a reborn Smart from Germany (via China).So, as an established competitor in this market do you adopt a siege mentality, pull the doona over your head and hope it all goes away or embrace the fluidity and look for opportunity in chaos?Clearly Skoda Australia Director Lucie Kuhn is an opportunity seeker because when recently asked about the dynamics of the current market, she told CarsGuide, “The Chinese will be with us. We can’t avoid it.“I think it is obvious that for every OEM in the Australian market right now the situation will be quite challenging. “But it will be for everyone, it’s not only for Skoda. It will also be for the big players a challenge to face mainly an influx from China.“It’s a matter of how you take this topic. Do you perceive it as a threat or an opportunity?” she said.And Kuhn sees Skoda’s relatively small scale as a potential advantage.“When you operate in rather niche volumes the threat of getting somehow harmed is smaller than maybe for the brands that have really significant market share.“The Chinese will grow pretty strong and get their market share; this is obvious. The next three years will be intensive for everyone.” And when asked if the brand’s ‘clever’ positioning still does enough to stand the Czech brand apart with so many new players coming in, her position is clear.“We believe so. I think in (the next three years) we have something to offer, to empower the brand, to increase the awareness, to offer this European value, consistency in products, safety, servicing, the customer experience that is around it. “I am quite sure that we will keep going and growing our sales, as well,” she said. And with a recent product refresh up and down the local Skoda range her confidence appears to be well placed.New products coming into the local Skoda portfolio include the recently launched MY26 Kodiaq (now with a flagship RS version), updated Octavia RS, fourth-gen Superb and the just-arrived Elroq compact EV SUV arriving in tandem with the updated Enyaq medium EV SUV.And soon enough they will be joined by the city-sized Epiq EV SUV and a production version of the large three-row Vision 7S, both confirmed for Australian sale by 2027.

Toyota Australia has released an ‘Aero Performance Package’ option for the flagship GTS grade of its rally-inspired GR Yaris hot hatch.Scheduled to arrive towards the end of this year, the new treatment includes a large duct and grille on the hood to enhance engine cooling, a manually adjustable rear spoiler, a lip spoiler on the nose, fender ducts located between the front wheels and doors as well as ducts on each side of the rear bumper and a new floor undercover to smooth airflow under the car. According to Toyota, design of the new elements has been directly influenced by the brand’s current involvement in the Japanese Rally Championship and Super Taikyu endurance racing, with input from professional driver Kazuya Oshima (who also competes in Super Formula and Super GT categories in Japan).Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations Sean Hanley said the new Aero Performance Package showed how learnings in motorsport fed into the development of Toyota sports cars.“We’ve always said that Toyota Gazoo Racing expertise is used to make ever-better production cars and the GR Yaris GTS Aero Performance Package is clear evidence of just that.“These upgrades make the dynamic GR Yaris even more potent, helping to increase grip, braking and overall performance, while also adding some serious visual flair,” he said.The GR Yaris is powered by a 1.6-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine sending 221kW/400Nm to all four wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox or eight-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s ‘GR-Four’ AWD system. Claimed combined cycle (urban/extra-urban) fuel economy is 8.2L/100km for the manual and 9.1L/100km for the auto. The 50-litre fuel tank should be filled with 98 RON premium fuel.Leather and suede accented heated sports front seatsEight-speaker JBL audio (with digital radio)Climate control air conditioningLeather-trimmed heated steering wheelLED headlights, DRLs & tail-lights12.3-inch digital instrument display8.0-inch multimedia touchscreenSatellite navigationAlloy pedal covers18-inch BBS forged alloy wheelsMichelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres (225/40)High-performance suspensionFront and rear Torsen LSDGlacier WhiteLiquid MercuryTarmac BlackFeverish RedWhile the Toyota Yaris has a maximum five-star ANCAP rating from assessment in 2020, the GR Yaris (which launched in Australia in 2021) is unrated. But standard active and passive safety is comprehensive.Active cruise controlLane Departure AlertPre-Collision Safety SystemRoad Sign AssistLane Trace AssistAuto high beamBlind Spot Monitor & Safe Exit AssistReversing camera (with guidelines)Front & rear parking sensorsRear cross-traffic alertSix airbagsThe Yaris GR is covered by Toyota Australia’s five-year/unlimited km warranty. If your car is serviced on schedule at an authorised Toyota dealer, powertrain cover is extended to seven years. Emergency assistance is included for seven years. Service interval is six months/10,000km with each service costing $310 over the first five years.The GR Yaris is 3995mm long, 1805mm wide and 1455mm tall with a 2560mm wheelbase.

From European airports and Asian defence forces to US retailers and Australian telcos cyber attacks continue to wreak commercial and personal havoc around the globe.

KGM Australia (formerly SsangYong Australia) has received a tick of approval from the Federal Government for the local appearance of a pure-electric version of its Musso dual cab ute.

It might still be two years away from a scheduled appearance in Porsche showrooms but the German maker’s upcoming ‘K1’ upper large SUV has taken a late turn away from pure-electric propulsion to include internal-combustion (ICE) in its powertrain portfolio.