Articles by Tom White

GWM has confirmed via its Chinese social media channels that its upcoming Ora 5 small SUV will be available not just as a fully electric model, but as a hybrid and with pure-combustion power, too.The small SUV will launch to the Thai market this month with all three powertrains, as opposed to its original all-electric form.Global Ora brand General Manager Lu Wenbin said the Ora 5 needed to “strive to adapt to different energy environments worldwide and cover all usage scenarios.”“We want global users to be able to choose the most suitable car, no matter where they are or how they use it.”He said the 'muliti-power' versions of the Ora 5 would become available in April in China, where the fully electric version has been available for some time.The brand confirmed the plugless hybrid version of the crossover will use a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine paired to a two-speed electrified transmission, with an official fuel consumption figure of 4.5L/100km.Meanwhile, the pure combustion version will be equipped with the familiar combination of a 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo engine and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, as also seen in the Haval Jolion, for example.Australia is a logical next move for the Ora 5, which has been strongly hinted at by GWM’s local division in the past. As it is built in Thailand, it will be available from the get-go in right-hand drive, and GWM already sources the electric Ora hatch from this Thai facility, which used to build the Holden Colorado for Australia before it was bought by GWM and re-tooled.It is unclear if the brand will take the plugless hybrid version in Australia, although it has previously told CarsGuide it would primarily need to expand on its fully electric or plug-in offerings to stay ahead of its targets according to Australia’s strict New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES).When queried, a representative for GWM Australia said the Ora 5 was still under consideration for Australia, and that "whilst Ora represents EV for GWM today, this is likely to evolve as new powertrains become available."While the Ora 5 shares its styling language with the smaller Ora hatch, it rides on a more modern ‘GWM One’ platform, which supports multiple powertrain options, as well as the brand’s latest ‘Coffee 3.0’ in-car software.This is hosted on a 15.6-inch central multimedia screen, and unlike the current Ora hatch, the Ora 5 features the latest switchgear on the inside, like a similar steering wheel to the new Haval range and a column mounted shifter to free up space in the centre console.The brand is targeting a five per cent lower purchase cost and 15 per cent lower running costs for the Ora 5 compared to its competitors.  Ora was originally GWM’s fully-electric brand, with its Cannon and Tank 4x4 brands focusing on a mix of combustion and hybrid power while maintaining their off-road abilities, and its Wey luxury arm focusing primarily on plug-in hybrids.The shift to hybridisation mirrors the moves of many other large car brands the world over, as electric vehicles reach either a point of saturation or limited demand in some markets.GWM is plotting a massive expansion of the Ora brand as it seeks to trim its emissions and expand on its range of cost-sensitive offerings, as well as compete better with other strong export brands like Chery and BYD. According to presentation slides the brand has shown in the past, the Ora 5 is set to be followed up by at least four more models, including two more small cars, a larger SUV and a city-sized vehicle.Stay tuned for more on GWM’s expansion plans over the course of 2026 imminently. While the Chinese juggernaut had a hard-fought top position amongst Chinese brands in Australia, it has been overtaken by BYD in the first few months of 2026 as its rival’s line-up expands.

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New reports out of the US say Hyundai and Kia may be forced to significantly reduce their EV footprint as volatile trade winds bite.According to industry source Automotive News, the upcoming and heavily updated Ioniq 6 will be forced to be offered in just one variant, the Ioniq 6 N, as opposed to an expanded line-up.Conversely, Kia has been forced to indefinitely shelve its performance-oriented EV6 GT and EV9 GT, at least for the US market.This is because the Korean-built models will fail to be competitive enough in light of the US administration’s continued tariffs, which would add significant costs to the models once delivered in the USA. Models built locally, like the rest of the EV6 and EV9 range would not be affected.When contacted for potential impacts for Australian production, a Hyundai Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide its plan to launch the Ioniq 6 N would proceed as planned toward the end of April this year, and while the brand was considering further additions to the line-up, it was too early to say whether these plans would be impacted by tariff movements at HQ.Meanwhile, a Kia Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide that as it stands right now supply of the EV6 GT and EV9 GT would continue for the Australian market, and would remain unaffected by tariffs overseas.Locally, the range-topping Kia EV9 GT costs $129,250 before on-road costs, while the EV6 GT starts from $99,660 before on-road costs.Interestingly both brands also said at this stage they would not be affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, as vehicles sourced by each brand did not pass through the region for the Australian market.It seems a case of right-hand drive production insulating both automakers from wider impacts to the left-hand drive market, which is largely determined by demand coming out of either the USA or China.However, many other automakers will continue to pull back on EV plans due to the removal of subsidies in the US, and rising demand for hybrids the world over.Volkswagen for example is pivoting to range-extender hybrids in China and the US, where the tech will underpin its just-launched ID.9X large SUV, and its new range of big ladder frame 4x4s from rebooted Scout Motors.Meanwhile a range of Chinese brands, like MG’s IM luxury arm, Leapmotor, Geely, and Deepal are all rolling out range-extended hybrid powertrains across their range.Hyundai Group itself will invest in the tech, with executives frequently hinting the brand will pivot to a range-extender set-up for the highly anticipated Hyundai Ute, as a significant point of difference from its Kia Tasman cousin.While it is yet to be confirmed, it seems to be a logical next step for the brand, as many brands are betting on hybrid technology for the future of larger models in big left-hand drive markets like the US and China.Despite headwinds, Hyundai is also one of the few automakers standing by its hydrogen plans. Many are shying away from the potential diesel-replacing technology due to its massive upfront technology costs in a challenging financial environment.Stay tuned on more of both Hyundai and Kia’s plans in 2026 as they defend their hard-fought sales position in Australia from the meteoric growth of Chinese rivals like BYD, Chery, and GWM.

Volkswagen Group’s rebooted Scout Motors has generated a massive amount of interest since it opened pre-orders in its North American launch market, garnering over 160,000 reservations.This is according to a VW Group executive, who also said the brand’s greatest success was pivoting to range-extender hybrid technology. The hybrid versions of the Scout range made up 87 per cent of pre-orders.Scout, which from the 1959 through to the 1980s was the lead product of American engineering company International Harvester’s passenger vehicle line as a domestic rival to the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. It has maintained a cult following since as an iconic 4x4.Volkswagen Group acquired the rights to the Scout name in 2021 and announced it would launch a new model line of rugged off-roaders, including the Terra American-style pick-up truck, and the Traveler SUV.At 5821mm long, 2029mm wide, and 1974mm tall, the Scout Terra is firmly in the domain of American-sized pick-ups rather than dual-cab utes, looking to shake up the Detroit hegemony of the Ford F150, Ram 1500, and Chevrolet Silverado.Scout has promised entry prices starting under the equivalent of A$85,000 at launch in the US, although the official arrival date has been pushed back until 2028 as the order banks build up.Originally billed as an EV like the Rivian R1T, Volkswagen’s pivot to a range-extender-style hybrid system with dual electric motors on each axle and no mechanical connection between the engine and the wheels has clearly been well received based on the pre-order figures.Details on this powertrain are yet to be revealed, although Volkswagen’s recent pivot to range-extender hardware for its Chinese line-up may give us a clue.The brand recently launched its new flagship SUV in China, the ID.Era 9X, which also uses a range-extender hybrid powertrain. This consists of an updated version of VW Group’s long-serving EA211 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine. It produces 105kW, supporting a 51.1kWh battery pack and either a 220kW motor in the rear-wheel drive version, or dual electric motors in the all-wheel drive version with a combined output of 380kW.Interestingly though, the Scout system looks to be even more powerful, with the brand claiming its dual electric motor set-up will have in excess of 1000Nm of torque, and its electrical architecture will be an 800-volt set-up. Combined range for the range-extender variants is plotted to be nearly 1000km.As for Scout’s chances for an Australian launch? It’s possible, but likely not imminent. The brand’s local executives told Australian media in 2025 that the Scout brand would make a good fit for our market and its desire for hybrid 4x4s with body-on-frame construction.However, with the amount of pre-orders for left-hand drive markets in the US and Canada, it is doubtful right-hand drive markets like Australia will be prioritised before the end of the decade.

BYD has officially thrown the covers off of its upcoming flagship hybrid SUV via its Chinese social media channels.Previously known as the Dynasty D in pre-reveal form, and suspected to be called the Tang 9 since then, the large SUV, which BYD dubs the ‘Great Tang’ is well over five meters long and competes in an emerging luxury large SUV battleground.Not only will the new SUV be BYD’s largest new car (even larger than the LandCruiser-rivalling Denza B8), but it will also use the company’s new 'Super e' platform which supports a 1000-volt architecture with charging speed targeting 1MW to match the brand’s new ultra-fast charging stacks.While no further spec details of the flagship SUV were revealed, the brand recently told Chinese media its launch would be delayed until the second quarter of 2026 as the company moves to make improvements to ensure its offering is better than its competitors in this emerging Chinese luxury large SUV space.It was spotted in pre-production form recently wearing a 4.9S badge, which in BYD parlance usually indicates the 0-100km/h sprint speed. Some specs, revealed thanks to the vehicle’s filing with the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, indicate that it will weigh nearly three tonnes and offer a seven-seat configuration.It will offer either a single motor RWD version with a 300kW output, or a dual-motor version offering a 370kW rear motor and a 215kW front motor.Other features include either 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels, a panoramic sunroof, and the option of air suspension. At this stage it is unclear if BYD will take this flagship offering in Australia, or whether it will leave space for its Denza luxury arm. Chinese media is speculating the Great Tang will cost in excess of A$90,000 in China, which would put this SUV in significant overlap with Denza’s local offerings.In China, the Great Tang will face off against some much-hyped competition like the Zeekr 9X, IM LS9, Leapmotor D16, and the upcoming GWM flagship SUV. All of which are over five-meters long and are plotted to be luxury flagships.Locally, BYD will continue to launch a flurry of new models into the Australian market as it targets at least one car in every segment in order to compete with Toyota.Stay tuned for more on BYD’s plans in Australia later this year.

LDV’s Chinese domestic division, known as Maxus, has revealed a deeply upgraded version of its budget-oriented T60 ute.The new version of the T60 appears to be a deep facelift, maintaining the same chassis and core components, but introducing a completely re-styled front and rear, with a tougher and more contemporary overall vibe.Interestingly, the old 2.0-litre twin-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine, which was notable for being one of the most powerful in its class with 160kW/500Nm, has been replaced by the brand’s new 2.5-litre single-turbo diesel which is found in the new larger Terron 9 dual-cab.This engine produces 163kW/520Nm and, at least in the case of the Terron 9, is mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic transmission with a four-wheel-drive system and low-range transfer case.It is offered with two cargo box sizes, either 1485mm or 1800mm long.Interestingly, the old-style T60 also continues in China as a budget-oriented workhorse option, featuring a 2.0-litre single-turbo diesel engine producing 100kW/350Nm, with upgrades to this model for 2026 including a re-ratioed rear axle. It features a six-speed manual also mated to a 4x4 system with an auto-locking rear differential.While the T60 Max continues to be offered in Australia, its sales dropped significantly in 2025, with the once-popular budget option finishing 31.8 per cent down for the year with 4301 units sold.While it received several important upgrades in 2024, it is facing tough competition from the likes of the GWM Cannon, JAC’s new T9, and defending segment stalwart, the KGM Musso.LDV’s local importer, Ateco, intends to continue selling the T60 for now alongside the new Terron 9, but it's unclear if it will introduce further updates like this one. The importer has been approached for comment.Australia’s ute segment is being shaken up by aggressive new offerings from China. This doesn’t just include the aforementioned budget players, but also the overdue introduction of electrification technology to the space.BYD’s Shark 6 plug-in hybrid has made a significant impact on the stale segment, luring buyers looking for something with lower fuel consumption.It managed an incredible 18,073 sales in 2025, more than the Mitsubishi Triton, Nissan Navara, or Mazda BT-50 in a massive warning sign for traditional players.Now more brands are turning their focus to their segment to defend their position. GWM has introduced its plug-in hybrid Cannon Alpha, while Nissan is looking into the possibility of offering its China-built Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid as a potential low-emissions option to sell alongside its recently-launched Triton-based new-generation Navara.Meanwhile, both Toyota and Isuzu are pitching fully electric versions of their current strong-selling dual cabs in the HiLux and D-Max respectively.

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Nissan’s Pathfinder large SUV will return to its 4x4 roots after years as a more plush family-oriented model, as part of a new-generation overhaul before the end of the decade.Industry publication Automotive News has reported sources familiar with the program have claimed the Pathfinder nameplate will be split in two, with an updated version of the current car co-existing with a new version, which will return to a more hardcore ladder-frame chassis.The Pathfinder nameplate has a history of dipping in and out of ladder-frame construction, with the first-generation version in 1985 being body-on-frame, the second-generation in 1995 being monocoque, then returning to a ladder frame shared with the Navara in 2004 for the third-generation.Since then, the fourth and current fifth-generation vehicles have been on a monocoque chassis, positioned as the brand’s three-row rival to the likes of the Toyota Kluger, Hyundai Santa Fe and Kia Sorento.According to the Automotive News report, the upcoming ladder-frame Pathfinder will share its underpinnings with the revived US-market Xterra off-roader and next-generation Frontier ute, both of which are expected to feature a petrol V6 engine to go with their 4x4 hardware.The updated monocoque Pathfinder and its ladder-frame alternative are expected to launch around 2029 as a two-prong large SUV offering from the brand.As this plan seems specifically targeted at reviving Nissan’s ailing fortunes in the US, it raises questions of the future of the Pathfinder nameplate for Australia.Two competing factors may affect it. Firstly, current US policy to stimulate vehicle exports has forced Nissan to consider exporting currently left-hand-drive only vehicles from America to Japan, which would necessitate right-hand-drive conversion, and therefore make them theoretically available to Australia, too.On the other hand, Australia’s recently-implemented New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) which closes the vice on high-emitting engines (like a petrol V6) under threat of fines, would seem to rule out or limit the appeal of importing US models with V6 engines, such as the Pathfinder or US-market Frontier.The second factor is Nissan’s increasing Chinese presence. Its joint-ventures are producing models that could be essential additions to its line-up locally, both from an emissions and sales potential stand-point. The company’s Australian division has expressed interest in the Chinese-built Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid ute as part of a similar two-prong ute strategy, with the Chinese model serving as a BYD Shark 6 or GWM Cannon Alpha rival, and the Mitsubishi Triton-based version serving as a traditional diesel workhorse.The US-built Pathfinder has struggled for sales in Australia against stiff competition.While it was up 40 per cent year-on-year by the end of 2025, it amassed just 732 units which pales in comparison to rivals like the Toyota Kluger (8098 units), Mazda CX-80 (3851 units), Kia Sorento (8745 units) and Hyundai Santa Fe (6264 units).Nissan’s Australian sales dropped 21.6 per cent over the course of 2025 as buyers turn to more keenly priced and largely hybrid-powered competitors as well as more affordable new arrivals from China.The Australian situation is not unique and Nissan has promised a wide-ranging turn-around strategy dubbed Re:Nissan, which involves leaning more heavily into its Chinese and US manufacturing, renegotiatiating its alliance with Renault, reorienting its entire model line-up and closing underperforming factories.