The Chinese utes selling in low numbers in Australia, with 2026 Foton Tunland, MG U9 and LDV T60, among others far behind BYD Shark 6

Diesel utes have been one of the categories hit hardest by rising fuel prices in Australia, compounding an already slowing segment of the market.

Even the best-selling Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux are experiencing sales declines, with month-on-month drops for April.

Ute options have grown substantially in recent times, with the addition of several new Chinese competitors.

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The BYD Shark 6’s success is well-documented, but it is somewhat of an anomaly in a segment where Chinese utes have experienced stuttering sales performances.

One of these utes is the Foton Tunland, which was recorded in sales data for the first time in April, managing 97 registrations for the month.

The Tunland returned to Australia after a more than eight-year absence Down Under, with a starting price of just under $40K, before on-road costs.

The MG U9 is another experiencing a tough sales run, having amassed only 94 units in April and less than 700 units over the course of 2026 so far.

2026 JAC T9

With a drive-away price of $52,990, it is not priced too dissimilarly to the segment leaders like the HiLux and Ranger in the dual-cab category.

JAC’s T9 also continues this trend, mustering only 56 registrations in April, and only 359 sales so far in 2026.

The brand recently released a new cheaper dual-cab chassis ute, starting from $38,990 (before on-road costs) to try and boost its market appeal.

2026 LDV T60

One other Chinese ute falling into a similar category, bucking the wider market trend, is the LDV T60, with just 214 sales in April 2026. This number is better than many of its rivals, but still a decent chunk less than the established pack. It is priced from $45,253 (before on-road costs).

Meanwhile, many Chinese brands are turning to plug-in hybrid power for their ute offerings, with many announcing new models launching before the end of the year.

JAC unveiled its Hunter petrol PHEV ute, which is already open for orders, while the GWM Cannon PHEV will also join the competition soon alongside its larger Cannon Alpha sibling.

Later in the year, Chery will enter the ute race with a first-ever diesel PHEV, as a point of difference to the successful Shark 6.

Whether this flood of hybrid offerings can change the tide for many of these brands remains to be seen.