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GWM Australia has released pricing and detailed specifications for new 3.0-litre turbo-diesel powered versions of its Cannon Alpha dual cab ute and three-row Tank 500 SUV.And the Chinese brand is clearly determined to upset the established order amongst competitors for both models with aggressive price positioning and a value-focused list of included features accompanying their enhanced powertrain performance.Close to two years ago the petrol-electric BYD Shark 6 offered an instantly popular hybrid ute alternative and Chery’s soon-to-arrive Stockman will offer diesel-electric hybrid power.But while those newcomers have been thinking outside the box, GWM has stayed squarely within it, launching its all-new 170kW/620Nm 3.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine as a shot across the bows of the market-leading Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and Isuzu D-Max.In a launch statement, GWM said, “The message is simple: Australians still want diesel power, and GWM is giving them more of what they want, for less.“Both models will be priced thousands of dollars below comparable competitors, delivering a level of performance, specification and value designed to challenge the established market leaders,” it said.And it’s worth noting GWM is running with an introductory offer of a $2000 drive-away cash bonus or $2000 fuel card on these models until October 30, 2026.GWM is keen to highlight local development work to optimise the new engine’s performance, led by the brand’s Lead Product Dynamics and Integration Manager, Rob Trubiani.In fact, GWM said Australian and Chinese engineering teams have put the vehicles through “an extensive development program focused on optimising performance, refinement and durability for Australian drivers, including ride and handling, engine and transmission calibration, towing performance and software.”The 3.0-litre four produces 26 per cent more power (+35kW) and 29 per cent more torque (+140Nm) than the 2.4-litre turbo-diesel in supersedes. But despite the higher outputs, GWM is claiming combined cycle fuel efficiency of 7.3L/100km for the Cannon Alpha (substantially lower than the 2.4L’s 8.9L/100km) and 7.1L/100km for the Tank 500.Braked trailer towing capacity is 3500kg for both models (up from 3000kg for the Tank 500)  Confirming the pricing and spec details, GWM Australia Chief Operating Officer John Kett said, “When you look at the Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 against the established volume players in their respective segments, the difference is clear. “We’re offering a higher level of standard specification, more performance and more technology, while asking customers to pay thousands of dollars less.“That is a proposition we believe Australian customers will find very compelling,” he said.Coffee OS (intelligent cockpit system)14.6-inch central touchscreen (up from 12.3-inch)12.3-inch colour digital instrument clusterWireless Apple CarPlay and Android AutoGWM App (vehicle status and selected functions controlled via smartphone)Full ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) suite18-inch alloy wheelsSide stepsRoof railsAuto LED headlights with DRL + electric levellingLED tail-lightsFront grille – chromePower fold exterior mirrorsKeyless entryRear privacy glassOne piece tailgateSpray on tub linerFull-size spare (steel)Synthetic leather trimPower front seatsDual-zone climate controlSix-speaker audioAdaptive cruise controlSeven airbagsBlack styling treatmentFront diff lockPanoramic sunroofFull-size alloy spare60/40 split tailgateNappa leather accented trimHeated and cooled front seats (with massage)Head-up display10-speaker audioFront and rear diff locksLow-range transfer caseAll-terrain mode selection18-inch alloy wheelsElectric sunroofSynthetic leather trimPower front seatsDual-zone climate controlAmbient lighting (seven-colour)Eight-speaker audioBlack styling treatmentNappa leather accented trimHeated and cooled front seats (with massage)Head-up displayAmbient lighting (64-colour)Heated steering wheel12-speaker audioActive noise cancellingPre-orders for the GWM Cannon Alpha and Tank 500 3.0-litre turbo-diesel models are open now with cars scheduled to arrive in dealerships from mid-September.

Mahindra has globally revealed its latest ute ahead of a launch in its domestic market in April 2027.Dubbed the Mahindra Lifestyler for export markets, the name is a departure from Pik-Up that had been used on the previous-generation model that dates back to 2006. It will be called the Scorpio Lifestyler in India.This new dual-cab ute is aimed at export markets, including not only Australia and New Zealand, but also South Africa, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America.It will go up against top-selling rivals the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Isuzu D-Max, Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan Navara, among others.At this stage Mahindra hasn’t confirmed Australian launch timing of the Lifestyler, but it’s expected that export market launches will follow after the Indian launch in April 2027.Mahindra hasn’t provided many details about the Lifestyler just yet, however it’s confirmed to have a new-generation body-on-frame architecture. It’s understood this is shared with the current Scorpio SUV.It’s unclear what will be under the bonnet just yet, but given componentry is expected to be shared with the Scorpio, a 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, six-speed automatic and part-time four-wheel drive is likely.In other markets the Scorpio is also offered with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive, but it’s unclear whether these will be offered in the Lifestyler.At its reveal the Indian carmaker chose to show off the Lifestyler in three different versions, including the Valley Edition, Reef Edition and Trail Edition. All show different ways this ute can be set-up with functional or aesthetic accessories.Mahindra hasn’t revealed any photographs of the Lifestyler’s interior yet, it published some computer-generated imagery that gives us a clear indication of what to expect.The centrepiece of the cabin is a new vertically oriented touchscreen multimedia system with a bank of physical buttons for the climate control underneath. It’s very reminiscent of the current Ford Ranger.Other interior notes include a digital instrument cluster, a squared-off steering wheel with prominent buttons, scroll wheels and switches, as well as an electric park brake and large drive mode dial.At this stage Mahindra Automotive Australia hasn’t confirmed specific launch timing for the new Lifestyler yet.It will launch in India in April 2027 with a starting price under 1.98 million Indian Rupee (~A$29,300). This makes it 610,000 Indian Rupee (~A$9000) higher than the entry-level Scorpio in the domestic market.Australian pricing hasn’t been confirmed yet, however it’s expected to be more expensive than the Indian-specification model and will likely come with more equipment as standard. The most affordable Scorpio is currently $43,990 drive-away in Australia.The international launches of the Mahindra Lifestyler are expected to be staggered after the Indian launch, however Australia has been identified as a key export market for the ute.

Chery has confirmed its all-new Stockman ute will arrive later this year with all the “bells and whistles” but has revealed to CarsGuide plans for a more work-focused variant to target the tradie audience.Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris has laid out the plan for the initial Stockman offerings, ruling out plans for a single cab variant with the new ute set to stick with a dual-cab design for the foreseeable future.“ So the launch model will be all of the bells and whistles,” Harris confirmed.“And then early next year we would look at introducing a lower tier variant to try and make it more accessible. “At this stage won't do a cab chassis. We'll look at potentially doing a flat deck tray. It's more straightforward from a homologation point of view. So basically just a flat tray with no sides on it.”He added: “We’ll focus on more of a conventional bed, which has been designed to be easily removable. So if people want to pull it off they can.” While single-cab, cab chassis utes are popular for many trade and fleet buyers, Harris indicated it would be too complicated and expensive for Chery to create too many variations of the Stockman. But he was adamant that, despite launching in a high-level trim, it will not be simply a ‘lifestyle’ ute and there is already interest from potential fleet buyers.“There is but if we want to capture any of the fleet volume, I think we'll need to go down and have that offering,” he said, referencing the customisable tray back.“We've had a huge amount of inquiry from fleets. I think we're just shy of 80 fleets who have put their names down for a demo. So you know, largely driven, I think, out of that plug-in hybrid diesel is a very unique option and can solve a lot of problems.” As previously reported, Chery will give the Stockman a unique edge against its extensive list of ute rivals by offering it with first-in-class diesel plug-in hybrid powertrain, as well as a a petrol-engined plug-in hybrid.Harris also explained the role of Premcar, the Melbourne-based engineering firm, in the development of the Stockman. Premcar, which has worked on the Nissan Navara ‘Warrior’ program, can trace its origins back to the Ford Performance Vehicles (FPV) days, where it established its local expertise and reputation.“ It's not the first time that we've worked with Premcar,” Harris said.“So we know them… Premcar is very well-known and very experienced around our market and what's required. And, I know they're quite famous for what they did with the Warrior, and some stuff with FPV, in the old days."But actually it does a huge amount of engineering and development work outside of that stuff with carmakers all around the world, and sometimes not even just for Australia, for other markets."So they're very experienced guys. It's good for us to be able to use a local company which understands our customers and understands the way customers in Australia think. So what better partner could you find to give you very candid and unfiltered feedback about what they like and what they don't,” said Harris.However, Premcar’s involvement is noteworthy as Harris has previously dismissed the need for a local ride and handling program to tailor the suspension and chassis to Australian conditions, but the Stockman appears to be a different case.“ So for this particular project they're doing assessment and validation across many different aspects of the vehicle and many different driving situations,” he said.“So it's not just off-road, but it's also on-road performance, and they'll give feedback on ride and handling and how the infotainment system works, and NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) and how the ADAS (advanced driver assist systems) works. So they'll give feedback on the whole vehicle across all those various systems and all different scenarios.”The Stockman is due to launch in the fourth quarter of 2026, when full pricing and technical specifications for both powertrains will be announced.

Another Chinese brand is coming to Australia, and it spells bad news for one local favourite.Changan Automotive has gone on a hiring spree in Australia, with several job ads appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under.It is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, and is of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG.Changan is also state-owned and has a range of brands that will be familiar to Australians.It launched the Deepal brand via local distributor Inchcape in 2025 and has joint ventures with several carmakers.The arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and incoming CX-6e SUV.These vehicles use Changan’s platforms, but have been styled and tweaked by Mazda.Changan versions of the vehicles would be expected to be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia.Changan also has the more tech-focused Avatr brand in its stable.There is no timeline yet for when Changan will launch, but it appears to be quite advanced with its hirings. This points to a likely early 2027 launch date.Changan has given no insight into what vehicles might be brought to Australia, but we can look to the UK for some ideas.The company confirmed it would be selling the small E06 electric SUV in the UK, a fellow right-hand drive market.It is related to the Deepal S05 compact electric SUV and a future Mazda spin-off, which are slated for an Australian launch.The company also sells utes in South Africa, including the range-extender hybrid dual cab called the Hunter K50. It would likely be called simply the K50 in Australia as Hunter is already used by JAC. Changan has also trademarked the K50 name here.There is also its range of Nevo branded vehicles, which includes a range of extended range hybrids and electric cars in several sedan and SUV sizes.More information will come to light once Changan officially confirms its arrival to Australia.

Toyota's new and smaller ute won't be the HiLux Champ we've seen in Asian markets, but will instead be a new car-based tray-back designed to take on models like the Ford Maverick.That's the news out of the USA, where a new Toyota patent has at last shed light on what to expect from the incoming baby HiLux.The patent is for a new ute-like suspension mounting for a monocoque chassis, which suggests the brand is devising ways to ensure its car-based ute still delivers on capability.Unlike car suspension, which isn't designed to take heavy loads, Toyota has designed a mounting system that spreads the load in the tray. Billed as a "strainer", the system distributes the load in the tray to balance out the weight, while structural changes to the sheet metal and to the components in the suspension further beef up their capability. It's the surest sign yet that Toyota's baby HiLux is coming, and Toyota in Australia already has its hand up for it. While the Champ has been ruled out as non-compliant with Australia's standards, this new and more modern ute could be right on the money.Currently codenamed Project 150D, the new ute is reportedly being readied for a launch in Brazil in the first half of 2027. When it does, the ute will debut Toyota's first tray-backed plug-in hybrid powertrain, using a system taken from the Prius.That would pair a 2.0-litre petrol engine with two electric motors for a total system output of 166kW, while the e-CVT is joined by a second electric motor to enable eFour all-wheel drive.Asked if the Project 150D was made globally available, Toyota Australia would have its hand up for it, Ray Munday, Senior Manager Product Planning and Pricing at Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, replied: "We'd certainly look into it"."If it was the right product at the right price, we believe there is some demand for that here. But it's always got to be about the right product at the right price. Otherwise, it won't be successful," he said.

Australia’s best-selling car for the past three years has been recalled for a potentially faulty airbag.Ford has recalled almost 14,000 Ranger utes built between November 2025 and July 2026.Only about 8000 of the vehicles have been delivered to customers with the remaining circa-6000 still to be handed over to buyers and will be fixed before being delivered.The company announced the voluntary recall because in the event of a crash, “it may be possible that the side curtain airbags interact with the B-pillar trim during inflation and not deploy as intended”.“If there is interaction during deployment, the B-pillar ramp may detach, increasing the risk of injury to occupants,” a spokesperson said.Ford Australia said it wasn’t aware of any incidents in Australia and said it found out about the issue during routine testing.Ford said customers can continue to use their vehicles in the meantime, and all other airbags will deploy as intended.Affected customers will be contacted by Ford Australia with further instructions.Ford said a fix won’t be ready until mid-September when customers will be urged to organise a repair with their local dealership free of charge.Customers can check if their vehicle is affected by entering their VIN on the Ford Australia Recall and Service Action page at www.ford.com.au/support/recalls/.  Customers can also contact an authorised Ford Dealer or Ford Australia’s Customer Relationship Centre on 13 36 73.This is the 17th recall by Ford this year already and the sixth affecting the Ford Ranger.The Blue Oval has routinely been one of the most recalled brands in Australia, despite a smaller model line-up than most brands.Ford globally has been dealing with quality issues with the brand’s boss Jim Farley quite vocal on the issue.The company set a recall record in the US in 2025. In 2023 Ford reportedly spent US$4.8 billion ($6.8b) on fixing customer vehicles.

2026 has been a watershed year for new vehicle sales in Australia, with the tsunami of new challenger brands from China continuing to pound our shores with full-force.It’s upset the established order on the industry leaderboard, with BYD (up 115 per cent) charging into second spot through the end of July, and sending a shudder through the hallowed halls of traditional number one, Toyota Australia, and unceremoniously relegating Ford to the third step of the podium.The rapid rise of Chery (up 71.3 per cent) and GWM (up 16.6 per cent YTD) has meant former high-ranking top 10 regulars Mazda and Hyundai have been shuffled down the order, with Mitsubishi hanging on by the skin of its teeth in tenth. A resurgent Tesla (up 88.3 per cent) sits in ninth spot, but Nissan (-33.7 per cent) and Subaru (-26.2 per cent) are out of the top 10 picture altogether.Question is, what does this furious churn of customers mean for overall sales? Is the market likely to expand, or given its historical stability, come in close to previous years?If it’s the latter, the financial writing could be on the wall for those legacy brands losing market share to newcomers offering fancy, typically electrified models full of bells and whistles at aggressive price points.So, let's start at the top. After a faltering start to the year marked by supply shortfalls of the in-demand RAV4 and HiLux, Toyota looks to be in the midst of staging a monumental comeback.RAV4 is still down over 25 per cent compared to the same point in 2025 and HiLux is close to 12 per cent behind, but in early June, Toyota Australia announced it had secured an additional 10,000 vehicles for 2026.And since then, the company said it has “worked closely with its global partners to secure further stock to help satisfy strong demand”. In fact, Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas has said, "Increased supply of key models including HiLux, RAV4, Corolla Cross and bZ4X would play a key role in Toyota passing the 230,000 sales target for 2026.”It’s worth noting Toyota was the leader in 2025 with 239,863 sales, representing approximately 19.8 per cent of the total market.Which means normal programming is set to resume in terms of Toyota’s numbers and the Japanese giant’s first place positioning.But what about that cheeky upstart, BYD, riding high on the back of continued demand for its Shark 6 petrol-electric hybrid ute and the surging popularity of its Sealion 7 medium EV SUV.In fact everything from the new Atto 1 light electric hatch and Atto 2 compact EV SUV to the Sealion 5 and Sealion 8 SUVs are firing.In terms of a 2026 prediction, all BYD has said is it “would like to be in the top three by the end of the year.” We’d suggest that’ll mean a number in excess of 80,000 units and with 2025 second and third place finishers Ford and Mazda down 10.8 and 16.7 per cent, respectively so far this year, BYD’s aspiration looks well within reach. A total of 103,656 new vehicles were registered in Australia in July this year, which represents a modest 0.5 per cent increase over the same month last year (103,097 units) with the overall year-to-date number down just 0.2 per cent (710,449 vs 711,908 units).So, all this moving and shaking in the sales order clearly isn’t shifting the needle in terms of overall sales. One brand’s loss is another brand’s gain.The sales trend and numbers as they stand for 2026 so far point towards a year-end figure in the vicinity of 1.22 million units, which would be only fractionally up on the 1.21 million cars sold here last year.Economics 101 says in a mature, stable market that’s invaded by a host of new competitors, something’s got to give.Not every brand will get out of the Aussie new car sales race alive and the winners and losers over the next five months will be a telling pointer to which brands, new and not-so-new, are potentially heading towards the departure lounge longer-term.       Source: VFacts / Electric Vehicle Council 

Volkswagen has put a new ute model on the agenda. A report in Reuters suggests the brand is turning its attention to the hugely popular full-size pick-up market in the US for its next move.Cheaper Chinese competition and US tariffs have slashed VW's profit margins, which are said to have halved between 2021 and 2025.VW has taken drastic measures in response, and will halve its line-up, with up to 75 models on the chopping block to reduce the brand’s overall production capacity.This is some of the first news of how VW's revamped line-up could shape up over the next few years.VW is said to view full-size pick-ups and large SUVs as high-growth segments, with full-size pick-ups the best-selling type of car over in the US.There are also virtually no Chinese cars in the US as they are effectively banned, giving VW a chance to more easily claim market share.A large ute would further diversify VW’s line-up, complementing the smaller Amarok.The brand is eager to seize on the success of hugely popular models like the Ford F-150, Chevrolet Silverado and Ram 1500.There are no firm details on what VW’s new ute will look like, nor on its powertrain, with it still in the preliminary stages of development.It will be built in the US like the rest of its competition, but it seems unlikely Volkswagen will produce the model on its own.There are rumours VW will team-up with Ford, whose F-150 pick-up is the best-selling car in the US. VW teamed-up with Ford on the current mid-sized Amarok ute, using the same platform, engines and chassis as the Blue Oval's Ranger.This means VW's full-size pick-up could use V6 or V8 engines out of the F-150.VW plans to launch its new ute in the US before the end of the decade, but global export seems doubtful at this stage.It will only be built in left-hand drive, so if it did come to Australia, it would likely be subjected to an extensive remanufacturing process like its rivals.Australia’s stringent CO2 restrictions under the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard could be a stumbling block, with any V6 and V8 engines incurring fines for VW. Expect more concrete information next year, but VW Australia has been contacted for comment for an update.

GWM is rolling out its new 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine imminently in Australia, but it’s already exploring electrification to further reduce emissions in the future.This electrified 3.0-litre diesel engine may take the form of either a hybrid or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or both.It is expected to launch locally around 2028 to offset tightening emissions standards.“Fuel consumption has a direct relation to emissions, and we've been able to get low enough to pass the current emission standard without needing AdBlue,” said GWM ANZ Product Planning Manager Timothy Leong to CarsGuide.“In about 2028, that's when it's going to change. But even then, we haven't decided whether it's AdBlue or hybrid or what other technology we might be putting in.”It’s understood GWM is working on more diesel hybrids and PHEVs beyond the ones based on the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel.This likely includes electrified versions of GWM’s existing 2.0-litre and 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engines.It’s understood these electrified diesel engines will be used in body-on-frame vehicles in both the Hi4-T and Hi4-Z PHEV configurations. The former is more off-road focused and retains a mechanical four-wheel drive system, while the latter is more on-road focused motor and prioritises electric performance.The GWM Cannon Alpha, Tank 500 and Tank 300 are already offered with both Hi4-T and Hi-4Z petrol-electric set-ups globally. Only the Hi4-T versions are offered in Australia.It’s understood these future electrified diesel engines may be used in a transverse orientation in other two-wheel drive vehicles across GWM’s line-up.It appears the main reason why GWM is exploring electrified diesel engines is to further reduce CO2 and NOx emissions.The forthcoming GWM Tank 500 and Cannon Alpha with the regular 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine are claimed to consume 7.1L/100km and 7.3L/100km, respectively, according to ADR 81/02 testing.Claimed CO2 and NOx emissions figures for the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine haven’t been published yet.Another potential benefit GWM may be targeting with its electrified diesel engines is additional performance. Electric motors are known for producing peak torque from a standstill and this may improve initial acceleration and low-speed response.GWM won’t be the only carmaker to be offering electrified diesel engines if it does roll them out in 2028.Chery is launching the Stockman dual-cab ute in Australia before the end of 2026 with a 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel PHEV. It’s claimed to have total system outputs of 350kW and 800Nm and offer up to 100km of NEDC-claimed electric range.A petrol-electric PHEV version of the Stockman will follow and will rival the BYD Shark 6, GWM Cannon Alpha Hi4-T PHEV and Ford Ranger Hybrid.Audi, BMW, Mazda and Mercedes-Benz, among others, currently offer diesel mild-hybrid powertrains.Mercedes-Benz does offer diesel PHEV powertrains globally in a number of models, but none have ever been offered in Australia.

Chery’s comeback from zero to hero in Australia is truly remarkable, but what has been the secret to its second-time lucky success?  Did Chery stumble onto a genie’s lamp while it was lost in the wilderness and wish for sales success? Because somewhere between 2015 and 2026 the car company, which left Australia with a reputation for low-quality, unsafe vehicles, returned a decade later with a line-up of outstanding cars that have won over Australia.Australian sales until the end of July show Chery to be the eighth best-selling car brand in Australia, with 29,579 vehicles sold. The Tiggo 4 small SUV was the fifth most popular car in Australia last month.This means Chery has overtaken mainstream brands such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, Volkswagen, Honda and Subaru. It is even starting to creep into the Mazda (currently on 46,960), Hyundai (45,581) and Kia (48,399) bracket.Chery will get even closer to these brands, as they are losing sales and Chery’s market share is increasing. And its ute hasn’t even arrived.When the Chery Stockman arrives it won’t just be another ute, it’ll likely have the same success as BYD’s Shark 6 because it’ll offer the benefit of being a plug-in hybrid (PHEV). The edge the Stockman will have over the Shark 6 is it’ll be a diesel PHEV, not a petrol, which will make it popular for off-road use and towing. The addition of Stockman will increase Chery’s sales by at least 1000 per month. Whether it catches Hyundai, Kia and Mazda before the end of the year is yet to be seen, but Chery has come from a lot further back.This time last year Chery had sold only 17,272 cars, and the current year-to-date sales represent a doubling in market share to 4.2 per cent.Toyota is the final boss of the Australian car market and its year-to-date sales of 115,550 make everybody else’s results seem minuscule, even BYD that has reached 60,192. Chery is probably not gunning for the top spot right now, unless that was specifically wished for when it found the magic lamp.For Chery to even reach where it is today in the three years since it returned to Australia in 2023, with one car and no sales in almost a decade seems nothing short of magical.The truth is Chery’s stellar comeback is down to five factors: elevating quality perception through design but keeping retail pricing low; hiring outside automotive designers and engineers from European, United States and Korean car companies; investing big in next-gen electric and hybrid platforms, and mostly important and the reason for all of this - focussing on exports.That’s it! Oh, and just add excellent timing and money, lots of money.The importance of Chery’s export focus can’t be overstated. Exports bankroll the business. Not a lot of profit is made in Chery’s local Chinese market, while bigger than our Australian brains can comprehend, it’s so cut-throat that vehicle manufacturers are struggling to make a decent profit. So ruthless was the price war that in February this year the Chinese government banned car makers from selling below production cost, which they had been doing just to compete with each other. The stomach was eating itself.Chery realised this and put most of its energy into exports and this meant lifting the quality to a standard oversea markets had become accustomed to set by Japanese car makers such as Toyota, Honda and Mazda.This meant hiring designers and engineers from outside China, senior executives from European, Korean, Japanese and American car companies    Steve Eum, Korean born but raised in the United States, is now Chery’s Vice President and General Manager of Global Design having worked for Kia, Hyundai, General Motors and even Ford where he was based in Australia and worked on the Falcon.Eum succeeded Kevin Rice, who had worked on the MX-5 and helped develop the BMW 3 Series and 4 Series.Keeping that premium feel but pricing the vehicles to be among the most affordable vehicles offered in a market is guaranteed to be a sales winning combination anywhere, especially in Australia.Chery’s been smart enough to add sub-brands such as Jaecoo, Omoda and Lepas, which bring more luxury, sportiness and premium electric choices. The Jaecoo J5 for instance is often mistaken for a Range Rover when spotted on the road. That the hybrid and electric technology is outstanding, was also important. Chery’s super hybrids such as the Tiggo 9 and Tiggo 8 are incredibly fuel efficient.   Chery’s timing of having a wide range of affordable electric and hybrid vehicles at precisely the same time as Australian buyers were switching to EVs in record numbers was also key. The fuel crises caused by the war in Iran pushed EV sales to more than 23 per cent of all new cars sold in June and continued through July when it was above 21 per cent.In July 2026 Chery became the first Chinese car maker to surpass 20 million global sales. Sales in Europe for Chery were up by more than 200 per cent and in the UK Chery came in at No.2 for sales in July beating local favourite Ford.And the company hasn’t even started selling in the United States yet, but it will within the next two years.Chery has been very fortunate this time around, but luck is only when opportunity meets skill as they say.Or maybe Chery did find a genie’s lamp. In which case I wonder what its two other wishes were?