Ute News

Volkswagen has used this year’s Peon Festival, Brazil’s largest agricultural fair to unveil a camouflaged version of its all-new South American Amarok, pointing to a long-suspected under-the-skin connection to Chinese giant SAIC’s Maxus Interstellar X, MG U9 and LDV Terron 9 dual cab ute siblings.SAIC Volkswagen is one of the longest established automotive joint ventures in China and has clearly played a significant role in the development of the new pick-up which replaces the 16-year old original ‘2H’ series-based Amarok, still in production in Argentina for the South American market. The outgoing ute was last facelifted in 2024.At the high-profile preview Volkswagen said, “The presentation of the new Amarok is part of (its) pickup truck offensive strategy in Brazil and South America, a region that is playing an increasingly important role in the development of the brand's new generation of pickups, with active participation in design, engineering, testing, and validation.“South America is no longer just a consumer market; it’s helping to define the future of Volkswagen pickups,” it said.Despite its heavy camouflage wrap, the new dual cab bears an obvious resemblance to the Maxus, MG and LDV utes, specifically its bluff, squared-off nose, high bonnet and broad C-pillar panels.If the Latin Amarok adopts the MG/LDV’s powertrains in base versions it will likely centre on a variation of their 163kW/520Nm 2.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, ZF-sourced eight-speed automatic transmission and 4WD systems. That said, VW has said the new-generation model will also be electrified, supporting earlier reporting from Motor1 Brazil on a plug-in hybrid Amarok 800 TSI version expected to produce around 350kW/800Nm. Rear suspension will likely lean towards the Maxus and MG’s independent set-up rather than the LDV’s leaf-spring, live axle arrangement.Interestingly, Motor1 Brazil has also quoted internal sources confirming the ‘Atacama Project’, a three-row, seven-seat SUV version of the Latin Amarok.Commenting on the upcoming Amarok, Volkswagen South America Executive Chairman Alexander Seitz said, “The future Amarok is being developed based on the needs of South American customers, for one of the most demanding environments in the world.”With the new Amarok’s release scheduled for the second quarter of 2027, Volkswagen is investing over A$800 million in its General Pacheco plant in Buenos Aires, the Amarok production hub for Latin America and Mexico which has just reached the 800,000 unit milestone.Of that total, more than 465,000 units were exported to more than 100 markets.Could Australia be one of them in future?Aside from the no right-hand drive factor VW has already played down that idea, saying in a statement, “While the new Amarok will be developed in South America and produced for the local markets, the existing partnerships for the production of the Amarok in South Africa will remain in place.”The (NF) Amarok currently sold in Australia was developed in parallel with the T6.2 Ford Ranger and is built in South Africa. VW positions it as a premium vehicle for global consumption.

Ram Trucks Australia has confirmed the return of the 1500 TRX muscle truck to the local market, this time around in SRT form, powered by an “uprated” 580kW (777hp) version of the 6.2-litre supercharged Hemi V8.Due to hit local showrooms in the first half of 2027, Ram said initial production allocations of the Ram 1500 TRX SRT will be limited, at the same time confirming “several hundred customers” in Australia attempted to place pre-orders on hearing the news in January this year that the performance pick-up was returning to the US market.Ram said technical specs and standard features for the MY27 Ram 1500 TRX SRT will be announced closer to local showroom arrivals.For reference, in US-spec this beast sends 580kW (+57kW) and 922Nm (+40Nm) to all four wheels via an eight-speed auto transmission, complete with sequential manual shifting.0-100km/h in 3.6 secondsWith the help of launch control the 3.0-tonne-plus beast storms from 0-60mph in a claimed 3.5 seconds, which would translate to 0-100km/h in a jaw-dropping 3.6 seconds.The Bilstein Black Hawk e2 shock absorber system is also onboard to “continuously adapt to speed, throttle position, braking, torque, steering angle and more”.Initially arriving here in mid-2022, close to 1000 examples of the first-generation Ram 1500 TRX were sold in Australia and New Zealand, finishing with a 130-unit Final Edition in 2025.Revived by Ram CEO Tim KuniskisThe Ram 1500 TRX SRT was revived by Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis for the North American market in the context of a broader change in business focus for the brand’s parent company, Stellantis.A renewed emphasis on North America is a clear rebalancing of the corporate scales by Stellantis Group CEO Antonio Filosa, with former chief Carlos Tavares widely perceived to have favoured the group’s European brands including Alfa Romeo, Citroen, Fiat, Opel and Peugeot, with his successor Filosa now leaning into its US nameplates - Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram.In fact, Kuniskis is on the record with the goal of making Ram “number two in trucks” in the USA by the end of the decade.Ram Trucks Australia said it has been working closely with Ram Trucks USA to secure the updated TRX for Australia and New Zealand since its North American return was confirmed.Passion for the TRX in AustraliaRam Trucks Australia General Manager Jeff Barber said, “We know there is a lot of passion for the TRX in Australia, which is why we have worked hard to secure production out of the US for our market.“Supply of the new TRX will initially be restricted because demand is off the charts in the US, however the factory has been incredibly supportive of the Australian market and we are pleased to confirm the TRX is coming back,” he said.Pricing is confirmed with a 15 per cent increase over the previous standard model, which was pitched at $224,950, before on-road costs (Final Edition $249,950, BOC).Ram 1500 TRX SRT (MY27) pricingAvailable colours are: Bright WhiteDiamond BlackForged BlueMolten RedSerrano GreenSpitfire Orange 

Volkswagen has officially revealed a new small pick-up for Latin American markets ahead of it launching initially in Brazil in the first half of 2027.The Volkswagen Tukan is built on the MQB platform, like the T-Cross, and is available in both single- and dual-cab configurations.However, unlike all other Volkswagen Group vehicles on the MQB platform to date, the Tukan swaps coil-sprung rear suspension for leaf springs, which are known for their higher payload capacity.At this stage Volkswagen hasn’t officially the payload or towing capacity figures for the new Tukan.The Volkswagen Tukan replaces the Saveiro which in outgoing form dates back to 2009 and is based on the third-generation Golf. However, the Saveiro nameplate dates all the way back to 1982.Two versions of the Tukan have been shown off so far. An entry-level, single-cab Robust trim, as well as a flagship dual-cab Extreme trim.All versions have LED headlights and tail-lights, aggressive and blocky design elements, as well as Tukan embossed into the tailgate.The entry-level Robust trim can be identified with its black plastic front bumper and black steel wheels, whereas the top-spec Extreme trim has a body-colour front bumper, alloy wheels, a sports bar and a tonneau cover. The latter is also finished in a signature Canary Yellow exterior paint.At this stage Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed exactly what will power the Tukan.However, given Volkswagen has said this new ute will be based on the T-Cross, it’s likely power will either come from a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder or 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.There will likely also be manual and dual-clutch automatic transmission options.Volkswagen hasn’t confirmed whether there will be an all-wheel drive option, so it’s likely that it’ll be front-wheel drive only.At this stage Volkswagen has only confirmed the new Tukan will be offered (and built) in Latin American markets. Brazil will be the first market it’ll launch in during the first half of 2027.Given this, it’s unclear whether Volkswagen will produce the Tukan in right-hand drive. It never made the Saveiro in right-hand drive.The only Volkswagen ute currently offered in Australia is the Amarok dual-cab, which shares its platform with the Ford Ranger.A new version of the Amarok is set to launch in Latin America soon and it’s understood to be based on the same platform as the LDV Terron 9/MG U9.It’s worth noting the Ranger-based Amarok has never been offered in that market and a heavily facelifted version of the original Amarok continues to be on sale there.

KGM Australia has admitted it falsely marketed the airbag count of its Musso EV ute.As identified by local crash safety authority ANCAP, KGM claimed the Musso EV had a total of eight airbags, but in reality it only has six in Australia.The Australian-specification version of this electric dual-cab ute misses out on a centre airbag and a driver-knee airbag. Both feature in the South Korean-specification version.“KGM Australia has identified an error in published product information relating to the MY26 Musso EV,” said a KGM Australia spokesperson.“Some materials incorrectly described the vehicle as being equipped with eight airbags, including a driver SRS knee airbag and front seat centre airbag.“The correct Australian specification is six airbags. The vehicle has always been manufactured in this six-airbag configuration.”“Once the discrepancy was confirmed, KGM Australia took immediate steps to update affected marketing and specification materials, so they accurately reflect the specification of Australian-delivered vehicles,” said a KGM Australia spokesperson.“The Musso EV remains compliant with Vehicle Type Approval. KGM Australia is finalising a coordinated customer communication and redress approach and will communicate directly with affected customers.“KGM Australia takes the accuracy of information provided to customers seriously and is reviewing the circumstances that led to the error.“Customers with questions or concerns can contact KGM Australia or their authorised KGM dealer.”At this stage it’s unclear whether KGM Australia plans to change the local specification to increase the airbag count of the Musso EV from six to eight.“Nothing has been confirmed at this stage, but we will continue to review opportunities to enhance vehicle specifications and introduce ongoing product improvements,” said a KGM Australia spokesperson.This is far from the first time that ANCAP has identified differences in safety specifications from market to market.Most recently, early versions of the current-generation Suzuki Swift were found to have different front-end reinforcement to the European-specification version. It received a one-star ANCAP safety rating.However, Australian-specification Swift models built from August 2025 onwards have aligned specifications with the European-specification model. This saw the ANCAP safety rating change to three stars.The KGM Musso EV is the South Korean carmaker’s first electric ute. It launched locally in late 2025.Unlike the body-on-frame Musso diesel ute, this electric version is built on a monocoque platform and shares components with the Actyon and Torres SUVs.Single-motor front-wheel drive and dual-motor all-wheel drive versions of the Musso EV are offered in Australia. Pricing starts from $60,000 drive-away.There aren’t many electric utes on offer in Australia currently and its main rival is the Toyota HiLux BEV.As it currently stands the Musso EV is unrated by ANCAP.

It ultimately helped end Holden, and the same can happen with an alarmingly high number of other prominent car brands.We’re talking about the over-reliance on one single model in Australia.It is the ‘eggs all in one basket’ that leaves sales and financials vulnerable when the inevitable happens – a popular model starts to run out of steam with consumers.Factors include newer competition, ageing models and external outside forces like spiking oil prices and evolving buyer tastes.Here, then, are some of Australia’s most vulnerable brands due to the over-dependence on one model line.Geely’s ‘Gen-Z geek’ sub-brand has struck a chord with Australians thanks to the strikingly styled 7X, and deservedly so.However, did you know there are two other, older Zeekr models sitting beside it on the showroom floor? A smaller SUV known as the X and a large people mover badged 009.Combined, they make up just 6.4 per cent of Zeekr’s year-to-date (YTD) sales, while the 7X takes the lion’s share at an incredible 93.4 per cent. Let’s hope the latter keeps the momentum up.Tesla’s Model 3 may have opened the floodgates for electric vehicles (EVs) in Australia since arriving in mid 2019, but it has now been subsumed by the larger SUV offshoot, the Model Y.The YTD sales data tells the story, with the 3’s sales tumbling 18.4 per cent to 3326 units, while the Y’s tally – supercharged by the new three-row L version – has now breached the 25,000 mark.That puts the hunchbacked SUV at 88.3 per cent of total Tesla sales, with the sedan taking the remaining 11.7 per cent.But with no S, X or ute to provide support, the Model Y is vulnerable against an unrelenting tide of mid-sized EV SUV alternatives, like the Zeekr 7X.From nowhere, the cheapest Jaecoo from Chery’s Land Rover-aping sub-brand, the J5, is responsible for more than two-thirds of all volume.This leaves three other models, the J7, J8 and Omoda 9, to fight over the crumbs.Isuzu hasn’t developed its own passenger car since the early 1990s, electing to concentrate on utes and trucks instead.The D-Max is responsible for 63 per cent of all Isuzu Ute sales YTD. It sits fourth after the Ranger, HiLux and Shark 6 on the charts.The other 37 per cent belongs to the M-UX SUV version of the ute, and that currently occupies third place amongst large SUVs behind the Ford Everest and Prado.This country sure loves a body-on-frame three-row wagon.But both Isuzus are diesel-only powered, meaning that, with no hybrid or EV in sight for Australia, Isuzu Ute faces steep fines due to the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) carbon tax.And that’s just going to increase annually in severity, which will really hurt Isuzu Ute, unless it pulls something out of the hat, and fast.Australia’s top-selling vehicle since 2023, the Ranger is responsible for some 62.3 per cent of Ford’s total volume YTD.Combined with its Everest SUV offshoot, that jumps to a staggering 88.7 per cent. Given there are seven other distinct models squabbling over the remaining 11.3 per cent, that's a worry.The next most popular Ford YTD is the Transit Custom van at just three per cent, followed by the Mustang at 2.8 per cent, F-150 at 2.45 per cent, Transit Cargo at 1.9 per cent, Tourneo people mover at 0.5 per cent and Mustang Mach-E at 0.33 per cent.But storm clouds are in the air for the Blue Oval’s popular ute-based duo, with both Ranger and Everest sales down this year, thanks to fierce competition from new rivals including the BYD Shark 6 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV).While a Ranger PHEV does exist, it costs too much and delivers too little by comparison, meaning the vast majority of volume belongs to the diesel versions.That’s a lot of NVES fines Ford is facing, unless the incoming Bronco PHEV SUV and other future EVs grow the brand's share of the total market without cannibalising Ranger and Everest.With demand for the latest Vitara tanking, the Swift hybrid struggling and the Fronx floundering, it’s been the Jimny small 4WD that has kept Suzuki humming along, accounting for 56.6 per cent of all volume YTD.Likewise, the Defender attracts the most business for Land Rover in Australia, taking 54.1 per cent of all orders YTD.The Haval Jolion small SUV has performed the heavy lifting for GWM YTD, at 53.9 per cent of total sales, as has the X-Trail for Nissan, at 53 per cent.Australia’s continuous number one since 2003, Toyota boasts several high-volume models, including the RAV4, Prado, Corolla, HiAce, Camry and Yaris Cross.Yet even the brand’s most popular vehicle – the HiLux – only makes up 23.6 per cent of the company’s total sales YTD.Similarly, BYD’s top performer, the Sealion 7, is at 25 per cent, Kia’s biggest crowd-pleaser, the Sportage, is at 23.1 per cent and this country’s favourite Mazda, the CX-5, is at 26.4 per cent.The smaller the percentage, the higher the chances are your brand will weather any storm. Sadly, the writing was on the wall long before Australia's Own started to see its sales slide.Holden’s downfall is largely down to its over-reliance on one model. It was always the way, right back even before the Kingswood years.Here's the most telling stat. Australia’s best-seller for 15 years in a row from 1996 until 2011, sales of the Commodore crashed to just 50 position in 2019.That was following the disaster that was replacing the rear-drive VF series made in Australia with the smaller, front-wheel drive-based Opel Insignia out of Germany as the ZB series. This happened as a result of Holden’s manufacturing shutdown in 2017.The latter bombed so hard that it was cancelled in December of 2019, with Holden effectively over by the following February.

A fight is brewing over the newest Chinese ute earmarked for Australia, with the new Hunter a possible Mazda, Deepal or Changan.In fact, both Deepal and Changan already have a deferred trademark on the Hunter, while Mazda already partners with the latter on the 6e and CX-6e.The ute in question is the Changan Hunter K50 – a plug-in hybrid powerhouse that was recently updated with a bigger battery for a class-leading EV-only range.The latest update saw the K50 fitted with a 43.47kWh lithium-ion battery pack, promising an NEDC-rated range of 192km (estimated 150km WLTP), and a total range of over 1000km.It is a REEV, rather than a traditional plug-in hybrid, meaning its 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine is used only to recharge the battery or provide power to the electric motor, rather than drive the wheels themselves.Providing the shove instead are dual electric motors, one at each axle, delivering a total 240kW and four-wheel drive.It was initially thought the Hunter could arrive in Australia as a Deepal, but in the months since its refreshed launch, Changan itself has set up an Australian office and is currently recruiting staff for a factory-backed operation of its own.Meanwhile, Mazda has delved deeper into its partnership with Changan in China to deliver two crucial electric models, the 6e and CX-6e.Given the popularity of electrified utes in Australia – with the BYD Shark 6 and GWM Cannon Alpha, Ford Ranger Stormtrak and the soon-to-launch Chery Stockman all competing for sales – there will no doubt be all three hands in the air to launch the Hunter, though a renaming might now be on the cards in Australia, given the JAC Hunter exists here.The current BT-50, developed in partnership with Isuzu, launched in 2020, meaning a replacement could feasibly be due as early as 2027.One thing we do know is it won't be a Mazda solo project, with the brand on record as not developing its own ute."Mazda does not produce trucks on its own," the brand has previously told CarsGuide.

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.