Industry news

It may be a new manufacturer to Australia, but Chinese giant GAC has one leg up which many of its rivals can’t claim - its deep ties with Toyota.

A more-adventure-ready version of the new Mazda CX-5 could be in the pipeline for Australia and the rest of the world.Inspired by a special edition package for the North American-market CX-50 mid-sized SUV called the Meridian Edition, it could lead to a CX-5 with a beefier stance, greater clearances, chunkier wheels and extra protective cladding, among other modifications.According to Mazda's Program Manager, Koichiro Yamaguchi, the company is waiting to see whether buyers demand a more off-road edition of the latest CX-5 before taking the plunge.“We don’t have such offerings currently, but we would like to monitor customer feedback very carefully,” he revealed to the Australian media late last month.“Because (today's latest) CX-5 is more for daily life. So, we will listen to feedback from the market.”While more off-road-style versions of popular medium-sized SUVs have yet to take off in Australia, they are proliferating in North America and elsewhere, thanks to models such as the Subaru Forester Wilderness, Toyota RAV4 Woodland, Nissan X-Trail Rock Creek Edition and Hyundai Tucson XRT.Probably the closest we have to that in Australia right now is the Subaru Outback Wilderness, which arrived with the completely redesigned seventh-generation range back in February. A Forester Wilderness grade is expected later this year or during 2027.Mazda's General Manager for Global Sales and Marketing, Manabu Osuga, went into more detail about Mazda’s plans, stating that while the arrival of off-road-themed rivals has not been lost on him, an accessories package based on the CX-50 Meridian may be the way forward for CX-5.“Sure, that's on our radar,” he admitted to CarsGuide.“You know about the CX-50, how we are doing it in the US market. We, at MMC headquarters, developed (such a car), but as an accessories package… and we call that the Meridian package… with an outdoorsy design.“So, where we are going is that, with this CX-5, we are launching this car to begin with as a collaboration with individual markets to expand the range to really fulfil consumer needs, with accessories, though.“We might be able to do (standalone models like Meridian Edition). We will think about it, but first we will do that from the accessory program.”Osuga-san added that the company can lean on its experienced partners to upgrade or evolve the CX-5, in a similar way that BMW utilises M Division.These include Mazda Engineering and Technology Company (Mazda E&T) that has modified vehicles since 1979 for welfare/wheelchair-access, emergency vehicles and specialised work applications.There’s also Mazda Spirit Racing, the 2021 successor to the famous Mazdaspeed sub-brand that focuses on motorsports, driver development and specialised production vehicles.“We also have our subsidiary company, Mazda E&T, for modifications,” Osuga explained.“We don't have that global (as yet)… and there is Mazda Spirit Racing. We are using the Mazda E&T engineering and the technology that has specific manufacturing (capabilities)… and we can use that line to make modifications like Mercedes AMG or M for BMW.“We are trying to make that Mazda E&T company with a capability to bring to the next phase. So, there are possibilities there, but at this moment that they're not specific plans.”Whichever direction Mazda heads, it is clear that the product planners are watching how the Wilderness, Woodland, Rock Creek Edition and XRT grades perform before going for an off-road-biased version of the CX-5.And North America’s CX-50 Meridian Edition is the closest thing we currently have to go by.Badger your Mazda dealer if this is what you want to see in any future CX-5.

Big, burly dual-cab utes are the flavour of the month, but this new generation of rugged workhorses could spawn a 4WD battle royale.The Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X have largeky had the ute-based SUV market to themselves since Toyota axed the Fortuner late in 2025, but that could soon change.BYD's Denza has just launched its Shark 6-based B5 off-roader Down Under, which is ready to shake-up the Japanese establishment.It likely won't be the only Chinese brand to enter the fray.Chinese maker Chery is one of the latest makers to confirm a dual-cab ute, with its currently unnamed workhorse due to arrive later this year.For now codenamed — KP31 — the ute uses a revolutionary diesel plug-in hybrid set-up, which consists of  a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel engine paired with an electric motor or two and a sizeable battery.There is a chance it could spawn an SUV version down the line, according to Chery Australia Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris.“It would be amazing if we could get an SUV on that platform,” said Harris.“It’s not something that’s been spoken about or in the plans now, but at the rate things change and develop, you never say never.”For now Chery’s focus is on making sure the ute is a success before they forge ahead with any spin-offs.“I believe Chery has one chance to prove that we can build and deliver a highly capable ute,” said Harris.“And so to do that, it needs towing capability, payload capability, all-terrain capability. Particularly all-terrain capability, you know, you get people towing caravans on the beach. You really do need the torque and power delivery that a diesel gives you down low to be able to do those things.”“I think we need to prove, and I am very confident that Chery can prove with KP31, that we’ve got some credibility in that space and can deliver a competent and capable vehicle,” Harris said.Chery's Korean rival Kia is also believed to be working on an SUV version of its Tasman ute.It is unlikely the SUV will appear before the vehicle’s facelift, which is believed to be 2028-2029.Kia Australia’s GM of Product Planning Roland Rivero previously told CarsGuide the focus for now was on the ute."Globally, we've got to make Tasman a success first and foremost," Rivero says."Once it is, and we're confident it will be, then we can look at growing variants and look at the ability to turn around an SUV."As you might have heard at the launch from our engineers, it's not difficult because the platform is already there. We're not starting from the ground up but we've got to get it right for the ute first and foremost."

Toyota is one the biggest advocates for hydrogen as a fuel source for vehicles, but it’s now focusing its efforts as the mass-market take-up, especially in the passenger car space, still lags.As reported by Nikkei Asia, the Japanese carmaker is doubling down on implementing its hydrogen fuel cell (FCEV) technology in commercial vehicles, like trucks.The reason for this is that demand for hydrogen-fuelled passenger cars is dwindling.Toyota is working with many partners in order to implement and scale its hydrogen fuel cell commercial vehicles.One example is the Japanese carmaker is working closely with the Japanese Government to use hydrogen fuel cell trucks and develop a refuelling station network.“I truly believe now is the time to accelerate our hydrogen initiatives together with partners. Let's change the future with hydrogen,” said Toyota Hydrogen Factory President Mitsumasa Yamagata to Nikkei Asia.Many carmakers have shunned hydrogen as a viable fuel source. Examples include Volkswagen, Stellantis and General Motors.Reasons for this vary but include the high costs associated with developing FCEV technology and producing hydrogen, as well lacklustre refuelling infrastructure, among others.Toyota, along with other brands like BMW and Hyundai are some of the few that have continued development in this space.The Japanese carmaker has been preaching its multi-pathway strategy for decarbonisation for years now and includes continued development in internal-combustion, hybrid, battery electric and hydrogen powertrain technologies.Toyota currently has one FCEV truck in the form of the Hino Profiz Z FCV as Hino is part of the Toyota Group.It uses two fuel cell stacks from the Toyota Mirai FCEV liftback that have been customised for heavy-duty commercial use.Hino claims this FCEV truck has a driving range of around 650km when fully loaded and refuelling takes between 15 and 30 minutes.As it currently stands Toyota doesn’t offer any FCEV vehicle to the public in Australia. The Mirai is only offered to select fleets through lease agreements.However, the Japanese carmaker has previously confirmed it plans to introduce a FCEV version of the HiLux in Australia in 2027. This will be available to the public but will be aimed at commercial fleets, much like the recently priced HiLux BEV.In Australia there are very few hydrogen refuelling stations currently. There are several initiatives and funding from state governments being put forward to scale this.One includes the $20 million Hume Hydrogen Highway initiative from the Victorian and New South Wales Governments to connect Melbourne and Sydney with around four refuelling stations along the Hume Highway.

A new type of battery technology could be about to take over the budget electric car industry. The sodium-ion make-up solves the problem of sourcing expensive and rare materials needed for lithium-iron batteries, while maintaining adequate driving range for smaller EVs.Sodium-ion batteries are further along the full scale commercialisation than solid-state batteries, which have been touted as the holy grail of electric cars, for example. Sodium-ion batteries have less energy density than conventional lithium-ion batteries such as Lithium-Ferro-Phosphate (LFP) and more advanced Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt (NMC) units, and much less than what is promised from futuristic solid-state cells.The big advantage is the ease of access and relative cheapness of obtaining sodium compared to lithium, which makes them an attractive choice. The difference in energy density means on a large scale, particularly for car batteries, LFP is often a cheaper choice. This is because substantially more sodium-ion battery cells are needed to make up the equivalent in LFP units.  The power advantage is diminishing, with energy density on sodium batteries expected to exceed 180Wh/kg in the near future.This means sodium batteries could be a significantly cheaper, and much more viable choice for car batteries, especially in smaller EVs, which do not require a substantial driving range.One of the other benefits of sodium-ion batteries is they are more resistant to extreme temperatures. This has been an issue in particular for NMC batteries, with multiple instances of these batteries not performing to expectations in unusually hot or cold environments. Mainstream Chinese battery manufacturer CATL recently introduced a sodium battery with an energy density of around 175Wh/kg, which is closer to energy density in lithium alternatives. Bridging the energy density gap between sodium and lithium batteries opens up the potential for sodium chemistry to be the go-to for budget EV carmakers.Sodium-ion batteries are also becoming cheaper to manufacture and could reach cost parity within LFP batteries within the next two years, according to reports out of China.This could be seen as the perfect battery make-up for smaller EVs, which are often already budget oriented, meaning the price of these cars could be brought down further. CATL began commercial production of its sodium batteries last year, and manufacturers are already jumping on board. CATL’s Naxtra sodium-ion battery offers a driving range of around 500km, while keeping the extreme temperature benefits of the technology. GAC is expected to utilise a unit from CATL in one of its upcoming EVs, according to a report in Auto News. GAC is one of many brands investing in sodium-ion, with other Chinese rivals such as BYD also developing the technology. BAIC has also been making moves with its battery, which can be fully charged in only 11 minutes. The German government has also put aside 20 million euros for a gigawatt-hour sodium-ion plant, with Mercedes-Benz one of the brands potentially benefiting. 

Hyundai just unveiled its striking Boulder SUV concept at the New York International Auto Show.The concept gives a glimpse into Hyundai’s ladder frame chassis rugged off-roading future. The Boulder previews its first ladder frame model, which will be a mid-size pick-up truck built in the United States launching in 2030. A mid-size pick-up truck in the US means it will be a similar size to Aussie favourites such as the Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux and BYD Shark 6.It looks like the new Hyundai ute will be targeted towards the North America market, with an Australian launch unlikely in the short term. This will be the brand's second ute, with a different model expected to arrive in Australia before 2030. Hyundai Australia boss Don Romano told CarsGuide late last year the brand would have a ute ready by the end of 2028. "My work permit goes for another two and a half years. I'm not leaving until it's coming,” Romano said in November 2025.“If they produce what we're talking about at this stage and what we're working on, it's gonna be mind blowing, it's gonna be great. And I really mean that, I'm not just blowing smoke.”It is anticipated to feature a range-extender hybrid set-up. The Boulder concept has a boxy overall design with accentuated fenders and beefed up 37-inch mud-terrain tyres to highlight its go-anywhere potential.The concept itself is similar to the general blueprint of the popular Ford Bronco, which is based on the Ford Ranger ute, and has been a raging sales success in the United States. Adding to this theme is the tailgate-mounted full-size spare wheel, along with roof racks and a roof-mounted light bar.This latest concept comes after US patents of a pick-up truck for the North American market surfaced online. One of the key elements these patents revealed was thought to be detachable doors. It now appears that the doors are in-fact coach-style, not detachable, meaning they open away from the centre of the car. This increases the practicality and loading capacity of the car, like on the old Toyota FJ Cruiser. The Boulder’s interior has a minimalist yet futuristic look, with no large tablet-like screens present, but it does have a panoramic head-up display, which spans the length of the front window. 

Land Rover’s Freelander is back, not as an SUV, but as a standalone brand in a joint venture with China's Chery.The first model from the new partnership was revealed overnight in China ahead of its debut at the upcoming Beijing motor show.The first model has been called the Concept 97, in recognition of the year the original Freelander was introduced by Jaguar Land Rover (JLR).The Concept 97 draws on the Land Rover design identity with its blocky, tall and sophisticated styling while the original Freelander's unique triangular rear three-quarter window is revived again on the new model.The interior also has a familiar look sharing design elements and materials with Land Rover models, but new features we haven’t seen before from the brand include a curved display the full length of the dashboard.There are some features on the large six seater SUV, which won’t make it into production, including the rear-hinged side doors and the most likely the open-plan lounge-like setting in the second row, too.  JLR is already in a partnership with Chery in China; the joint venture sees the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Discovery Sport produced and the JLR-Chery plant in Changsu. When the Concept 97 goes into production it will also be manufactured at the Changsu factory and be produced as a pure EV and hybrid. The Discovery Sport and Evoque will be discontinued to make way for the Freelander model range.Freelander CEO Wei Lan told British publication Autocar at the Concept 97’s preview in China that while the Concept 97 would go into production and be sold initially in China, the plan was to then debut the vehicle markets around the world."International variants are currently in intensive development and shall, after launch in China, make their distinguished entry into the world's foremost markets," Lan told Autocar. "From its very first day of existence, every Freelander product is conceived and calibrated for the diverse demands of markets across the world. We are not exporting a Chinese car to the world but we are building a world car, for the world, from the very beginning."  The Concept 97 is built on Chery’s T1X platform, which also underpins the Tiggo 8 and will support EV, hybrid and range extender variants with 800V battery architecture.The range extender battery has been developed with CATL and features what it calls a world first "Freevoy Range-Extended Hybrid Battery" design allowing the range extender version to be charged at 360kW.The range extender battery has been designed with off-road use in mind and comes with underbody protection and a thermal coating to keep it cool.JLR-Chery plans to have the first Frelander model go into production and on sale  by  mid-2026 before being launched globally. JLR-Chery will then embark on an ambitious growth plan, which it says will see the introduction of a new Freelander model every six months. Will the new range of Freelanders make it to Australia? Nothing has been confirmed but Chery's executives haves been open to bringing more sub-brands into the country.Earlier this year Chery Chief Executive Officer Lucas Harris has said there is more room for additional sub-brands in Australia.“Why not?” Harris told CarsGuide.“Chery is the brand where you never say never.”

Mitsubishi has detailed the 2026 model year (MY26) update for its Triton dual-cab ute line-up ahead of its arriving at local dealers in May.A highlight change is a range of the entry-level manual Mitsubishi Triton GLX variants have been axed.As a result, the entry price has climbed to $37,090 before on-road costs for the GLX 4x2 single-cab chassis automatic.Only one manual trim is left, the GLX 4x4 dual-cab chassis which is priced from $47,940 before on-road costs.Pricing for carryover variants is up by up to $1000, depending on the variant, meaning the range now extends all the way to $65,590 before on-road costs for the GSR trim.However, it’s expected the forthcoming Triton Raider, as previously reported, will cost more than the GSR.Mitsubishi has redesigned the front and rear suspension systems for the MY26 Triton. The front has a lower spring rate and rubber body mounts, while high-response ‘Various Performance Setting’ valves have been added to the front and rear shock absorbers.Additionally, the rear shock absorbers have increased in diameter. This allows the ute to have improved ride comfort and reduced harshness, while maintaining agility.It’s worth noting that the GLX and GLX+ trim retain a heavy-duty four-leaf rear suspension set-up, while the GLX-R, GLS and GSR continue with a standard-duty three-leaf set-up.The flagship Triton GSR in particular picks up Yamaha performance dampers which are fitted horizontally across the front and rear of the chassis.These are claimed to improve straight-line and high-speed stability, while reducing noise, vibration and harshness (NVH).The Triton GSR also picks up the Mitsubishi Connect online telematics system. Using a Telstra 4G cellular modem, it allows for SOS emergency calling, plus remote connectivity features with the smartphone companion app.2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia pricing:2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia powertrain and efficiency:2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia standard equipment:GLX highlights:17-inch steel wheelsAll-terrain tyres (4x4 variants)Halogen headlights7.0-inch digital instrument cluster9.0-inch touchscreen multimedia systemWireless Apple CarPlayTwo-speaker sound system (single-cab models)Four-speaker sound system (club- and dual-cab models)Manual air-conditioning (single-cab models)Climate control (club- and dual-cab models)Fabric upholsteryGLX+ adds:17-inch alloy wheelsRear differential lockFront fog lightsPrivacy glassSide stepsTailgate assist (pick-up only)Two rear USB portsDAB+ digital radioGLX-R+ adds:Black 18-inch alloy wheelsSuper Select 4WD-II (full-time four-wheel drive)Standard-duty suspensionBlack sports barCarpet floorLeather-wrapped steering wheelGLS adds:18-inch grey alloy wheelsBedliner (pick-up models)LED headlightsBlack exterior highlights (NEW)Electric folding side mirrorsDual-zone climate controlAuto-dimming rear-view mirrorKeyless entry and push-button startWireless chargerDashbound-mounted cupholders (NEW)Soft-touch interior trimGSR adds:Yamaha Performance Dampers (NEW)Black 18-inch alloy wheelsBody-colour grilleBlack lower front bumper accent (NEW)Wheel arch mouldingSailplane (pick-up inly)Roof railsLeather upholstery with orange accent stitchingUnique floor matsPowered driver’s seat2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia optional equipment:The $1500 Deluxe option pack on the GLS adds:Leather upholstery with silver stitchingPowered driver’s seatHeated front seatsThe Terrain Pack (GLX, GLX+, GLX-R and GLS dual-cab models) adds:Steel front protection barSide protection barRear protection barTow barTow ballThe Electric Roll Top Plus Accessory Pack (GLX+, GLX-R, GLS and GSR dual-cab pick-up models) adds:Electric roll top tonneau coverTow barTow ballElectric trailer brake controller and harnessDuster and water defence kitCargo tie townBlack grille emblemA wide range of other option packs and genuine accessories are also available.2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia safety:The Mitsubishi Triton received a five-star ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2024.Standard safety highlights:Six airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Rear AEB (pickup models only)Blind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertFront cross traffic alert ($NCO)Lane-keep assistAdaptive cruise control (automatic models only)Traffic sign recognitionDriver attention monitorFront and rear parking sensorsReversing camera2026 Mitsubishi Triton Australia warranty and servicing:The 2026 Mitsubishi Triton is covered by a 10-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty provided you service it at Mitsubishi dealers when required. If you don’t meet the schedule the warranty coverage drops to five years.There’s also 10 years of roadside assistance and 10 years of capped-price servicing.Logbook servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km. Mitsubishi hasn’t provided servicing costs just yet.

Hyundai Australia has detailed some major additions to its Staria people mover and Staria Load commercial van line-ups.Highlighting the changes is a new hybrid powertrain that will be offered across both the Staria Load line-up, as well as the new Staria Lounge seven-seat flagship people mover.The Staria Load Hybrid is the first series-parallel hybrid commercial van offered in Australia, overlooking the Transit Custom PHEV which, as the name suggests, is a plug-in hybrid.Power comes from a familiar set-up combining a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with an electric motor, like the Carnival Hybrid and Santa Fe Hybrid, but has a higher total system output of 180kW.Hybrid versions of the Staria Load and Staria Lounge are due to launch in Australia in June.The 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine and 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine still feature in the entry-level Staria people mover, which is due at dealers this month, but the latter engine option is front-wheel drive, rather than all-wheel drive.Additionally, an electric version of the Staria Load is due to launch in Australia in the second half of 2026. It has a single, front-mounted electric motor producing 160kW and is fed by a 84kWh lithium-ion battery pack.Other changes made to the Staria and Staria Load line-up with this model year 2027 (MY27) update include a new front fascia with a different lighting signature, plus vertical side-mounted tail-lights.All versions of the Staria Load have a two-seat configuration, with the pre-update five-seat variant being discontinued.2027 Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Australia pricing:2027 Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Australia powertrain and efficiency:2027 Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Australia dimensions:2027 Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Australia standard equipment:Staria Load highlights:Two-seat configuration17-inch steel wheelsFull-size spare wheelLiftback rear tailgate (rear barn doors available)Halogen headlights4.2-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system (NEW)Apple CarPlay and Android AutoOver-the-air updates (NEW)Keyless entry and push-button start (NEW)Electric park brakeLeather-wrapped steering wheelCloth upholsteryStaria Load Hybrid adds:Single-zone climate controlStaria Load Electric adds:12.3-inch digital instrument clusterBattery heating systemShift-by-wire gear selectorSatellite navigationStaria Load Premium adds:17-inch alloy wheelsLED headlightsPower tailgateElectrochromic rear-view mirrorHeated steering wheelHeated front seatsStaria highlights:Eight-seat configuration18-inch alloy wheelsFull-size spare wheelLED headlights4.2-inch digital instrument cluster12.3-inch touchscreen multimedia system (NEW)Over-the-air updates (NEW)Front single-zone climate controlRear manual climate controlKeyless entry and push-button start (NEW)Cloth upholsteryStaria Lounge adds:Seven-seat configurationProjector LED headlightsSatin chrome door handlesDeluxe door scuff platesPrivacy glassDual power-sliding side doorsDual sunroofsPower tailgate12.3-inch digital instrument clusterInterior ambient lightingSuede rooflinerMetal pedalsRear single-zone climate controlNappa leather upholsteryHeated front and rear seats2027 Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Australia safety:The Hyundai Staria received a five-star ANCAP safety rating back in 2021, whereas the Staria Load received a Platinum collision avoidance rating based on testing in 2022.Standard safety highlights include:Seven airbagsAutonomous emergency braking (AEB)Blind-spot monitoringRear cross-traffic alertLane-keep assistLane centringIntelligent speed limit assistAdaptive cruise controlFront and rear parking sensorsReversing cameraA surround-view camera is now only offered on the Staria Load Premium and Staria Lounge.2027 Hyundai Staria and Staria Load Australia warranty and servicing:Like all Hyundais, the Staria and Staria Load are now covered by a seven-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, whereas the high-voltage battery in the hybrid and electric models are covered for eight years or 160,000km.Logbook servicing and pricing hasn’t been detailed yet.

There is a new key detail of the soon-launching Toyota RAV4 hybrid, with fuel efficiency figures of the SUV now public.The car offers a combined fuel efficiency of 4.5L/100km for the front-wheel drive variant (4.6L/100km on all-wheel drive), which is better than the outgoing front-wheel drive model at 4.7L/100km and 4.8L/100km for the all-wheel drive.This increases the RAV4’s fuel efficiency lead over hybrid models of the Hyundai Tucson (4.8L/100km) and Kia Sportage (5.3L/100km).Urban fuel consumption sits at 4.2L/100km, while extra urban fuel consumption is at 4.7L/100km. The all-wheel drive’s figures are 0.2L/100km higher than the front-wheel drive. The new generation of the Toyota RAV4 is still being eagerly awaited in Australia, with the brand already running out of stock on the previous model. This has caused a substantial downturn in sales for the Australian branch to the tune of 25 per cent year-on-year up to March 2026.  The new RAV4 will roll out into Australian showrooms this year with hybrid variants too far away and plug-in variants coming in the third quarter. All variants will feature a 2.5-litre petrol engine, and come in front-wheel and all-wheel drive choices. The hybrid produces 143kW, while the plug-in hybrid boosts power to 227kW. It will start from $45,990 (before on-road costs) when it lands in Australia within the next few weeks. This means it will be more expensive than the cheapest Tucson and Sportage hybrid models. The RAV4 is a key contributor to Toyota’s sales as their biggest seller, which is more than the HiLux ute and roughly twice as many as the Prado large SUV. Toyota will continue to add more electrified models to its lineup this year, including an electric version HiLux ute.