Industry news

BYD has smashed through a sales milestone. The brand said it has made more than 50 per cent of its total revenue from export markets, rather than from its domestic sales in the Chinese market. This is due to BYD’s efforts in the last several years growing both its exports and its overseas manufacturing efforts in order to escape a stagnant Chinese new car market, which has contracted after a long period of explosive growth. The brand’s sales in China declined by 12 per cent, but it grew its exports by a whopping 137 per cent, to well over half a million units, according to BYD’s third quarter numbers for 2026. The Chinese market has reached a level of saturation and stagnation after several years of a bruising price war, which many competitors have pointed the finger at BYD’s aggressive domestic pricing strategy, overseas markets have become a crucial battleground for their future growth aspirations. Profit margins on vehicles sold in Australia, Europe and South America are exponentially higher than cars sold domestically in China. This is part of the reason sticker prices in the Chinese market are significantly lower than those we see in other markets. Price tags for the Australian vehicles generally attract a 15 - 20 per cent premium over the equivalent spec offered in China. Part of this will be down to right-hand drive conversion costs, and higher compliance costs for vehicles to meet Australia’s notoriously strict design standards and high bar for a maximum five-star ANCAP score. One analyst, as quoted in Nikkei Asia’s analysis of BYD’s latest sales numbers, said the company earns “roughly 10 times more profit per vehicle abroad than in China”. A part of this is vehicles sold in developed markets like Australia are offered in higher trim levels than they are in the Chinese domestic market, although the slew of larger, more expensive 4WDs and growth of luxury sub-brands like BYD’s Denza or Geely’s Zeekr are also massively helping to buff profit margins. GWM proclaims that it has doubled its average sale price in the last seven years in Australia as it has introduced pricier, better-featured vehicles, both from its Haval SUV brand and its Tank off-road brand further up the price scale. “The year-on-year increase in volume has also come with new cars at more expensive price points. If we can do that at the same time as showing customers value no matter the price then we’re on the right track." the brand’s Executive General Manager of Marketing and Communications Steve Maciver told CarsGuide recently. GWM is set to introduce its dedicated luxury arm Wey into Australia before the end of 2026. While Chinese brands continue to dominate the sales charts in Australia, where the barrier to entry is significantly lower, automakers like BYD, Geely, and Chery are facing tariffs in Europe and the USA as those jurisdictions move to protect their own domestic automaking capabilities. This is putting a cap on their respective ambitions, but each brand is also moving to diversify and acquire manufacturing capacity not only across Europe, but also in other strategic markets like South Korea and closer to home in South East Asia. Legacy automakers are feeling the crunch. Domestically this means household names like Subaru and Nissan dropping out of the race to be a top-10 automaker by sales, but internationally it means a massive squeeze in profit margins, big expenditure in research and development, and a large reduction in market share. This has resulted in many large international brands like Volkswagen and Nissan resorting to closing factories or cutting jobs by the thousands, with some brands needing to embrace Chinese joint-venture partnerships more closely to build more competitive models for export. Nissan, for example, shut down its historic Oppama factory in Japan as part of its Re:Nissan business overhaul, as it looks to reduce its capacity by a million units. As of the end of September 2026, the top-10 rankings in Australia are: Toyota (152,944 units) BYD (76614 units) Ford (61104 units) Kia (60800 units) Mazda (58865 units) Hyundai (56009 units) GWM (44959 units) Tesla (41705 units) Chery (38022 units) MG (36832 units)

GWM has revealed pricing and specifications for its completely overhauled and hybrid-only H7 mid-size SUV range. Arriving in two powertrains across two trim levels, the boxy SUV is a completely different model to the one it replaces. Swapping out its basis on the Chinese-market Haval ‘Big Dog’ and instead opting for the larger and tougher Raptor, the H7 nameplate has scored a significant glow-up for Australia. Offered as either a plugless hybrid (HEV) or plug-in hybrid (PHEV), pricing starts from $46,990 for the base H7 Lux HEV, stretching to $53,990 for the Vanta PHEV. See full pricing for the range below. The HEV pairs a 1.5-litre engine to dual electric motors for total outputs of 182kW/670Nm, while the plug-in hybrid version ups power even further to 320kW/670Nm. All are all-wheel drive, featuring the brand’s signature Hi4 system, which features a front-mounted hybrid transmission and “enhanced” traction systems consisting of eight drive modes as well as a locking rear differential. The large 33.7kWh battery pack in the plug-in hybrid allows up to 137km of pure EV driving range. The brand claims the PHEV can travel up to 844km in combined driving conditions. PHEV versions also come with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) discharging system. The H7 sits above the more traditional H6 family mid-sizer in the brand’s range, whilst also positioned below the more hardcore ladder-frame based Tank 300 in the wider GWM line-up. Standard features on the Lux (HEV or PHEV) include: 19-inch alloy wheels LED headlights, tail lights, and DRLs Synthetic leather seat trim 15.6-inch multimedia touchscreen Wireless phone mirroring Eight-speaker audio 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster Front and rear USB C and USB A ports as well as dash camera port Six-way power seat adjust for the driver, four way manual adjust for front passenger Wireless phone charger Push-button start, keyless entry, electronic park brake Full-size spare wheel The Vanta grade (HEV or PHEV) adds: Memory mirror functions Contrast gloss black trim Rear privacy glass Heated steering wheel Auto dimming rear vision mirror Inbuilt sunshades in rear windows Eight-way power adjust for the driver Four way electric adjust for front passenger Heated and ventilated front seats Ambient interior lighting Head up display 10-speaker premium audio All versions score the same active safety suite, and array of seven airbags, complete with adaptive cruise control. HEV versions get black 19-inch wheels, while PHEVs get two-tone designs. There are five colours to pick from in the H7 range including: Emerald Green Velvet Black Storm Grey Mystic Grey Hamilton White Mystic Grey can only be chosen on Vanta grades. In terms of performance, the plugless hybrid variant can sprint from 0-100km/h in 7.0 seconds, while the PHEV can complete the same sprint in 4.9 seconds despite weighing in at nearly 200kg more. All versions have an approach angle of 25 degrees, a departure angle of 32 degrees and a breakover angle of 20 degrees. They can wade up to a depth of 580mm and the H7 is capable of towing up to 1500kg braked regardless of variant. The SUV’s swing-open tailgate with rear-mounted spare reveals a luggage capacity of 586-litres regardless of powertrain, with 1404L when the second row is folded flat. The H7 is designed to offer a more adventurous SUV in Haval’s line-up, compared to the more family-focused H6, and sporty H6GT. At launch, the H7 is also offered with a drive-away pricing incentive, with the Lux HEV costing $45,990 D/A and the Lux PHEV priced at $49,990 drive-away. This pricing puts the H7 up against the likes of the Subaru Outback (AWD only, from $48,990 before on-roads), Nissan X-Trail (e-Power HEV AWD from $49,080 before on-roads), or Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV (AWD only, from $58,990 before on-roads). The H7 is part of yet another fresh product offensive from GWM as it aims for a top-five position in Australia's new car market, despite newer rivals like Chery closing in. The brand is confident the array of choice it offers from its five sub-brands, Ora, Haval, Tank, Cannon and Wey will bolster its chances.

Stellantis CEO Antonio Filosa has declared war on sub-standard quality across the automotive giant’s portfolio of 14 brands. He says the strategy he has put in place to tackle the well documented problems many of the group’s high-profile nameplates have faced in recent years is starting to bear fruit. In an overnight presentation of Q3 2026 results from the company’s Amsterdam HQ, Filosa said, “During the quarter, we continued to make progress in the early execution of our FaSTLAne 2030 plan, launching new products, accelerating partnerships as planned and delivering meaningful improvements in manufacturing and quality.”    Speaking with Automotive News Europe in a post-presentation interview he referenced the roughly 80 ‘war rooms’ established across the business, including engineering, quality and manufacturing personnel working with the group’s suppliers to iron out long-standing issues. Recalls, including a global call back of over 1.3 million Jeeps in June this year for an imminent fire risk, have not only cost the company in terms of physical rectification, but brand reputation. That recall, where owners were advised to park their vehicles outside and away from structures, put a massive dent in Jeep’s already fragile credibility, with over 9000 Wrangler and Gladiator models (built between 2020 and 2024) impacted in Australia. And the Automotive News Europe report included feedback from HSBC Analyst Michael Tyndall, who said. “There is no end in sight to (the) recalls.” “Stellantis had 18 more recalls in the third quarter, cumulatively impacting 3.4 million vehicles, with many requiring a dealer visit to be fixed.” The Stellantis Group houses European brands Abarth, Alfa Romeo, Citroen, DS, Fiat (+ Fiat Professional), Lancia, Maserati, Opel, Peugeot and Vauxhall with US nameplates including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram. Citing a specific problem with a 12-volt battery system that, among other things, caused the unit to drain and leave vehicles unable to start, Filosa said, “Fifteen months ago we were behind the competition. “In the next two months, the quality of this specific system, which is in every one of our cars in North America, will be top quartile.” Stellantis has built up its in-house engineering strength in recent years, adding thousands to the head-count, with the hiring campaign on-going. And on top of that, Filosa said AI (Artificial Intelligence) will be part of the company’s armoury to address vehicle issues that have raised expenses for repairs and warranties. Despite the still frequent recalls, Filosa said the group remains “very happy” with its brands, with none up for sale, adding, “We just need to put our heads down and work relentlessly on execution.”

Nissan will commence deliveries of the new Y63-generation Patrol in the first quarter of 2027 and many Australians have already put in orders. Speaking with CarsGuide, Nissan Australia Managing Director Steve Milette said 2500 people have registered their interest for the new Y63 Patrol. It’s claimed these have so far converted into “over 500 firm orders”. “This is probably higher than we would have thought. It just shows how powerful the product is,” said Milette. Milette added that 70 per cent of the orders are skewing toward the two higher grades - the Pro-4X and Ti-L Reserve. When the Y63 Patrol launches in Australia in the first quarter of 2027, it will be just around two and half years after it was first revealed. Australia is the first right-hand drive market the Y63 Patrol is launching in. It’s around two years after it launched in left-hand drive markets as the Armada. Six grades of the Y63 Patrol are being offered in Australia. They’re priced as follows: Power in the Y63 Patrol comes from a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine that produces 317kW and 700Nm. This is 19kW and 140Nm more than the Y62’s 5.6-litre naturally aspirated V8. The V6 engine is mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission with drive sent through a full-time four-wheel drive system. There’s a low-range transfer case, an electronic-locking rear differential, as well as eight drive modes. Braked towing capacity is 3700kg across the line-up, as well as trailer blind-spot warning.

Australia, you have two weeks before a massive fuel price wave hits us, and this time there’s no government fuel excise relief to save us. The price of Brent crude oil has risen to US$117.35 a barrel. That’s the highest level we have seen in six months, foretelling a looming spike in the cost of petrol and diesel in Australia… again. But this time around it'll hot a lot harder with no cut to the Fuel Excise to cushion the blow.   Brent crude is fascinating. It’s a kind of oil found in 1971 in the Brent oil field in the North Sea, and even though it’s not a particularly special oil in itself, the price of it has become the indicator of the world’s oil price. When the price of Brent crude goes up, oil prices are raised globally and then the clock starts ticking before the increase reaches petrol and diesel prices. The ACCC says two weeks is generally the time for an increase in Brent crude oil price to flow through to a hike in petrol and diesel prices at the pump in your suburb. The price rise process is a chain that starts with a rise in Brent crude price, that causes a rise in refined fuel prices in Asia, that causes a rise in wholesale prices in Australia, which then causes your local service station to raise the price of diesel and petrol at the bowser. Unfortunately, you’re the last link in the chain, and the price rise is passed the whole way along to you. Following the outbreak of the war in Iran on February 28, and then disruption of oil through the Strait of Hormuz, Brent crude’s price went from $72 a barrel the night before military action to $106 on March 20. Australian petrol and diesel prices skyrocketed from an average of 168.1c/litre for 91 RON in NSW in February to 222.5c/litre by the end of March.   The federal government then stepped and cut the Fuel Excise, which ran from April 1 to August 2 and gave us a discount of 32c a litre. The relief came at exactly the right time and sheltered us from the worst of the price hikes. Brent crude’s price during this time hit US$118.03 on April 29. The price of 91 RON could have sailed past 250c/litre. Which is where we are headed for now.  How much will the price of fuel rise? After falling back to a low of US$72.17 on July 1 Brent crude’s price has risen again through September and October to US$117.35 on Monday this week. The last time the price was this high was on April 29 when Brent crude peaked at US$118.03.  We are feeling early October’s Brent price rise now with 91 RON averaging 237c/litre as the month draws to an end.  Early to mid-November could see us reach the highest fuel prices we’ve endured this year. My guess is 91 RON will hit 250c/litre and the highest grade unleaded 98 RON will hit 280c/litre. That’s about $154 to fill up a car with a regular 55-litre petrol tank. The good news is Australian fuel reserves have stayed at the same level since March. According to the Federal government as of October 20 there remains 39 days left of petrol, 31 days left of diesel and 28 days left of jet fuel. If you remember it was the threat of fuel rationing that caused people to start panic buying back in March. And while this time around there doesn’t seem to be the same sense of panic, the rising cost of fuel results in an increase in the price of goods and services, which is a hard pill to swallow for households after being hit by successive interest rate hikes. I don’t know about you, but EVs are looking more attractive. So’s the bus.

Chery’s International boss confirmed a local research and development centre is in the works for Australia. Chery International President Zhang Guibing noted that Australian-based engineers would help the brand tune its cars to better suit local conditions. Zhang said an R&D centre is planned, and even suggested one of Chery’s sub-brands could be headquartered in Australia in the future. “We will create an R&D center in Australia,” he confirmed. “We will use more local labor to really teach Chery because we are far Australia. “The habits, the road conditions, the weather is a big difference. Even now… maybe in the future we are also different.” The move to build an R&D centre in Australia would make Chery an on-paper leader in localisation in terms of its Chinese compatriots, with GWM also employing a local ride and handling expert in former Holden guru Rob Trubiani. Chery earlier this year confirmed it would build an R&D centre in Millbrook in the UK, though given the emphasis Zhang places on Australia, it seems an Aussie localisation program will teach the brand plenty about getting ahead in the brutally competitive new-car market. The announcement goes against the brand’s local arm saying last year that local ride and handling work is ‘irrelevant’ because much of the tech in Chery’s cars is too new for local experience to tune. “I think as long as we have the intelligent and educated input, whether we do that work in China or Europe or North America is irrelevant,” Chery’s local Chief Operating Officer Lucas Harris said in late 2025. To further cement Australia’s importance in the eyes of Chery’s top brass, Zhang suggested Sydney or Melbourne as potential locations for one of Chery’s sub-brands’ international operations to be headquartered in future. Chery currently has several global sub-brands: Jetour, Exlantix, Lepas, Luxeed, iCaur, Freelander and finally Omoda and Jaecoo, with the latter often paired together. This came alongside the acknowledgement that many have suggested London as a possible headquarters for Jaecoo’s international arm. He also noted the Stockman, Chery's upcoming ute, will launch in Australia before any other market, including China. Zhang also said Chery’s sub-brands in Australia wouldn’t all be based in the same city, ideally. “Some of the brands, the headquarters maybe put in Sydney. Some of the brand we put not in Sydney, in other cities… Melbourne.” He outlined that even in Wuhu, the plan is for Chery’s sub-brands to at least have their own buildings and spaces to develop and engineer their vehicles, despite the regularly shared engineering and tech across the Chery group. Mr Zhang’s approach is to try and tailor the staff on each brand to best understand the intended audience of the brand by being closer to that demographic where possible. “Actually, the team, the people, the different R&D department people is completely separated. “Because we want this brand from R&D and later the sales the, marketing, the people really is the same customer group of the brand. “Even the building, the design is also a very strong link with the customer feeling. So this is our main decision.  “Even for me, I don't participate. Because I think I'm not the customer group. So if sometimes I make too many decisions, it’s wrong.  “So I will leave more power to the different brand groups. So they will make their own decisions on how to really make the customer happy, because they understand the customers.”

BYD’s ultra-luxury YangWang division has teased an upcoming flagship sedan, in an unprecedented move for the brand. The teaser image reveals an ultra-luxury sedan, complete with hints of rear-hinged ‘suicide’ doors, a two-tone paint scheme and much more traditional design cues. A translation of the post has Yangwang promising the sedan will “outline the grandeur of the East” and will be an “ultra-luxury executive flagship sedan.” The new model will sit above YangWang’s existing line-up of non-SUVs, including the U7 four-door GT and U9 hypercar. It will debut in the United Arab Emirates in November of this year, according to Chinese media. The same outlets also say the sedan will be five and a half meters long and cost in excess of two million RMB (A$430,000). It is understood BYD is plotting a market entrance for YangWang in Australia, and has previously brought Chinese-market examples of the U9 and U8 SUV Down Under as a preview of what to expect in the future. In fact, the U8 recently appeared in government approval documentation for our market, equipped with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine and four electric motors, producing a combined 880kW. Torque is yet to be revealed, but in China it produces more than 1280Nm. For now, BYD’s local spokespeople are quiet on the timing for the launch of the YangWang brand locally. The brand sits above the already-established luxury Denza marque, although it is unclear at this stage what branding the models will wear. The flagship sedan has a distinctly lower likelihood of an Australian launch given how small the demand for sedans is locally, it should showcase impressive drivetrain and interior tech for the brand. It is, of course, expected to be able to fully utilise BYD’s ‘flash charging’ technology, and could even debut solid state battery tech for the brand. At the rear its styling is reminiscent of category stalwarts like the Bentley Flying Spur, while the overall silhouette and blocky face feels as though it could have been influenced by Jaguar’s upcoming and highly controversial Type 01 GT. Meanwhile, the teaser and official camouflage images clearly show the brand’s signature headlight profile, also seen on the U8 SUV. Expect to learn more about YangWang’s new flagship at its November reveal.

Nissan’s Chinese partner, Dongfeng, is rolling a new tough-looking SUV off the production line in China. Dubbed the X700, this new rig hasn’t spawned from the Dongfeng-Nissan partnership, but Dongfeng’s tough M-Hero sub-brand. It shows just what the Chinese giant has in its arsenal that it could share with the wider motoring world, and it could plug a mighty big hole in Nissan’s line-up left by the departed Pathfinder large SUV. It is a big, butch SUV that looks more like a rough-and-tumble off-roader than a family-hauler. Boxy styling is complemented by chunky guards that run along the bottom of the vehicle, black wheels and side-hinged tailgate with spare wheel-like storage box on the tailgate. It may look like it can handle some tough trails, but it is more suited to gravel tracks and urban commutes. The X700  has ditched the ladder frame that underpins other M-Hero vehicles and uses monocoque underpinnings that is better suited to SUVs. Sophisticated multilink rear suspension paired with double wish-bone suspension up front, along with dual-chamber air suspension means it will be better at smoothing out pockmarked streets than rock-hopping. It is a big unit, measuring 5035mm long, 1999mm wide, 1890mm tall with a wheelbase of 2920mm. Under the bonnet is a plug-in hybrid set-up that pairs a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine with two electric motors for a combined 405kW sent to all four wheels. This allows it to spring to 100km/h in less than five seconds. In China it comes with two battery options, a circa-51kWh or 68kWh unit that deliver an electric driving range of 285km and 360km, respectively. Both of the driving ranges are calculated by the more lenient Chinese test cycle. Nissan has confirmed the Nissan Navara Pro plug-in hybrid ute is coming to Australia next year, which is based on the Dongfeng Z9. But more are coming, according to Nissan Australia boss Steve Milette. “There’s a lot of vehicles that were revealed at the Auto China [motor show this year],” he said. “I mean, we have our hand up for many of those and it’s just a matter of going through the proper business cases, just like we went through on the Navara Pro PHEV, but there definitely is a need for us to continue down the electrification of our portfolio and expanding the line-up and so more to come in the future.” Nissan showed a range of vehicles including the NX8 electric and range-extender hybrid large SUV, Nissan Terrano PHEV concept, Nissan Urban SUV PHEV concept. The Terrano is an SUV version of the Navara Pro PHEV and it has been caught testing in Australia already. The Chinese EVs are likely for Australia as the company has ruled out the new Leaf and Juke electric SUVs that likely won’t be price competitive if they were sold here. Time will tell if Nissan reaches deeper into Dongfeng’s portfolio to plug more gaps in its line-up.

Honda has released details of an updated version of its HR-V for the Japanese domestic market, where the small SUV is badged Vezel. Exterior cosmetic changes as well as new features inside have been added to internal-combustion engine (ICE) and ‘e:HEV’ hybrid models to freshen the car’s looks and enhance practicality. In Australia, the HR-V is offered across four model grades, all front-wheel drive; the entry-level, pure-combustion Vi X, with the e:HEV powertrain available in X, L and flagship RS form. Japanese buyers also have the choice of four models - one combustion (G) and three hybrid (X, Z & Z Play package) - however, all-wheel drive is standard on the base ICE car and an option on the hybrids. The Japanese market facelift sees the wheel arches and front, side, and rear bumper garnishes finished in the same colour as the body on the Z models, with additions to the base G’s spec list including: Rear ventilation Dual rear USB-C ports Black inner headlight lenses On top of that, the e:HEV X has picked up: Heated front seats As well as the exterior trim pieces finished in body colour, the e:HEV Z also gets the black inner headlight lens treatment, with the Z Play package adding 18-inch alloy rims with a dark clear finish. Colours not seen in Australia so far, include Seabed Blue Pearl and Premium Sunlight White Pearl. Already on sale, the updated Japanese HR-V is priced from ¥2.77 million, which, taking import and distribution costs into account translates to a number very close to the local HR-V Vi X’s current $32,900, drive-away price. The Japanese flagship e:HEV Z Play package sits at ¥3.66 million in FWD form, again close to its Australian RS equivalent at $44,400, drive-away on an import-adjusted basis. CarsGuide contacted Honda Australia for comment on the updated HR-V’s potential for local release and a spokesperson said, “We are unable to confirm at this stage whether the updated HR-V currently available in Japan will be introduced to the Australian market.”

Mazda has announced it will end production of the CX-70 large SUV for the US market imminently, and will instead offer a five-seat version of the more popular CX-90 to cover the gap in its line-up. It comes amid a shake-up for Mazda’s large SUV range, which has been languishing in the sales charts both globally and locally. However, despite this huge blow for the CX-70 nameplate, Mazda Australia told CarsGuide the large five-seat SUV was set to continue on for the foreseeable future, as it aims to offer its customers as much choice as possible. Contrary to Mazda's official position, sources with knowledge of the situation have said to CarsGuide the car will leave the Australian market in the near future. While Mazda is embattled on the sales front in Australia, with economic troubles burdening buyers and an ultra-competitive market from new and established rivals, things are worse for the brand in the USA, where the Japanese-built CX-70 is also facing an additional 15 per cent tariff. With the lucrative US market now off the table due to this re-oriented range, it puts the viability of the entire nameplate in doubt globally. In the meantime, the incoming upgraded CX-90 promised as part of sweeping changes to the large SUV range will include a higher towing capacity for the five-seat variants, which is potentially appealing for Australia. Australia is still the only market to offer all four of Mazda’s Large Architecture SUVs, from the five-seat CX-60 and CX-70, to the three row CX-80 and CX-90. All were part of a daring push by Mazda to move its large SUVs into more premium territory pricing-wise, introducing more sophisticated inline six-cylinder turbocharged engines and plug-in hybrid powertrains along the way. The CX-70 is also embattled in the Australian market, as the least popular of the lot, amassing just 182 units so far in 2026. A Mazda Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the two row still has a small but loyal fanbase, which it would continue to cater to. Meanwhile, the CX-90 has amassed 470 sales this year and the CX-80 is up to 1931. The most popular offering in the brand’s big SUV range, the CX-60, has managed 3566 units this year.  All have reported significant year-on-year declines, with Mazda’s Global operation calling out Australia as a particularly “tough environment” in its last quarterly financial report. The brand acknowledged strong demand for “low-priced battery EVs and HEVs amid rising fuel prices” was core to success of rivals in our market. While going upmarket might have seemed like a brilliant move at the time for the once-dominant Mazda, this combination of factors, as well as a raft of issues with the CX-60 from launch from a jerky transmission to harsh rear suspension, has hemmed the brand’s luxury market ambitions. These issues have been addressed multiple times for new and existing CX-60 owners, while learnings from early cars have been incorporated into the CX-70 and CX-90 which arrived later. Mazda is down 16.2 per cent for the year, with its best-selling CX-5 mid-size SUV in the midst of a generational change-over, and missing its important plugless hybrid variant, which isn’t due until 2028. Meanwhile the popular CX-30 and ageing CX-3 continue to be the brand’s other two performers, amassing over 9000 sales each so far in 2026. The CX-30 in particular has just received a model year update, with Mazda turning its global attention to its next-generation small car family for the future of the CX-3. In the interim, the brand is testing the Australian market’s taste for Mazda-branded electric vehicles, with the 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV based on platforms and technology sourced from its Changan partner in China.