Industry news

Geely has powered up the sales chart in July, making the top 10 best-selling brands for the month.The Chinese brand launched in Australia in March 2025, and has approached the local market with a more methodical approach than its competitors. It has only introduced three models so far, contrasting BYD that already has more than 10 models on sale since its distribution takeover in July 2025.Despite this relatively small footprint, Geely captured 3.6 per cent of total new car sales in July.Geely has grown by more than 500 per cent in the first seven months of the year, compared to the same period in 2025.  Geely's success has largely been driven by the EX5 electric mid-size SUV that managed 2034 registrations last month - its best month yet. The Toyota RAV4-sized EX5 is Geely’s best-selling car on sale in Australia, with nearly 9000 sales so far this year.Starting from $41,990 (before on-road costs), it continues to outsell the smaller BYD Atto 3 ($39,990) and eat into the sales of petrol rivals such as the Mazda CX-5 ($39,990).There are limited other fully-electric rivals with similar dimensions to the EX5, potentially giving it an edge in showrooms. It’s not just the EX5 selling well for Geely, with its smaller EX2 sibling registering 474 examples in its first few weeks on sale.The brand only introduced its new hatch with a sharp $26,490 price tag in late July, making it one of the cheapest electric cars on the market. The EX2, which is the most popular car in China, even managed to shift more units than the BYD Dolphin ($29,990) in July.The Starray Em-i plug-in hybrid mid-size SUV is Geely’s other model on sale in Australia, also enjoying a strong sales return, with 1177 units finding new homes last month.It poses as a direct threat to the BYD Sealion 6 ($42,990) and the recently-launched Toyota RAV4 plug-in hybrid ($59,515), but is noticeably cheaper at $37,490. Geely will continue to introduce new models at its own pace, with potential for some activity before the end of the year.  The brand is expected to launch a mid-size and a large SUV in the first half of 2027, followed by the Emgrand plug-in hybrid sedan later on in the year. The Galaxy Cruiser large rugged 4WD is also expected to land Down Under before the end of next year. 

Carmakers are looking to save costs and the environment, which means they will be using more recycled materials in their vehicles.This is being further reinforced by new European Union regulations, which require a minimum amount of recycled plastics used in cars and key battery materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel, among others.This means more and more carmakers will be diving into the skip bin to grab crucial materials to put into your next car.The German giant is the latest to tout its recycling handiwork, reducing CO2 emissions from production of its new X5 SUV by using second-hand materials and renewable energy.A big part of this is electric arc furnace steel (EAF), which sounds absolutely badass, and it is. It effectively uses electric currents to melt scrap metal into new liquid steel that can be reshaped into car parts.BMW uses recycled materials in a range of components such as wheel rims, rear axle supports and brake calipers. The doors consist of 35 per cent reused materials and the headliner is made of 100 per cent recycled plastic bottles.In the electric iX5 60 XDrive, about a third of its weight, or 940kg, is made up of recycled materials.BMW has reduced the materials it sends to landfills by 88 per cent in the past 20 years.Toyota is aiming to have its range of vehicles be at least 30 per cent built from recycled materials by 2030.The brand flags 19 parts including catalytic converters, bumpers, EV batteries and motors to be designed to be easily removed from scrap vehicles and deconstructed future range of vehicles.Toyota’s Gosei plastics manufacturing subsidiary has developed materials with a 50 per cent recycled plastic content and performance equivalent to newly-made plastics, which it says is a world-first. Examples of this material being used are in the glove box and grille-backing material in the new Euro-market Camry.Other new Toyotas using recycled plastics include the incoming new-generation RAV4 and the Crown Sport SUV.

Toyota has finally spilled on why its new models are copping price increases around the world, with one executive suggesting the brand "can't compete" with China at the entry-point of the market, and so is instead moving into a more premium space.The news came from South Africa specifically, where executives were questioned as to why the new RAV4 Hybrid is more expensive than the model it replaces. The reason, says Toyota South Africa Motors senior public relations manager Riaan Esterhuysen, is China."We intentionally moved it into a more premium space. It occupies or plays in the higher part of the segment now, and that is intentional," he told BizCommunity."We can't compete with the emerging Chinese brands directly on an entry-level price point. They have changed that market. They have shaped the market or changed the shape of the market by driving customers down to a lower and mid-tier of the segment or taking used car buyers and upselling them."Toyota in Australia hasn't mentioned China in the positioning of the refreshed RAV4 range in our market, instead pointing to an increase in value, but the prices have also increased here markedly.The entry-level to the range, the GX, climbed $3730 to $45,990, while the Cruiser grade has increased by up to $5930, to $60,340. The new-to-market RAV4 PHEV sets a new price ceiling for the model, at $66,340 for the GR Sport.Whatever the reason in Australia, the price shift hasn't hurt sales, with the RAV4 the country's best-selling vehicle in July, with a total 5564 deliveries – and 40 per cent belonged to the RAV4 PHEV.It marks something of a bounce back after a comparatively slow start to the year for Toyota in Australia. But it has previously told CarsGuide that supply constraints, not competition from China and elsewhere, was to blame.A new RAV4 and a new HiLux launched at around the same time, and the brand says it has been fighting for more supply to meet demand."Our biggest downfall this year has actually been our supply at the start, because we knew last year that we were coming into this year with a Q1 into Q2 shortfall, because we were launching the RAV4 later than we had liked," John Pappas, Toyota's Vice President, National Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations, told CarsGuide."So now the fact that we've been able to secure more production from the global allocation, particularly on hybrids and bZs and other vehicle lines, including Hilux, it's great because that enables us to shorten lead times for customers."

Mercedes-Benz has priced its latest ultra-luxury V8-powered ride in Australia. The brand’s new S-Class sedan starts from $264,200 (before on-road costs) for S450, and the top-spec V8-powered S580 L priced from $353,900. The S-Class is $110,000 less than the Maybach SL680 convertible coupe ($463,900) announced by Mercedes-Benz earlier this year. It costs nearly $13,000 more than before to get into an S-Class than before, with the V8-powered model increasing more than $10,000.It still comes in cheaper than the BMW 7-series, starting from $277,900 that was also recently subject to a $5000 price increase. Here’s what is different for the new S-Class.Both the inline 3.0-litre six-cylinder and twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engines have received boosts to output. The six-cylinder S450 now produces up to 280kW and 600Nm, compared to 270kW/560Nm, while the V8 makes 395kW and 750Nm, up from 370kW/700Nm.The S580L can now accelerate from 0-100km/h in four seconds, with the S450 taking 4.9 seconds. Both engines are paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. The S-Class has undergone a significant redesign on the outside to give an enhanced road presence. There is a larger illuminated front grille, and extra bright headlights that can shine up to 600 metres in front of the car. The brand has further tweaked the rear light design so it shows off three triangular clusters.  Mercedes-Benz has made AMG styling standard across the S-Class range, featuring gloss block exterior accents and chrome highlights. It will ride on new 20-inch grey cross spoke alloy wheels.Changes continue inside the cabin, with a rim protection warning designed to prevent drivers from curbing the car’s wheels.The new S-Class offers heated front seat belts as an optional extra for additional comfort, found in the Comfort Plug Package priced at $13,900. This package also introduces massaging rear seats, and a system allowing the front passenger seat to be moved forward to create more rear legroom. There is a multimedia system boasting a 14.4-inch central touchscreen and a 12.3-inch digital driver display, along with an optional front passenger display.

Mitsubishi will soon reveal its new Pajero off-road SUV, but there is a whole family of Pajero models coming.The Japanese carmaker first announced this intention as part of its ‘Mid-Long Term Vision’ presentation in May 2026. All three Pajero models were teased with their boxy, upright silhouettes revealed.Broadening the Pajero nameplate follows a similar ethos to what Toyota is currently doing with the LandCruiser. There is the full-size LandCruiser 300 Series, the iconic LandCruiser 70 Series, the LandCruiser Prado and now the smaller LandCruiser FJ. Even more LandCruisers are planned in the future, including an electric one.Mitsubishi has historically offered many versions of the Pajero to supplement the full-size version.Up until recently it offered the Pajero Sport/Challenger as a Thai-produced SUV counterpart to the Triton ute. There has also been the Pajero Mini kei car, as well as the Pajero Junior and Pajero iO small SUVs.As reported by Nikkei Asia, the second Pajero model will be a mid-size model to rival the likes of the Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5, or possibly the new FJ LandCruiser.Sales are reportedly due to begin in Japan around late 2028 or early 2029. It’s unclear if it will be exported to other countries yet, but mid-size SUVs are incredibly popular in Australia.This mid-size Pajero will reportedly be manufactured in Japan and be built on a dedicated platform, while sharing componentry with the Outlander. It’s unclear if this means it’ll be built on a more rugged ladder-frame or road-going monocoque platform.It will reportedly be differentiated from its rivals by offering electronically controlled four-wheel drive. There will also reportedly be a hybrid powertrain.Tougher exterior styling is expected to differentiate it from the Outlander.Mitsubishi has teased a third Pajero model is in the pipeline and it will reportedly be a compact version that may slot into kei car regulations in Japan.If this is the case, this means the compact Pajero will need to be no longer than 3400mm, no wider than 1480mm and no taller than 2000mm. It must also have an engine no larger than 660cc that can produce up to 47kW.This compact Pajero will reportedly be produced in Japan and be a key rival to the likes of the Suzuki Jimny, among others.It won’t be the first Mitsubishi model to also spawn a kei-car version. The Japanese carmaker currently offers the Delica Mini as a smaller companion to the Delica D:5, plus it historically offered the Pajero Mini from 1994 to 2012.It’s unlikely this compact Pajero will be offered in other markets outside of Japan. Mitsubishi has previously explored introducing kei car-sized vehicles in Australia but found the required engineering work to pass local design and safety regulations would make them too costly.The new, full-size Mitsubishi Pajero is reportedly set to be unveiled on September 2 and will be on sale in Australia before the end of 2026. This comes roughly five years after the previous model was discontinued locally.Unlike previous Pajeros, this new model will be produced in Thailand and adopt its ladder-frame chassis from the Triton ute. This is more like the previous Pajero Sport/Challenger as the Pajero has historically been its own model.It’s expected the new Pajero will share a version of the 2.4-litre bi-turbo diesel engine with the current Triton.However, recent investment in Mitsubishi’s Thai manufacturing facility hinted that a hybrid version of both could be fast-tracked.

Nissan has teased yet another Chinese-built SUV as part of its tie-up with Dongfeng, which could serve as a cut-price replacement for the Ariya.Dubbed the NX7, Nissan shared a single teaser image of the new model on its Chinese social media channels ahead of its reveal.In line with the naming practices used on cars in China, the NX7 will serve as a mid-size SUV, a segment below the five-meter long NX8 which has just hit the market overseas.While no details of the car are available yet, the shadowy teaser shows a car with similar design traits to the NX8, with split light clusters, a filled-in front panel and an illuminated Nissan badge. Its lower light fittings are distinct from the strip-style lights featured in the NX8’s design, while traditional wing mirrors and a Lidar cluster on the roof also feature.If it follows in the footsteps of the NX8, expect the NX7 to be offered with both a purely electric (EV) and range-extender (REEV) hybrid option.The NX7 will build on the success of Nissan’s Dongfeng joint venture, which has thus far produced the Frontier Pro PHEV ute as a BYD Shark 6 rival (expected to be called the Navara Pro in Australia), as well as the N6 and N7 sedans, which join the NX8 as important wins for Nissan as it experiences a shrinking footprint elsewhere in the world.While the company had a head start in the electrification space with the pioneering Leaf hatchback, it has struggled to remain competitive since the rise of Tesla and cut-price Chinese alternatives.To that end, under the leadership of relatively new CEO Ivan Espinosa, Nissan has stated it will lean more heavily into its successful Chinese joint venture to leverage ‘China Speed’ product development for the global market.The NX7 is the next in what the company said will be 10 new Chinese models to be revealed by 2027. To our count, the brand is up to five new models, or seven if you include the recently updated combustion models from the joint venture, the Teana sedan and Pathfinder large SUV.Locally, the NX7 could be more price competitive than the car which Nissan already offers in this mid-size space, the Ariya.Starting from $55,840, before on-roads, the Ariya goes head-to-head with the Tesla Model Y (from $58,900), BYD Sealion 7 (from $54,990) and Toyota bZ4X (from $55,990), although all of those rivals offer a longer driving range in their most basic forms.This leaves Nissan without a car to compete at the entry level of the mid-size SUV space, with the likes of the Geely EX5, GAC Aion V, and Leapmotor C10, all from the mid-$40k mark.It would also open the door to Nissan offering a REEV model to compete with the likes of the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV and BYD Sealion 6 at a competitive price.Nissan has been approached for comment on the new model’s chances for an Australian launch. While the company has alluded to exporting the Frontier Pro PHEV and NX8 to Australia in the past, it is yet to confirm timing for the models.

Smart, the electric brand formed by automotive power couple Mercedes-Benz and Geely, is hinting that the arrival its smallest car the #2 is near as colour murals appear around the world including Australia.Paris, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Melbourne have all seen advertisements in the form of hand painted murals pop up in their cities recently.Melbourne’s version features the small red two-door hatch against a backdrop of the city’s landmarks including Flinders St Station and a tram with the tagline “It’s back #2.”The only Smart models currently available are the #1 small SUV and the #3 mid-sized SUV. The “It’s back” tagline is referring to the original Smart Fortwo tiny hatch which was popular in Australia when the brand first landed here more than 20 years ago.The Smart #2 is only 100mm longer than the original Fortwo at a diminutive 2792mm end-to-end and also has just two seats but this time around it will be a bench seat which the company says creates more cabin room.The little city hatch will be fully electric and is expected to have a 35kWh battery and about 300km of driving range from a full charge. Fast DC charging from 10-80 percent will take just 20 minutes, Smart says.Smart Global CMO Kang Yi, said the Smart #2 was designed to express individuality and playfulness.“The Smart #2 is the evolution of a revolution,” he said “We designed this vehicle to bring playfulness, premium sophistication, and effortless agility back to the modern urban jungle. By teasing our defining halo product through this unconventional artistic exposure, we are building immense anticipation for its return and showcasing our commitment to creating vehicles that are not just means of transportation, but true expressions of individuality.”The Smart #2 will make its global debut at the Paris motor show in October.As for its arrival locally despite the marketing proclaiming the Smart #2 to be back in Melbourne, Smart's Australian distributor told CarsGuide the vehicle was not confirmed for our market.If it was to launch here it wouldn't be until 2027.

Australians are still buying cars in greater quantity than ever before, despite tough economic conditions.The new vehicle market recorded its strongest ever July result off the back of the same feat in June. Toyota has had a resurgent month up against its Chinese challengers BYD and Chery, led by its new-generation RAV4 SUV. Electric car sales are also showing no signs of slowing down in Australia, accounting for more than one-in-five cars sold. Chinese brands are becoming a staple high up the sales charts in Australia, with many budget-focused models continuing to drive sales. Toyota achieved 20,409 registrations for July, more than double what BYD managed.The Japanese juggernaut has taken out the top-two spots for July with its RAV4 family SUV and HiLux ute.The RAV4 has shot up the sale charts to take out pole position, with 5564 units, wrestling back against early supply issues plaguing the new version of the hugely popular family model. Plug-in hybrid variants of the RAV4 have received some serious attention from buyers, accounting for nearly 40 per cent of the SUV's total sales.Toyota's HiLux ute was not far behind, boasting 4721 units and overtaking the Ford Ranger (4042) in July. The brand also experienced its best month in 2026 for its Land Cruiser Prado and 300 Series 4WDs.Fully-electric cars represented more than one-fifth of all sales in July, with rising fuel prices continuing to influence buyer choices.The Tesla Model Y registered another month as the best-selling EV in Australia, with 4644 units in July between its five- (2215) and six-seater (2429) variants according to EV Council data. BYD’s Sealion 7 mid-size SUV was another strong performer, with 2548 examples sold last month, keeping its tag as the brand’s best-selling model for another month.The Geely EX5 (2034) made another appearance in the top 10 best sellers, followed by the Zeekr 7X (1892). The Chery Tiggo 4 (2156) small SUV has continued its run as one of the best-selling small SUVs, holding off competition from the Hyundai Kona (2096) and Mazda CX-5 (1836).BYD held onto second position in the overall sales standings for July (7857), despite a noticeable drop-off from June. In addition to the Sealion 7, its Shark 6 plug-in hybrid ute registered another confident registration figure, with 1216 units, along with the Atto 2 small SUV (1214).Chery, Geely, GWM and MG all made the top 10 best-selling brands for the month.

Nissan has finally shared when its highly anticipated seventh-generation (Y63) Patrol will hit Australian shores.The brand confirmed the new 4WD will arrive in the first quarter of 2027 with the order books opening before the end of August.It is the first new Patrol since the long-serving Y62 debuted globally in 2010, before arriving in Australia in 2013.Headlining the changes for the new-generation SUV is the move to a new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine, which replaces the renowned but thirsty 5.6-litre V8 in the outgoing Y62.Producing 317kW/700Nm though, the new powertrain makes the Y63 the most powerful Patrol yet (with an additional 19kW/140Nm compared to the V8) and is paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission.Nissan confirmed the new-generation Patrol will have air suspension on some variants for the first time, which will have benefits both in its raised clearance for off-road ability, and a lowered height for entry and egress. The brand also says the suspension can automatically lower the vehicle at highway speeds for better fuel economy.Inside there are new features including dual 14.3-inch screens for the multimedia and digital instrument cluster, as well as a head-up display for the first time.It will be backed by a new 12-speaker, 600W, Klipsch-branded audio systemThere's also a new ‘Biometric Cooling’ feature, which Nissan says automatically adjusts the climate system by detecting passenger temperatures, and so-called ‘Zero Gravity’ reclining massage seats for both the front and rear positions.The incoming Nissan Patrol is built on a new platform and is bigger in almost every dimension, measuring 35mm longer and 35mm wider, with the same height, bringing total dimensions to 5205mm long, 2030mm wide, and 1955mm tall.Updates on the Y63 Patrol come shortly after Nissan confirmed last call on the outgoing V8 model. Japanese production is set to end this month.Australia will be one of the first right-hand drive markets to score the new Y63 Patrol. It launched in left-hand drive markets in 2024.The impending launch of this right-hand drive Y63 Patrol has even resulted in pre-production versions being spotted by CarsGuide in Melbourne.The Y63 Patrol will not only have to do battle with its historic rivals like the Toyota LandCruiser (now available with a plugless hybrid system), and the hotly-anticipated next-generation Pajero, but it will also have to face newcomers like the GWM Tank 500 and Denza B8.On top of that, the emerging 4WD enthusiast trend in China has seen an explosion of new plug-in hybrid options headed for this space, including from GAC and Geely.There is no word yet on Nissan’s ongoing tie-up with Premcar, which has seen the new Navara get Australian-specific suspension, and the outgoing Y62 Patrol get a halo off-road focused Warrior variant.Expect to learn more about the 2027 Y63 Nissan Patrol closer to its launch date in early 2027.

Audi's incoming budget-friendly EV is getting closer.The Audi A2 e-tron is an electric compact SUV scheduled to launch in Europe by November.It could be the brand’s cheapest EV on sale to date. The A2 e-tron will provide competition for other small electric rivals, the recently-launched Volkswagen ID.3 Neo and the Volvo EX-30.Audi is eager for its new model to follow in the efficient footsteps of its previous A2 practical hatchback.The A2 powered by a 1.2 turbo-diesel engine, offering a sensational 3.0L/100km fuel efficiency. The Audi A2 e-tron will be powered by a single electric motor, with three different power outputs.The base car produces 140kW, while up-spec models make 170kW/350Nm or 240kW/545Nm. Audi claims the A2 e-tron will be its most efficient model on sale.It has a preliminary energy rating of 12.8kWh/100km, according to WLTP standards.This means its 61kWh battery should provide a total driving range of up to 476km - a strong figure compared to other small car rivals. Audi says an improved drag coefficient of 0.24 has boosted energy efficiency by 0.9kWh/100km. The car can DC fast charge at 105kW, so a 10 to 80 per cent fill-up takes 26 minutes. It also offers bi-directional charging, meaning it can power external devices and act as a home power supply. There is no official word on the A2 e-tron launching in Australia. It could complement Audi’s Australian lineup as a more affordable EV offering, but it might be subject to hefty shipping costs from Europe. The A2 e-tron’s Europe by November launch date places any potential Australian introduction in 2027.Audi Australia has been contacted for comment to see if the local branch is interested in the car, and when it might launch Down Under.