Utes

Fresh updates have emerged about Hyundai’s long-awaited ute for Australia. Last week, the brand revealed the as-yet unnamed answer to the Ford Ranger, BYD Shark 6, Toyota HiLux and Chery Stockman has been whittled down to a choice of two upcoming global models. Both options may end up coming to Australia, serving two different ends of the segment, with the more-premium entrant also including a 4WD wagon to take on the new Mitsubishi Pajero, Toyota Prado and Ford Everest. According to Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) Chief Operating Officer Gavin Donaldson the ute (and likely any SUV offshoot) could be either the American proposal as loosely previewed by the Boulder SUV concept… or something based upon something else. "There is a lot of discussion," he told CarsGuide. "We've kept two options open, because we think both could technically work. We won't shut the door on one and then maybe (want the other). We've maintained two options that we have kept it open for." Asked if the Boulder Concept is the front runner, Donaldson said it is in with a strong chance. “Whilst we can't confirm, we will probably say if (Hyundai internationally) is looking at something from the (United) States, we could still consider that one, because that's definitely on the drawing board," he revealed. "And then there’s other one. I would just say the only other option is if we wanted to bring speed to market quicker… there's probably only one other option.” While Donaldson declined to elaborate on that, it is believed that he is referring to an updated version based on the Kia Tasman. He also hinted that Australia is having input into development. “There's a lot of discussions, a lot of recommendations,” he said. “We're putting through all the different style of pickup we would want. We've made it very clear what we want. “We make it very clear what powertrain want, and now we're just working through the process of what's achievable and what’s not.” This could mean that the Tasman would come first to speed things up, as the Boulder concept-derived ute and SUV will not likely arrive until near the end of the decade at the earliest. Fuelling this speculation is Donaldson’s comments about having to settle for something other than the preferred petrol-electric hybrid powertrain – which immediately puts to mind the Hyundai Motor Group’s long-lived 2.2-litre turbo-diesel engine as found in the Tasman. “Ultimately, we're saying we think we probably need a hybrid engine of some sort,” he said. “But we'll never say never to any powertrain at the end of the day, because if something means it can come along quicker with a different powertrain, then we would say yes. “But for us, we think it's a hybrid powertrain is what we need.” Whichever ute comes first to Australia, it is clear that HMCA is considering a two-pronged attack on the market. “(With the Boulder Concept-based ute), we're trying to simplify a very complex internal business discussion,” according to HMCA product planning manager, Tim Rodgers. “It’s got multiple layers and paths and options…” Watch this space.

MG has just launched its first ute, but it isn’t resting on its laurels, with the odds shortening on more electrified workhorses and a Pajero fighter.

BYD's recently expanded Shark 6 PHEV range now includes a cab-chassis variant. But does this new work-focused offering have the payload/towing capabilities to attract tradies and hardcore adventurers alike?

Work has begun on Kia Tasman 2.0, with componentry already undergoing testing in Australia as the brand prepares a mid-life facelift that will likely touch everything from design to powertrains and dynamics.

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.”

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.”

Isuzu has revealed a new bi-turbo-diesel engine in Thailand that features in both the D-Max ute and MU-X SUV. This 2.2-litre four-cylinder bi-turbo-diesel engine produces 150kW and 500Nm which is 10kW and 50Nm more than the current 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel that’s available in Australia. It also produces 30kW and 100Nm more than the standard single-turbo 2.2-litre diesel engine that’s also offered in Australia and replaced the 1.9-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel in 2025. Isuzu claims this 2.2-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine is five per cent faster in the 0-100km/h sprint and eight per cent more fuel efficient than the 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel under highway conditions. At this stage Isuzu Ute Australia has said this new 2.2-litre bi-turbo-diesel engine isn’t for Australia, but this may change in the future. “The newly announced 2.2L Bi-Turbo engine is currently specific to the Thai market,” said an Isuzu Ute Australia spokesperson. “Isuzu Ute Australia continually considers future product opportunities based on local customer needs, market conditions and regulatory requirements; however, we have no announcements to make regarding this powertrain for Australia at this time.” Isuzu only introduced the single-turbo version of the 2.2-litre four-cylinder diesel in 2025, but this new bi-turbo version may replace the ageing 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel and it’s not only more powerful, but claimed to be more fuel efficient. Last year, Isuzu Ute Australia received credits with the Australian Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), however it’s unclear whether it’ll do the same in 2026. Isuzu currently only sells diesel-powered vehicles in Australia with no electrification whatsoever. The company recently shelved plans to introduce the D-Max EV and has not announced any intentions to bring the mild-hybrid engine options available in other markets. In 2026 the CO2 emissions target for Type 2 vehicles, which includes both the D-Max and MU-X, under the NVES is 180g/km. This is set to reduce to 150g/km in 2027. The D-Max 3.0-litre is claimed to emit 204g/km, whereas the 2.2-litre single-turbo is claimed to emit 188g/km, both according to combined cycle testing. These are both above the 2026 threshold and will attract fines of $1200 and $192, respectively, for each vehicle imported. The brand has previously said it's looking to trade NVES credits with other manufacturers and attempt to share the extra cost between dealers, without increasing the asking price of its diesel-powered D-Max and MU-X.

In a rare move, Toyota Australia is discounting its ever-popular HiLux ute, specifically via a $4000 ‘deposit bonus’ offer on new and demonstrator versions of the mid-range SR5 model. Unsurprisingly, there are several conditions applied, the primary one being that to qualify, the vehicle must be purchased through Toyota Finance, with a minimum $10,000 in the deal. Next, the offer applies to SR5s built between August 2025 up to December 2026 and excludes the dual-motor battery electric version. Private buyers as well as Toyota Bronze and Silver fleet customers are eligible, but a purchase connected to Toyota Finance Lease Products means the bonus is a no-go. And once you clear those hurdles, the vehicle must be ordered with finance applications received between 01/09/2026 and 31/12/2026 and settled by 28/02/2027. The 4x4-only HiLux SR5 line-up is currently listed from $69,901, drive-away (in NSW) for the Double-Cab Pick-Up, with the Double-Cab Cab-Chassis, featuring 48V ‘V-Active’ mild-hybrid power, topping the line-up at $73,952, drive-away. The HiLux was the fourth best selling vehicle in the country in September this year (4455 units), down 11.7 per cent on the same month in 2025 and more than 600 sales behind the market-leading Ford Ranger ute (5062 units). But Toyota Australia is pushing towards a big finish for the year, with increased supply of key models set to boost fourth quarter sales. Toyota Australia Vice President Sales, Marketing and Franchise Operations John Pappas said increased vehicle stock secured earlier in the year was continuing to flow through to customer deliveries. “In June, we announced we had secured additional arrivals of some of our most popular models. “Our customers continue to demand a broad range of vehicles that meet their needs and with our increased supply, we are targeting a very strong, record fourth quarter sales for 2026,” he said.

BYD has surged up the sales charts, but its Australian Chief Operating Officer Stephen Collins is now turning his attention to an area other brands are lagging behind in. The brand has announced an extensive after-sales revamp, confirming more than 580,000 of parts are stored in Australia, allowing it to fill 95 per cent of dealer orders locally.  BYD doesn’t just want parts to be more accessible and delivered faster. It’s also targeting a less than seven-day wait to book a service. “I think it’s a big part of the whole ecosystem that BYD is investing in. Some other brands, I won’t name them, but you probably know them, are lagging behind in this area,” Collins told CarsGuide.  “We know that some brands are way beyond that , and we think that’s just not acceptable.” The brand has opened up a parts facility in Melbourne that houses parts across 15,000 square metres and is staffed by a team of 40 people.  It’s by far BYD’s biggest parts warehouse to date, and is designed to help with speedy delivery times to dealers.   The Chinese giant said it can deliver parts to local dealers within 24 hours or at most one week for remote and rural areas.  Most interstate deliveries should take two or three days, according to BYD.  Collins said these moves are designed to build trust with existing customers and future buyers.  “I think it’s just a basic requirement and expectation for customers when you get your car serviced or something goes wrong, we have the parts available, we have the service bays available,” Collins told CarsGuide.  A report from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) in July 2026 revealed long car repair wait times.  Dealers admitted customers, especially EV owners, can face delays of between six and eight weeks for an issue just to be diagnosed due to workshop backlogs.  The report went on to read that some manufacturing faults can even take months or years to be correctly diagnosed.  Dealers have been refusing to accept tow-ins or diagnostic work for cars not originally sold in that specific showroom.  Some dealers pointed the finger at car manufacturers for slow resolution times to faults for customers.  Collins said BYD’s decision to announce these initiatives wasn’t driven by the findings in the AADA report, nor any other political factors.   “We made the decision well before that ,” Collins said.  “We took over from an independent distributor in July last year . Before that time, we’d already made these investment decisions. “It was very much a part of our longer term strategy not driven by any pressure or any political pressure.”

In a widely anticipated move, Changan Automotive is set to take over Australian representation of its Deepal brand, side-lining independent importer-distributor Inchcape Australia. Changan Automotive has been on a hiring spree in Australia, with multiple recruitment ads for senior roles appearing on LinkedIn during the past several months, as it prepares to launch Down Under, initially with the luxury Avatr brand in 2027, led by the large 07L electric SUV and 06T mid-sized wagon. That will be followed by the Nevo nameplate, likely led by the Q05 small SUV hybrid and Q06 mid-sized SUV EV (with range-extender EV option). State-owned Changan is one of China’s biggest automotive groups, of a similar scale to Chery or SAIC, the latter the owner of MG. Inchcape Australia launched the Deepal brand here in late 2024, bringing the pure-electric S07 SUV to market as a Tesla Model Y rival. Available in a single grade, priced from $53,900, before on-road costs, the S07 is powered by a single electric motor producing 160kW and 320Nm. Following local feedback, Inchcape worked with Changan to update and recalibrate the S07’s advanced driver assist systems (ADAS) and extended service intervals from 10,000km to 20,000km. The Deepal E07 electric ‘multi-truck’ followed a year later, the SUV/ute mash-up priced from $64,900, before on-road costs, for the single-motor rear-wheel drive version, and $73,900 before on-roads for the flagship dual-motor all-wheel drive model. Unlike conventional SUVs, the E07 has a coupe-like roofline that electrically retracts to reveal a cargo section much like a ute tray. This area only has a 300kg payload, however. But a big question mark has been hanging over the brand’s third model, the entry-level  Deepal S05 compact electric SUV. The S05 has been ‘set to arrive in Australia’ for some time; initially, the third quarter of 2025, but we’re still waiting and the new distribution announcement offers a big clue as to why. With Inchcape now side-stepping the investment cost required for a new model introduction, expect the BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 rival to land sooner rather than later. Although the local Deepal website invites pre-orders and requests for more information, local specification is yet to be finalised. Overseas this car is available as an EV with up to 510km of CLTC range, or a range-extender electric vehicle (REEV) that pairs an electric motor with a 1.5-litre petrol engine that acts as a generator. On a side note, the arrival of Changan spells bad news for Mazda, which has a partnership with the giant manufacturer and relies on it to source its new range of electric cars, including the recently launched Mazda 6e sedan and CX-6e SUV.  Changan versions of these models will likely be cheaper than the Mazdas and more premium Deepal versions on sale in Australia.  For the Deepal handover, in what Changan and Inchcape describe as a “mutual decision” there will be a transition period commencing October 21, 2026 until March 31, 2027, during which time Changan will assume distribution responsibility. A statement announcing the shift said, “Inchcape Australia and Changan will continue to work collaboratively to ensure a smooth transition for the brand, with a focus on supporting staff, customers, dealers and partners. “All Deepal sales, servicing, warranty programs, comprehensive logistics, parts, after sales and customer support will continue with all existing customer orders honoured. “Customers will also continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Deepal parts and ongoing servicing support and diagnostic updates throughout the transition period,” it said. Commenting on the coming changeover, Inchcape Australasia Managing Director Colin Christie said, “We are proud of what we have achieved alongside Changan in establishing Deepal in Australia and helping build awareness of the brand with customers.  “Through our partnership, we have shared valuable local market expertise and supported Deepal’s successful introduction to the Australian market.” Changan Australia Managing Director Bryan Guan added, “On behalf of Changan Australia, we thank Inchcape for its partnership in establishing the Deepal brand in Australia.  “As Deepal enters its next phase in Australia, Changan will manage the transition with transparency, professionalism and respect, ensuring continuity for customers and confidence across the dealer network" he said.