Articles by Andrew Chesterton

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese today confirmed new legislation would be introduced this year to protect Australia's almost-4000 automotive dealerships from what they see as an unfair power imbalance with international car makers that can end with the customer short-changed.

Australia's newest Chinese car brand Dreame says it will push back against the commoditisation of electric vehicles it says has befallen Tesla and BYD, saying its AI-driven products' late arrival to market will work in its favour.And that includes the way the vehicles are sold, with the brand exploring using an existing retail network, like Harvey Norman, as its showroom footprint.But first, what is Dreame? Founded in 2017, Dreame is now a giant of China's smart gadget and household electronics industry. The company is probably best known in Australia for its robotic vacuum cleaners, but it produces everything from drones to televisions, hairdryers and smart phones.And now it is turning its attention to cars, though it concedes it's late to the party. It has currently unveiled its supercar-chasing Nebula Concept range - carbon-fibre electric monsters with quad motors, 1400kW and a sprint to 100km/h in 1.8 seconds.But first to arrive in Australia (in concept form likely this year ahead of a launch in 2027) will be a mid-size SUV that will take aim at models like the BYD Sealion 7 and Tesla Model Y."You see the products today, from BYD, from Tesla, from all the major brands, are getting commoditised," says Dreame Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Ma."So everyone's trying to get bigger, trying to squeeze more screens, more battery power inside the car. And that's why, like I said, as a latecomer, we're not trying to compete on commoditised products."That's why one of the biggest competitive propositions for us is the ecosystem."The ecosystem Mr Ma refers to is the company's eagerness to embrace AI and connected services to link their vehicles with an owner's other appliances, using machine learning to adapt to schedules. An example given was, if a customer tends to arrive home at 6pm, the vehicle would activate household appliances – like a robotic vacuum cleaner – to ensure the house is clean on their arrival.Mr Ma likened the AI boom to the shift to electrification in terms of the impact it will have on the automotive market, both in China and abroad."It's getting crowded with Chinese brands. We definitely know that. And I think in our opinion we are already a late-comer to this industry," he says,"What we're offering is actually a package of products. So the value proposition for us is more about connectivity with the rest of our products together. Dreame as an ecosystem instead of just purely vehicles."That's one of the visions we have, to bring every aspect of technology to our vehicles. And because of that vision, we also see an opportunity, because AI is going to change everything."Let's turn the clock back to 10 years ago. We were thinking that there's no way for BYD or Tesla or some of the newer Chinese brands to have a market share in China. Because domestic brands or foreign brands like Mercedes, Audi, they're already dominating the market. But (then) there's a shift from gasoline to electric vehicles. That creates the window of opportunity for new players."Right now we're standing at a time where AI is creating a new time window for newer players. So that's why I think our vision, and also the window of opportunity, make it essential for us to come into the market."For the cars themselves, that remains something of a mystery. We know a mid-size SUV is coming, and a small SUV and passenger vehicle are also likely. They will be targeting mainstream players like Tesla, BYD, Toyota and Mazda, and will be all-electric, at least to start.Dreame is also confident its own solid-state battery technology, which it says will unlock a 1000km driving range, will also be ready for mass-production in 2027, though is more likely to appear in the Nebula range first.The design sounds promising, too, with words like "timeless" rather than busy used, and a focus on making products that visually age well."We want to have something a bit dynamic. We don't want an electric car which is like a fridge or a laptop or something like that. We want to give it something special. It won't be ultra-cheap, it won't be ultra-high, it'll be accessible for everyone," says John Warner, Dreame Chief Designer.Also unique could be Dreame's distribution method, with the brand all but ruling out a direct-to-consumer model and instead exploring the idea of selling through Australia's existing electronics retail footprint, including stores like Harvey Norman and The Good Guys."What we've done in our core business has been extraordinary. In Australia right now we have 700 distribution points for everything from floor care through to smart home and beauty," says James Moore, Dreame's country manager for Australia and New Zealand. "We're not afraid of going left-field. There's no harm in looking at those opportunities. I'd say watch this space."There are hurdles, too. Dreame doesn't currently have an automotive manufacturing facility in China, largely because of government restrictions on production put in place to counter a glut in manufacturing capacity. The brand says it is working on it, as well as exploring options in the Middle East and Europe.Those restrictions put Dreame in an interesting spot, with the brand suggesting Australia and New Zealand could be the first countries on the planet to receive its vehicles, ahead of even a domestic launch in China.

China is dominating Australian new-car sales, but it’s also not alone, with a handful of legacy brands bucking the trend to somehow grow their sales in the face of BYD, Chery and GWM’s continued ascent.

If we know anything about BYD’s rollout in Australia, it’s that nothing stays the same for long. And so it’s unsurprising that the rumours that a new and tougher BYD Shark 6 will launch this year are gathering real steam.Those rumours solidified when BYD lodged Australian government documentation detailing the introduction of a new powertrain for the Shark 6, despite the current version being less than 18 months old in Australia.So CarsGuide has put on its detective cap to bring you everything we know so far about the Chinese ute that promises to now be just as tough as a Ranger, and to offer more tech than a HiLux.Why is this happening?We’re only guessing, but one of the criticisms the BYD Shark 6 faced when it first launched in Australia was its failure to hit some of the non-negotiables for dual-cab utes in Australia — towing and true off-road ability. While the fact the Shark 6 lags its traditional rivals hasn’t impacted sales one iota, it’s entirely possible those criticisms reached important ears.Add to that the fact that Denza has now arrived in Australia, and its B8 model addresses each of those concerns, with its 3.5-tonne towing and proper off-road equipment.In short, the blueprint for a new BYD Shark 6 had arrived.What will be the 2027 BYD Shark 6 platform and powertrain?We have more than a hint on this. In fact, we suspect the answer is already here in the shape of the B8.Government documents suggest the new Shark 6 model will adopt the B8’s 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine – something the company's executives have been hinting at since 2025 – along with twin electric motors to improve the grunt and massively improve the capability.The Shark 6's homologation documents reveal that the new 2.0-litre engine will produce 180kW before the electric motors are taken into account, compared to the current model's 135kW 1.5-litre turbo.Also worth pointing out that total system power on the Denza B8 is 425kW and 760Nm, but the Shark 6 won't reach that level. Its lodged documents confirm the petrol engine will be joined by a 200kW front electric motor and 150kW rear electric motor for a combined total output of 345kW.Will it be able to tow?Yep, that’s really the core focus of this upgrade. The bigger engine unlocks a true 3.5-tonne braked towing capacity, and 750kg unbraked. That puts it on-par with the diesel dual-cab heavyweights of Australia.Will it improve its off-road ability?That’s a big maybe. If BYD is raiding the Denza product portfolio — and it is — then the B8 has a whole bunch of other kit, like front and rear diff locks, a digitised low range and infinite Terrain Modes.Both the B5 and the B8 have climbed the infamous Beer O'Clock Hill (a challenge the current Shark 6 couldn't rise to), so borrowing from the Denza grab bag of off-road goodies will be a huge step in the right direction.When will it arrive?BYD is yet to comment publicly on the arrival of a 2.0-litre BYD Shark 6, but the government filings suggest the launch is now approaching. We'd estimate an arrival in the second half of 2026, or in early 2027.

Japan has lost its crown as the number one source of new cars for Australia - and it could be for good.

With the hammer predicted to drop on EV subsides in the coming weeks, there are growing calls to instead shine the spotlight on Australia's ute segment, where similar tax breaks exist for "commercial vehicles."

A new and reimagined Polestar 2 will launch next year, and it will place a target on the back of the Tesla Model 3 and BYD Seal.It will form part of a split strategy for entry-level Polestar models, with the Polestar 7 small SUV – due in 2028 – acting as the SUV entry point to the brand, while Polestar 2 will be its most accessible passenger vehicle.It gives the brand a two-pronged attack on the affordable end of the EV market, and the 2 will lead that charge next year, with Polestar Australia chief Scott Maynard assuring the model will deliver a "notch-up in terms of its performance credentials and the way that car rides, handles and drives" but will still "provide a great entry to the Polestar brand", at least until the Polestar 7 arrives."Polestar 2 will still provide a great entry to the Polestar brand for a period of time until we see some of the future products which might provide us with a different platform for entry, but we just need to wait and see. For the time being that will remain as our entry point to the brand," he says."That will see a notch-up in terms of its performance credentials and the way that car rides, handles and drives as well. It's not going to be a sports car in the same light as the Polestar 5, but it will be a notch above the current car which is already really an accomplished, dynamic car.Mr Maynard also confirmed reports the model won't make the shift into an SUV body style, insisting it will remain a "dynamic looking car"."The 2 will be a dynamic looking car, but it won't take on a full SUV platform. That gong goes to Polestar 7 which we see a bit later on."The Polestar 2 is expected to break cover late this year ahead of an on-sale date sometime in 2027."We'll get access to it as soon as the rest of the world does," Mr Maynard says. "So we'll be online when Europe is, it just takes a little bit of time to get them here. So we're hopeful to see them on the ground in 2027."

China is now the biggest country of origin for new-car sales in Australia, leapfrogging Japan in what is a seismic shift in the Australian automotive industry.

Polestar Australia boss Scott Maynard has opened fire on Australia's owners of American-style utes, saying they "use and abuse" FBT and LCT subsidies that are aimed at tools of the trade. In a stinging rebuke of government policy that favours some of the nation's biggest vehicles, as similar rebates for electrified vehicles are under the microscope, the executive suggested the Albanese Government would be better off tightening light commercial vehicle policies towards American pickup trucks."It's actually being used and abused in the light commercial vehicle space," Mr Maynard said. "I was a tradie. That's how I started in this industry, as a tech. So I fully support the subsidy of tools of trade to our trades people. I couldn't be more supportive of it."But these vehicles are not even being marketed as tools of trade. You've got $200,000 American-style utes and pickup trucks marketed as towing caravans and boats, and yet they enjoy the same FBT and LCT let-off, which can be tens of thousands of taxpayers dollars, so that they can never, never turn up on a job site."That is entirely unjust. So if the government sets out to save some of the taxpayers' money handed over in FBT deductions, it should be done in reconciling where its support of light commercial vehicles goes, not supporting the electric vehicle industry."Since 2022, electric vehicles positioned below the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) threshold of $91,387 for electrified vehicles, under a novated lease, were no longer eligible for Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) obligations. Numbers crunched by the Australian Financial Review found someone who leases a $60,000 car could save as much as $12,000 per year if they opt for an EV over an ICE vehicle.While spurring EV sales, the program is expected to cost $1.35 billion over the 2025/2026 financial year. The incentives are currently under review, with formal submissions closing last month.Similarly, most utes are not subjected to FBT obligations, provided the vehicle can carry a load of one tonne or more, or carry more than eight passengers, or are not primarily designed for carrying passengers. The vehicles must only have "limited" private use. LCT – which generates as much as $1.3b annually – does not apply to “a commercial vehicle designed mainly for carrying goods and not passengers”..Data from the Australia Institute, published in 2023, found the LCT exemption resulted in lost revenue of around $250m per annum on the sale of American pickup trucks.

Australia's increasingly crowded people-mover segment has welcomed another new entrant, with the Denza D9 locked in to take on the GAC M8, Zeekr 009, XPeng X9 and Lexus LM.The third model in Denza's Australian line-up – joining the B5 and B8 4WD SUVs – the D9 starts at $85,990 before on-road costs for the FWD variant, and steps to $95,990 for the AWD.It's the third in what Denza promises will be a five-model line-up in Australia by early 2027.Both D9 models are electric and both share a significant 103.3kWh 'Blade' battery. The FWD makes use of a front-mounted electric motor producing 230kW and 360Nm. The AWD then adds a second rear-mounted electric motor, increasing total outputs to 275kW and 470Nm.The big battery means solid driving range, with the AWD returning 480kms on the WLTP cycle, and the FWD delivering 520kms. When it comes time to plug in, the D9 is set up for 200kW DC fast charging, 11kW AC charging, and arrives with a vehicle-to-load (V2L) connection.Inside, there's three rows of seating for a total of seven passengers, with the two chairs up front joined by two captain’s chairs in the second row. At the back, there are three seats in a bench layout.Second-row passengers get massaging seats and Denza is promising space aplenty no matter where you sit, with more than 900mm of legroom even in the third row.Tech in the cabin is strong too, with a 15.6-inch infotainment screen, a second 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster and a third 12.0-inch head-up display. A 14-speaker stereo provides the audio, and a fun touch is the on-board fridge, which doubles as a hotbox, and can be chilled to -6 degrees celsius, or warmed to 50 degrees celsius.Denza concedes the D9 won't produce masses of volume for the brand in Australia, but insists the model will do its part in establishing BYD's premium arm in our market.“We’re introducing a new standard of practical luxury," says Denza Australia COO, Mark Harland.“The Denza D9 offers all occupants first-class comfort, advanced technology, and everyday usability without compromise."