This past year has certainly delivered a slew of unexpected developments, many of which were not particularly welcome.
The automotive sector in Australia experienced a whirlwind of changes throughout 2024, and it appears that 2025 is shaping up to be equally eventful.
Before we dive deeper into the coming year, let’s take a moment to reflect on the most surprising automotive moments that our CarExpert editorial team encountered in 2024.
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Paul Maric: The Audacious Design of the Kia Tasman
While aesthetics can be entirely subjective, the design trajectory taken by Kia for the Tasman struck me as both ambitious and audacious.
However, what stood out even more was the drivetrain selection, which positions the Tasman significantly below its primary competitors without presenting a compelling rationale to choose it over established market players.
Kia may be banking on value, potentially pricing the Tasman to compete with various budget-friendly models from China. Yet, the tech infrastructure and interior finish imply an intention to target the premium end of the market.
The outcome will be intriguing, particularly as the utility vehicle segment has evolved since Kia commenced planning for the Tasman.
Marton Pettendy: The Rapid Influx of Chinese Automakers in Australia
When the Volkswagen Polo Classic sedan controversially became the first Chinese-manufactured vehicle to hit Australian shores back in 2004, few could have envisioned the emergence of five major Chinese brands on Australian roads within a mere two decades.
Considering that Great Wall Motors (now GWM) was the first Chinese brand to officially establish a presence in the Australian automotive landscape in 2009, it’s hardly shocking that over 10 Chinese brands have made their mark here in just over 15 years.
The rate at which Chinese automakers have entered the Australian market this year has been both astonishing and intimidating for many traditional manufacturers, even given Australia’s geographic proximity to the largest automotive market in the world. This dynamic positions Australia as a crucial testing ground for Chinese manufacturers eager to meet rigorous safety, technological, and emissions benchmarks.
Should these companies achieve profitability in Australia’s mature and competitive car market, there’s a high likelihood they will make waves in larger Western countries, with the possible exception of a tariff-regulated U.S. market.
MG, relaunching in Australia in 2016 under SAIC—the largest carmaker in China—ascended rapidly, becoming the leading Chinese export brand by 2019 and securing a spot among the top ten brands in Australia by 2021, eventually ranking seventh in last year’s record-breaking new vehicle sales.
Since MG’s revitalization just eight years ago, GWM has introduced the Tank sub-brand, Chery has made a comeback announcing its Jaecoo line, and BYD has solidified its presence since its more aggressive entry late last year.
Moreover, brands like Polestar have joined Geely’s Volvo and Lotus under the Australian umbrella, with the latest addition being Zeekr. Meanwhile, Chinese-manufactured Teslas have emerged as the most popular electric vehicles in the country.
While the FAW Group and Dongfeng have yet to appear in Australia, Changan—China’s fourth largest automotive manufacturer—has begun its introduction this month via the Deepal brand, facilitated by Subaru and Peugeot distributor Inchcape.
Other entrants like Xpeng and Skywell are gearing up to compete in the mid-sized electric SUV market, taking aim at Tesla’s Model Y. Foton is set to re-establish its presence in early 2025 with two new utility vehicles. Additionally, Aion by GAC Motor and potential entries from Nio and Chery’s Jetour could further diversify the landscape.
While BYD ambitiously anticipates surpassing Toyota in Australia, and MG strives to position itself in the top-three rankings, it’s possible some newcomers may vanish from the market as swiftly as they appeared. However, others may well become household names, following in the footsteps of previous Japanese and Korean automotive giants.
James Wong: The Counterproductive Anti-PHEV Sentiment
It continues to astonish me that there are vocal factions in Australia staunchly opposed to plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), particularly when they seem to offer a pragmatic pathway for car buyers venturing into electrification.
With sufficient consumer education and broader choices, PHEVs possess the capability to significantly influence the Australian market, much like their increasing acceptance in Europe.
Yet, the vocal advocates for pure electric vehicles and the politically charged institutions aspiring to portray themselves as more progressive often dismiss PHEVs, overlooking their potential benefits.
Have they forgotten that a significant factor for the surge in sales of both full EVs and PHEVs has been government incentives on both a state and federal level?
Instead of mandating that consumers transition abruptly from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles, we should be promoting a gradual shift towards hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and PHEVs, as they can substantially reduce emissions while alleviating pressure on infrastructure and sidestepping range anxiety.
Personally, I find myself leaning closer to selecting a PHEV for my next vehicle rather than an EV.
William Stopford: The Surge of Chinese Brands Entering Australia
While the arrival of more Chinese automakers was anticipated, the extent of that influx caught me off guard. The reality of being sidelined from the U.S. market and facing elevated tariffs in Europe has painted Australia as a fertile ground for these brands.
Success in Australia signals the viability of their products to meet stringent safety standards and compete effectively in an already saturated market.
What genuinely surprised me was the overwhelming number of announcements from various brands planning their debut in Australia.
For instance, Geely is now eager to introduce yet another brand to our market, while Changan is finally making its debut with the Deepal EV series, following Inchcape’s revival of the Foton brand.
The sheer volume of Chinese automotive brands arriving is bewildering, making it challenging to keep track of them all. Some are partnering with established distributors, while others are emerging through fresh importers, adding layers of intrigue to the competition.
It will be fascinating to see how this all unfolds in 2025.
Jordan Mulach: The Unexpected Rise in Hybrid Vehicle Sales
The rapid ascent of hybrid vehicle sales in Australia is a development many didn’t foresee, yet in retrospect, it seems like the most anticipated outcome.
For years, we’ve been told that the future belongs to fully electric vehicles and PHEVs, but Australian consumers are now greeted with a plethora of conventional hybrid options, which they are eagerly embracing.
Currently, hybrid vehicles account for nearly 15% of new car sales across Australia. While this surge can be largely attributed to Toyota working through its order backlog, the increasing availability of traditional hybrid powertrains across all sectors of the market is noteworthy.
This shift could serve as a crucial catalyst for Australia to reduce its overall transport emissions and may incentivize manufacturers to introduce more efficient vehicles into local showrooms.
Jack Quick: The Eye-Watering Pricing of the Toyota Tundra
We all anticipated that the Toyota Tundra wouldn’t come cheap, but the revelations surrounding its pricing truly floored me.
At $155,990 before on-road costs, the Tundra stands as the priciest full-sized truck on the Australian market, outpacing even heavy-duty options like the Chevrolet Silverado HD and various Ram models, which often require a specialized heavy vehicle license.
This pricing positions the Tundra as the most expensive Toyota model ever sold in Australia.
While Toyota understandably seeks to recuperate the investments made in local right-hand drive development and conversion by Walkinshaw, the U.S. equivalent, the Tundra Limited i-Force Max, starts at approximately US$58,005 (around A$90,500).
Josh Nevett: Toyota’s Surprise Entry into Supercars
This was certainly not something I expected. The automotive giant Toyota will join the Australian Supercars Championship starting in 2026, aiming to compete with American muscle in the country’s premier motorsport series.
While the championship has been predominantly defined by the iconic rivalry between Ford and Holden (now Chevrolet), the inclusion of foreign manufacturers is not entirely unheard of—remember the dominance of the Nissan Skyline GTR, known colloquially as ‘Godzilla,’ during the 1990s?
More recently, European names like Mercedes-Benz and Volvo have made forays into the Supercars arena.
However, after Ford and Chevrolet were announced as the initial entrants following the rollout of new Gen3 regulations in 2020, speculation around new competitors stalled, leading many to assume that Supercars would remain a two-man race—until now.
Toyota’s surprising plunge into this space raises several questions: Why would a brand with extensive motorsport commitments already choose to enter a seemingly declining category? Furthermore, what motivates the choice of the Supra, especially when its future appears uncertain?
These questions linger on, but Toyota’s bold move may prove beneficial not only for motorsport in Australia but also for the acclaim of its performance vehicles on the road.
Max Davies: Kia Tasman’s Polarizing Design
In the run-up to the Tasman’s much-anticipated reveal in October, discussions were rife, and excitement peaked once Kia’s first utility vehicle was unveiled.
Describing the Tasman’s design as surprising feels appropriate. It’s not that it’s pleasing to the eye, but it undeniably sparks conversation and distinguishes itself from its competitors.
In a market where many vehicles share similar styles, Kia has succeeded in creating a vehicle that stands apart—a feat that is increasingly difficult in today’s landscape.
I can attest to this—the first time I spotted a camouflaged Tasman along the Hume Freeway, I was taken aback by its sheer size amidst ordinary traffic.
While the choices of body style (single or dual cab) and drivetrain (diesel) may not carry the same shock value, the Tasman’s ability to meet Kia’s relatively subdued sales objectives in Australia’s extensive utility market will hinge largely on its pricing. Given Kia’s track record, we can expect it to be competitive, accompanied by a robust warranty.
Regarding the contentious styling, significant revisions are likely to address the Tasman’s polarizing appearance in the months leading up to its mid-2025 debut. Nevertheless, its design is captivating in ways I did not anticipate.
Source:www.carexpert.com.au
