Over the past few years, Aussie roads have become a lot more diverse — and Chinese car brands are leading that change. From GWM to BYD, MG to Chery, the growth has been massive. And now we know exactly why Australia has become such a hot target.
A Message from the Top
At the recent Shanghai Motor Show, Jack Wei — global chairman of GWM (Great Wall Motors) — laid it all out. He called Australia one of GWM’s key overseas markets, and for good reason.
It turns out we’ve got the perfect blend of conditions that make us super attractive to Chinese automakers looking to go global.
“Australia we believe is very friendly to Chinese products,” Wei said. “We have the free trade protocol, which enables us to [have] zero import duty. If our products can be well accepted in Australia, it plays a very good example to the other right-hand-drive countries.”
In other words — if Chinese cars can thrive here, they can thrive anywhere in the right-hand-drive world.
Why Australia?
There are a few key reasons why we’re seeing this influx:
- Free trade with China: No import duties means competitive pricing, making it easier for new players to enter.
- Strict but clear standards: Our emissions laws and ANCAP crash-test benchmarks are tough — but passing them builds credibility worldwide.
- Diverse tastes: Aussies love small hatches, diesel utes, big 4WDs, and everything in between — making this market a great testing ground.
- Right-hand-drive layout: China sees Australia as a springboard to other RHD markets like the UK, South Africa, and Southeast Asia.
- Strong economy: Higher-than-average incomes and a multicultural population create demand for a wide range of vehicles and styles.
Who’s Already Here?
GWM opened the gates nearly 16 years ago. Now they’ve been joined by:
- MG
- BYD
- Chery
- LDV
- Foton
- JAC
- Deepal
- Leapmotor
In fact, three Chinese brands landed in Australia’s Top 10 sellers last month:
- BYD (7th)
- GWM (8th)
- MG (10th)
That’s not a trend — it’s a takeover in progress.
What’s Next?
According to Wei, GWM is just getting started.
“Our business in Australia and New Zealand started from the ute, and now we have the SUV with different kinds of powertrains — EV, PHEV, hybrid. We really would like to develop Australia and New Zealand for the long term.”
That means more EVs, more hybrids, and more competition — which is good news for buyers.
Need a service? Book it online at gdlauto.com.au or call 9987 2818.
