A wave of Chinese brands has already reshaped Australia’s market, and it’s only gaining momentum, driven by sharp pricing, high-spec features, and a strong push into electric and hybrid vehicles.
Electric Cars
Australia’s automotive market has seen a sharp influx of new car brands, with 2026 shaping up as a particularly pivotal year.
Many of these newcomers are Chinese brands, entering with competitive pricing, comprehensive kit, and a strong focus on electric and hybrid vehicles.
Last year alone saw brands like Geely, Jaecoo, and Deepal enter the market, just to name a few – and the pipeline is far from slowing.
This year is set to bring even more arrivals, including a luxury arm of an established marque, another Chery offshoot, and a brand we’ve already seen on our roads before.
Australia is increasingly becoming a key destination for global expansion rather than an afterthought, further heightening competition.
Here’s a list of the new cars brands earmarked for Australia in 2026 and beyond:
Wey, the premium arm of Chinese automaker GWM, is expected to arrive in Australia around mid-2026, marking the brand’s move into the upper end of the local market.
Its launch will see it go up against other incoming luxury offshoots, including BYD’s Denza and MG’s IM Motors.
At least three models could be on the cards from the outset, including two high-end plug-in hybrid SUVs – the V96 and Blue Mountain – alongside a plush people mover, the G9, roughly the size of a Kia Carnival.
The G9 is expected to offer a more affordable alternative to rivals from Lexus and Zeekr, with pricing tipped to sit well below six figures.
The V9X stands out for its sheer size, measuring 5299mm long with a 3150mm wheelbase (larger than many SUVs currently sold in Australia). It’s expected to pair an 800-volt electrical system with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 175kW as part of a plug-in hybrid setup.
Meanwhile, the Blue Mountain will offer a six-seat configuration and represents one of the most premium SUV offerings in Wey’s lineup in China.
While some models like the V9X are yet to be officially confirmed for export, the brand itself has been given the green light for Australia.
Firefly is a Chinese electric car brand from Nio, launched in China late 2024 as the company’s third sub-brand.
While Nio itself doesn’t appear locked in for an Australian arrival, its smaller offshoot looks far more likely to make it here sooner rather than later, as an example has already been spotted testing on Melbourne roads, and approval documents have been filed for local sale. However, with the brand still searching for a local distributor, timing remains unclear.
Positioned to compete with the Mini Cooper, and the BYD Dolphin, the Firefly is expected to start from around $35,000 plus on-road costs.
Size-wise, the Firefly measures 400mm long, 1781mm wide and 1557mm tall, riding on a 2615mm wheelbase - placing it firmly in the light hatch category alongside cars like the Volkswagen Polo, and Mazda 2. Firefly has already been confirmed for other right-hand-drive markets, kicking off in Singapore in January 2026 before expanding to the UK.
Lepas is a sub-brand of Chery, officially launched in 2025 as part of the company’s global expansion strategy – effectively becoming the fourth Chery-related brand earmarked for Australia.
It’s set to stand out from its siblings by targeting a younger demographic, with a focus on “expressive design…vibrant colour palettes, and more driver-focused interiors.”
The first model expected to arrive is the L8 medium SUV, closely related to the Tiggo 8, and likely to be offered with a mix of petrol, plug-in hybrid and electric powertrains, with the smaller L6 and L4 SUVs set to follow. An Australian launch is likely around 2027, with the brand expected to operate through its own dedicated dealer network.
After nearly a decade out of Australia, JMC is gearing up for a comeback, returning to the market with the Vigus – a new-generation diesel dual-cab ute.
Jiangling Motors Corporation, or JMC, first entered the Australian market in 2015 with its Vigus ute priced from $23,990, but withdrew just three years later in 2018 after struggling to gain traction.
The all-new Vigus measures in at 5335mm long, 1882mm wide, 1892mm tall, and sits on a wheelbase of 3150mm.
Approval filings indicate the budget-focused ute is set to return with a turbocharged 3.3-litre four-cylinder diesel engine, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive.
Further details of the 2026 JMC Vigus are expected closer to its launch, which is likely to take place later this year.
Forthing is the passenger vehicle division of Dongfeng Liuzhou Motor Group, which operates under the larger state-owned Dongfeng Group.
Due in Australia from late October and recently spotted testing on Sydney roads, the Forthing Friday is a budget-focused electric medium SUV set to rival the Geely EX5.
It’s expected to be joined by the plug-in hybrid U-Tour people mover at launch, with up to two additional Forthing models potentially following.
Pricing for the Friday has yet to be confirmed, but a representative from Dongfeng Lizhou Motor, indicated that the vehicle would be positioned below the Atto 3, which is currently priced from $39,990 before on-road costs.
Forthing is expected to make its Australian debut at the Sydney International EV Motor Show, which kicks off in November, with vehicles tipped to arrive shortly after – though the brand has yet to secure a local distributor partner.
A hardcore off-road brand with roots in classic Chinese military vehicles is set to arrive in Australia this year, beginning its assault with both a dual-cab ute and an SUV.
The 212 brand falls under Qingdao-based BAW, a former BAIC Group subsidiary that is now privately owned and produces a range of civilian and military vehicles.
The automaker has its sights set on GWM, LDV and other budget-focused 4x4 players locally, with plans to reveal its first two models later this year ahead of a customer deliveries in 2027.
The T01 is currently the brand’s sole model, already on sale in China as a five-seat, four-wheel-drive off-roader with coil springs, solid front and rear axles, and a choice of petrol or diesel power. For Australia, however, the models will ride on “totally different” underpinnings.
A number of additional brands are also on the radar for Australia, though their timelines remain unclear. Avatr is expected to land on our shores, but exact timing is yet to be locked in, while Chery-backed brands Jetour and iCaur are also earmarked for launch at some stage.
Nio, however, appears less certain for Australia in its main form.
Electric Cars Guide
Emma has been on our television screens for over a decade. Most of her time in the industry has been spent at racetracks reporting at major motorsport events in Australia - from TCR and Superbikes to Porsche Sprint Challenge and Supercars. Emma has also hosted various MotoGP and F1 events interviewing the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Jack Miller. Having previously presented on an automotive show, she made her move to the Drive family in 2020. Fiercely proud of her Italian heritage, Emma is a coffee loving, stylish-black wearing resident of Melbourne.
