China's overtaking Thailand as Australia's vehicle pipeline—what's actually arriving
Japan still dominates Australia's import market, but 2025 marked a shift: Chinese manufacturers edged out Thailand to claim the second-largest supplier slot. This isn't about EVs flooding the market—it's about BYD, Li Auto, and a handful of others finally getting distribution right. The question isn't whether they're competitive. It's whether Australian buyers care enough to look beyond badge recognition.
Australia's import hierarchy tells you everything about where the industry is headed—and it's not where the enthusiast press thinks it is.
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