Australia isn’t facing the prospect of fuel rationing just yet, but if the Middle East conflict continues on its current path, the prospect of Australia’s fuel reserves running perilously low looms larger.
That could force the government to enact fuel-rationing measures under the National Liquid Fuel Emergency plan, first drafted in 2006 and then updated in 2019 amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Under the plan, Australians would be limited to purchasing just $40 of fuel in a single transaction, something the federal climate change and energy minister, Chris Bowen, has categorically ruled out.
Speaking to Sky News Australia, Mr Bowen acknowledged the existence of the plan, but stressed the government was not at the point of declaring a national emergency, which would then trigger the National Liquid Fuel Emergency plan.
“This plan has existed since 2006,” Mr Bowen told Sky. “It’s got various ways things might roll out, which governments can work with. It’s sort of a suite of options.
“I’ve pointed to this plan in the past and been saying, look there are preparations in place for the very worst case… in that sense, it’s a bit of an out-of-date document in terms of that $40 approach.”
A price cap on purchasing is just one lever governments can pull in their efforts to shore up fuel security. Various measures have been used around the world throughout history in efforts to curtail fuel use during desperate times, including in Australia. Here are some rationing measures governments could implement should the situation in the Middle East drag on.
Odds-and-Evens
The last time Australia was forced to ration fuel was way back in 1979. Yes, there was an oil crisis thanks to the revolution in Iran which slashed oil production leading to shortages and panic buying resulting in an unprecedented crude price of US$40 per barrel.
But Australia remained immune to the global crisis, thanks largely to our ability to produce 98 per cent of our own fuel needs. Instead, our need for rationing was the result of prolonged industrial action at one of our largest refineries, Caltex’s Kurnell facility in Sydney.
As production ground to a halt, the government was forced to implement rationing measures, using the simple, yet effective odds-and-evens method.
Simply, cars with a number plate ending in an odd number could only purchase fuel on odd-numbered days, while those with an even number were limited to even-numbered days. There were exemptions for essential workers including emergency personnel and healthcare professionals.
Rationing lasted for several weeks and worked well in curtailing panic buying while also mitigating long queues at petrol stations.
No-Drive days
No-Drive days have been used in Europe to limit fuel consumption, most notably during the 1973-74 oil crisis where several countries, including West Germany, France, Switzerland, Italy and Denmark banned the use of cars on Sundays. West Germany in particular enacted draconian measures, with drivers who flouted the restrictions facing fines of anywhere between A$500-$30,000.
Several other countries have implemented No-Drive restrictions, such as India and France, both of which limited driving to certain days, depending on the car’s number plate. But, rather than staving off the ravages of fuel consumption, these restrictions were used to combat smog and air pollution in over-populated cities.
Coupons
Used widely throughout World War II, including in Australia, fuel coupons placed a limit on motoring by private individuals as fuel resources were redirected to the war effort.
The UK was the hardest hit, with rationing starting at the outbreak of war in 1939 and remained in place until 1950, five years after the end of WWII. Worse still, fuel rationing was abolished entirely for private individuals in 1942, the measure effectively banning all private motoring in the UK with only emergency services and farmers allowed to use their vehicles.
In Australia petrol rationing amounted to the public being able to buy enough fuel for around 32km of driving each week.
Work From Home days
There have been recent suggestions that governments mandate Work From Home Days for those individuals who are able to do so.
While not strictly a rationing measure, the idea is that hundreds of thousands or even millions of workers no longer driving to work on certain days would have the positive effect of lowering fuel use across the populace, stretching resources further.
While the Australian government has already urged those who can work from home do so, there has – so far – been no move to mandate work-from-home days.
However, several countries, including the Philippines and Vietnam, have already done exactly that with mandated four-day working weeks as they try to conserve fuel supplies.
Chinese car maker JAC has announced range and fuel efficiency figures for its new Hunter PHEV ute, which is due to go on sale in Australia in mid-2026. Due to compete with other plug-in hybrid mid-size utes like the BYD Shark, GWM Cannon Alpha and Ford Ranger, the Hunter uses a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol combined with front and rear electric motors making 385Nm/1000Nm outputs and a 31.2kWh LFP battery.
The Hunter was revealed at the 2025 Melbourne Motor Show and today, its maker has revealed that its NEDC combined fuel consumption is rated at 1.6L/100km, and its total electric and petrol range is 1005km, again on the NEDC cycle. Its electric-only range is yet to be revealed, but previous reports say that it’s above 100km, which is almost double that of the Ford Ranger PHEV.
Ahmed Mahmoud, Managing Director of JAC Motors Australia, said the Hunter PHEV is arriving at exactly the right moment for the Australian market.
“We’re launching the right ute at the right time, and it will be at the right price,” said Mahmoud. “The Hunter PHEV is arriving in Australia mid this year, and we believe it is going to get the attention of Australians looking to move into a plug-in hybrid without compromising on the capability, practicality and toughness they need from a ute.”
The confirmation of the Hunter’s combined total range and fuel efficiency comes after it was announced that it is being tuned for local conditions by engineering firm Segula Technologies Australia at Holden’s former Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria.
According to JAC, the local tuning team is focusing on the Hunter’s durability and dynamics, powertrain performance and calibration, towing and load-carrying, on-road and off-road performance, acceleration and braking, and ADAS systems.
NRL star Josh Addo-Carr, who has already thrown his support behind the Hunter PHEV. Known as one of the fastest players in the NRL and fresh from breaking into the league’s all-time top 10 try scorers, Josh Addo-Carr was a natural choice for JAC: someone with real performance credentials and a bold personal style to match the Hunter PHEV.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for JAC. They’re doing the hard work to make sure the Hunter is a PHEV ute built for Australia, and that matters.”
“The design was a big part of it for me too. It looks tough the second you see it. Being able to customise it and make it my own was pretty exciting. It’s the kind of thing any car lover dreams about.”
As part of the launch, Parramatta Eels star Josh Addo-Carr was invited to customise a Hunter. The one-off build includes a custom paint finish by Smith Concepts in Brookvale, supported by PPG, along with Lenso tyres, a lift kit, hard lid, lighting, an e-bike setup and other JAC Genuine Accessories. Addo-Carr’s ute will be showcased at the Melbourne Motor Show, April 10-12.
The JAC Hunter will go on sale in Australia in mid-2026, with local pricing and specifications yet to be confirmed.
Volkswagen is in talks with Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defence Systems to convert a German car plant into a missile defence production site, signalling a potential shift in Europe’s struggling auto sector toward defence manufacturing.
The discussions centre on Volkswagen’s Osnabrueck facility (below), which employs about 2300 workers and faces an uncertain future once production of the T-Roc Cabriolet ends in 2027. According to reports, the plant could be repurposed to produce components for Israel’s Iron Dome air defence system, though Volkswagen said it is not planning to manufacture weapons directly.
The proposed deal is aimed at preserving jobs and potentially expanding employment, with workers expected to play a role in deciding whether to transition to defence-related production.
Under the plan, the factory would manufacture support systems such as launcher platforms, transport vehicles and generators, while missile production would take place elsewhere.
The move comes amid rising defence spending across Europe, driven by geopolitical tensions and the war in Ukraine. Germany alone has committed hundreds of billions of euros to strengthening its military capabilities, with air defence a key priority.
Rafael, a state-owned Israeli defence firm, is best known for developing the Iron Dome system, which has intercepted more than 90% of incoming rockets in combat situations.
Volkswagen has been exploring options for the Osnabrueck site, including a potential sale, as it restructures operations and adapts to slowing demand and intensifying global competition.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has highlighted Australia’s dependence on refined fuel imported from other countries.
As recently as 25 years ago, Australia was producing 98 per cent of its fuel requirements in-house, with eight oil refineries around the country. But six of those eight have since been closed, while the remaining two – Ampol’s Lytton plant in Brisbane and Viva Energy’s refinery in Geelong – remain on life support, heavily dependent on government subsidies to remain open.
That leaves Australia in a precarious situation in these chastened times, with our reliance on imported fuel under the spotlight as the Middle East conflict enters its second month.
But where exactly do Australia’s fuel imports come from? According to data from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis, the bulk of our fuel needs are met by South-East Asian countries with Singapore and South Korea accounting for over 50 per cent of our fuel needs. Malaysia supplies around 13 per cent of our refined fuel followed by Taiwan and India at around eight per cent each.
Australia also imports crude oil from other countries – largely from Malaysia (40 per cent) and the US (21 per cent) – despite producing its own to the tune of around 272,000 barrels per day, according to the most recent data from the US Energy Information Agency. But with our daily fuel needs stretching to in excess of 1.1 million barrels, the supply chain for Australia’s fuel needs remains of paramount importance.
So far, the Australian government has reassured Australians that fuel is continuing to flow into the country, revealing earlier this week in a joint statement with Singapore that the Asian nation would continue to “support the flow of essential goods including petroleum oils… and consult each other on any disruptions with ramifications on the trade of energy.”
However, Malaysia has sent a warning to its export partners, including Australia, that it would prioritise its own fuel needs ahead of other nations while China has ceased all fuel exports at least until the end of March.
But that steady flow from our trading partners is looking ever more precarious as the conflict in the Middle East drags on, with most relying heavily on fuel from the war-ravaged region. Singapore, our largest supplier, sources around 66 per cent of its crude from the region, oil usually shipped through the Strait of Hormuz which is effectively closed for now, leaving it, and in turn Australia, in a precarious situation.
As Australia develops increasing anxiety about the security of our fuel supply and the escalating price we’ll have to pay for it, viral videos reveal how far ahead China now is on the future of cars.
Chinese auto giant BYD is busy pushing the limits of how fast its EVs can charge as we list how many petrol stations have run out fuel. Thanks to its recent technological advancements, they can charge almost as fast as filling a tank full of fuel. Videos spreading across the Internet show testing of 1500kW chargers and BYD’s new dedicated Flash Charging app, as well as a new ‘Super e-Platform’ that enables vehicles to be charged at up to 1000kW, adding two kilometres of range every second.
Images acquired by CarNewsChina show a charging layout quite similar to a service station forecourt, with liquid-cooled charging guns and T-shaped gantry structures. Access in the session was limited to vehicles carrying a “Flash Charge” rear badge, including upcoming Chinese-market BYD models like the Tang 9, Song Ultra, Seal 07 and Denza Z9 GT.
Chargers were reportedly restricted to vehicles capable of accepting more than 1000 kW of input power, with automatic charging cut off at 97 per cent state of charge.
CarNewsChina reports that displayed pricing at the demonstration site was 1.3 yuan per kWh, equalling approximately A27 cents per kWh. Buyers of compatible flash-charge vehicles are reportedly eligible for 1000 kWh of free electricity annually, too. BYD is also reportedly targeting over 4000 locations to employ the new 1500kW chargers in the ultimate convenience for Chinese EV buyers.
BYD has also announced its new ‘Super e-Platform’ featuring flash-charging batteries, a 30,000rpm motor, and new silicon carbide (SiC) power chips. According to BYD, the platform upgrades the core electric components, achieving a charging power of 1000 kW and a peak charging speed of two kilometres per second. That makes it the fastest in the world for mass-produced vehicles, with just five minutes of charging for 400 kilometres of range.
According to BYD, the Super e-Platform also delivers a single-module single-motor power of 580kW and a top speed over 300km/h, and will first be available on the Han L sedan and the Chinese market version of the Sealion 8, which are now available for pre-ordering in China.
BYD’s advancements in EV charging speeds are a massive improvement on the charging infrastructure offered in Australia, with the fastest chargers capable of a slow 350kW in comparison. BYD Australia is yet to confirm if any of the models capable of 1000kW charging will launch locally.
MG has announced a raft of upgrades to its electric and hybrid vehicles with improved performance and efficiency. Most notable is its new semi-solid-state battery, which could be sold locally in the new MG4 Urban electric hatchback, while the brand’s ‘Hybrid+’ system has also seen upgrades aimed at improving performance and refinement.
Dubbed ‘SolidCore’, the new semi-solid-state battery is not news to the MG brand, but it is the first time that it’s been announced for markets outside of China. MG will be the first manufacturer to introduce semi-solid-state batteries for global use and we’d be surprised if it wasn’t on sale locally – perhaps in a higher-spec MG 4 Urban – by the end of 2026.
Solid-state batteries have long been regarded as the next big engineering development in electric vehicle development. MG’s semi-solid-state battery still reportedly offers a big step up in range, charging speed and low-temperature performance. Replacing the liquid electrolyte, which is the most volatile part of the battery cell, is a solid electrolyte which MG says improves energy density, charging speeds and longevity.
The SolidCore battery also uses a new Lithium-Manganese-Oxide (LMO) chemistry, with a semi-solid electrolyte cathode that acts almost as a shield on top of the cell packs. SolidCore is reportedly only five per cent liquid electrolyte, compared to the 20 per cent of NMC and LFP batteries already in millions of EVs around the world.
According to MG, the SolidCore’s chemistry allows it to charge up to 15 per cent faster than comparably sized LFP batteries in cold weather. The brand is yet to announce further details about the SolidCore, such as size or efficiency, but is aiming for 1000km of range in the near future with semi-solid-state tech.
In addition to the SolidCore battery, the company has also announced upgrades to its Hybrid+ system, currently available in the MG3 small car, ZS small SUV and HS medium SUV in Australia. New software has reportedly increased responsiveness and enhanced refinement, while a new three-speed transmission (with one more gear compared to the current drivetrain in the HS) has also been designed for increased drivability in a wider range of driving.
A new eight-mode logic engine software system “improves the performance and management of the power delivery” and a new Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) features real-time terrain detection so the vehicle can make “even smarter judgments to adapt its propulsion strategy to changing driving conditions, for example, especially on slopes”.
MG Motor Australia is yet to confirm when these drivetrain improvements will be sold here, but given the popularity of its electrified cars, we’d be surprised if they weren’t offered before the end of 2026.
Tesla is facing mounting legal pressure in Australia over claims it sold its Full Self-Driving (FSD) software to customers whose vehicles may never deliver the advertised capability.
A report in The Sydney Morning Herald says several Australian Tesla owners have launched legal action, alleging they paid more than $10,000 for FSD despite their cars lacking the hardware required to fully support the system.
FSD, which operates as an advanced driver-assistance feature requiring constant human supervision, was promoted by Tesla for years before becoming available locally in limited form in Model 3 and Model Y cars in 2025. While newer vehicles equipped with the latest hardware can perform more complex driving tasks, owners of earlier models report significantly reduced functionality.
At the centre of one case is a NSW Tesla owner who has taken action through the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming the company engaged in misleading conduct by selling him lifetime access to FSD that has not been delivered. He is seeking a refund of the software cost, along with compensation linked to additional taxes incurred in owning the vehicle.
The case will proceed alongside a broader Federal Court class action, which includes similar claims from other customers. The tribunal has ruled that individual cases can continue independently, potentially allowing for faster resolution.
Tesla’s FSD system relies on a network of cameras and software designed to interpret surroundings and control steering, braking and acceleration. However, under Australian regulations it remains classified as a Level 2 system, meaning drivers must remain fully engaged and legally responsible at all times.
The legal challenges come amid ongoing scrutiny of Tesla’s driver-assistance technology in Australia. In recent months, the company has adjusted its terminology for such systems following pressure from regulators, while also shifting FSD to a subscription-based model for local buyers.
At the same time, Tesla has made selective changes to its global feature offerings, although some safety-related adjustments seen overseas have not been applied in Australia.
The outcome of the legal proceedings could have broader implications for how advanced driver-assistance features are marketed and sold, particularly as automakers continue to push the boundaries of semi-autonomous driving technology.
With Australia’s fuel prices higher than ever before, and supply becoming scarce at some locations, it’s likely that new car buyers will increasingly look towards electric cars. However, many EVs aren’t cheap to buy and despite price parity in some situations, many remain more expensive than their equivalent ICE models.
Thankfully for those wanting to escape petrol-dependence, there are a growing number of cheaper EV models that are worthy of consideration. Here’s the WhichCar by Wheels guide to the 10 cheapest electric cars on the market in Australia:
1) BYD Atto 1: $21,990 +ORC
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 65kW – 115kW, front-wheel drive
Range: 220km – 310km (WLTP)
BYD shocked the nation launching not just the cheapest electric car in Australia but one of the cheapest cars, period. Priced from just $21,990 plus on-road costs, the BYD Atto 1 is priced similarly to other light cars such as the Kia Picanto and MG 3, but it’s fully electric instead. The entry-level Atto 1 Essential uses a small 30kWh battery for a claimed 220km of range, as well as a 65kW electric motor, which is more than enough for most urban-dwelling buyers – but those wanting more range and grunt can jump up to the Atto 1 Premium, which features a 115kW motor and a larger 43kWh battery for a healthier 310km of range. Regardless of the drivetrain, the Atto 1 is a well equipped, practical and darty city runabout.
2) BYD Dolphin: From $29,990 +ORC
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 70kW – 150kW, front-wheel drive
Range: 340km – 427km (WLTP)
The previous cheapest electric car in Australia, the BYD Dolphin is larger than the Atto 1 that sits below it, is priced from $29,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Essential that uses a 70kW motor and can travel a claimed 340km on a charge – the upper-spec Dynamic ($36,990 +ORC) makes more than double the power at 150kW and uses a larger battery for a claimed 427km of range.
3) GAC Aion UT: From $30,990 driveaway
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 150kW, front-wheel drive
Range: 430km (WLTP)
The Aion UT is a new electric hatchback to Australia from Chinese firm GAC and pricing starts at $30,990 driveaway for those buying an Aion UT before April 9 (at which time it will revert to a still-sharp $31,990, plus on-road costs). For that money, buyers get a healthy 430km of range and a powerful 150kW motor, giving the Aion UT spritely performance. Its cabin is roomy for its size with a 321-litre boot, and it’s also quite well equipped across the range.
4) BYD Atto 2: From $31,990 +ORC
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 130kW, front-wheel drive
Range: 345km (WLTP)
The BYD Atto 2, the cheapest electric SUV in Australia so far, launched in late 2025 priced from just $31,990 plus on-road costs for the entry-level Dynamic and $35,990 +ORC for the better-specced Premium. Both use the same drivetrain with a 51kWh LFP battery that’s good for a claimed 345km range, with a 130kW motor driving the front wheels. Both Atto 2 variants are well equipped and it uses good quality materials on the inside as well.
5) GWM Ora: From $35,990 driveaway
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 126kW, front-wheel drive
Range: Up to 400km (WLTP)
The GWM Ora was actually one of the first small electric vehicles to go on sale in Australia, when it did so back in mid-2023. Nowadays, its range is split into two trims: base Lux and the sporty-looking GT at the top of the range, though both use the same drivetrain. A reasonable 126kW is put through the front wheels, while a 57.7kWh LFP battery provides up to 400km of driving. The Ora’s cabin is surprisingly roomy for its size, and it’s well equipped as well.
6) Jaecoo J5 EV: From $36,990 driveaway
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 155kW, front-wheel drive
Range: Up to 402km (WLTP)
Jaecoo’s J5 will soon also be offered with petrol and hybrid power, too, but so far only the electric version has launched, locally priced from $36,990 driveaway. Under the body is a 58.9kWh battery for a claimed 402km of range, while its 155kW front motor handles propulsion. The exterior design is clean and handsome, while the interior is good quality and loaded with features like a panoramic glass roof, synthetic leather upholstery and a huge 13.2-inch touchscreen.
7) Chery E5: From $36,990 +ORC
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 155kW, front-wheel drive
Range: 430km (WLTP)
Previously called the Chery Omoda E5, the new Chery E5 is a handsome small SUV with a coupe-like roofline. Priced from $36,990 plus on-road costs, the E5 is offered in two spec points: Urban and Ultimate, with each featuring a 58.9kWh battery for a claimed 430km range (WLTP) and a 155kW front-mounted electric motor. The E5 continues the strong value for money that Chery is known for thanks to its long standard equipment list and long warranty.
8) Leapmotor B10: From $37,888 +ORC
Drivetrain: Single-motor, 160kW, rear-wheel drive
Range: 442km – 516km
Leapmotor recently launched the B10 in Australia, its second car on offer locally. Sitting in the small SUV class, the B10 uses a 160kW rear-mounted electric motor, but offers two battery sizes (56.2kWh for the entry-level Style and 67.1kWh for the upper-spec Design Long Range) for between 442km and 516km of driving range. Unlike almost all other cheap EVs, the B10 is actually rear-wheel drive and Leapmotor is keen to point out that its chassis was developed by Maserati, which also fits under the Stellantis umbrella, meaning it offers an engaging driving experience.
9) MG 4: From $37,990 driveaway
Drivetrains: Single- or dual-motor, 125kW/150kW/180kW/300kW, rear- or all-wheel drive
Range: 405km – 590km (WLTP)
The MG 4 has been one of the most popular EVs we’ve seen in Australia so far thanks to its keen driving experience, spacious cabin, big drivetrain choice – including the very fast 300kW XPower – and typically strong value we’ve come to expect from the MG brand. There’s an updated model and even a brand new model called the MG 4 Urban that we predict is not far off launching locally, but the pre-updated model is still great buying.
10) Hyundai Inster: From $39,000 +ORC
Drivetrains: Single-motor, 71kW – 85kW, front-wheel drive
Range: 327km – 360km
Hyundai’s cute little Inster launched locally in 2025 priced from $39,000 plus on-road costs, though it’s currently on special for $35,990 driveaway. Offering characterful styling, lots of standard equipment, fun driving dynamics and a surprisingly roomy interior, the Inster is only a four-seater so won’t appeal to everybody. There are three models on offer, including the off-road-like Cross, and there’s a reasonable range of up to 360km on offer.
Mercedes-AMG has confirmed that its striking CONCEPT AMG GT TRACK SPORT will underpin two new high-performance models, including a next-generation GT3 race car and a future GT Black Series road car.
Originally revealed as a standalone concept, the TRACK SPORT has now been repositioned as a development platform for both motorsport and road applications. The move signals AMG’s intent to expand its GT line-up at the extreme end of performance.
The road-legal version of the project will serve as a homologation model for the GT3 successor, linking the two vehicles closely in both engineering and intent. AMG says the TRACK SPORT name reflects this dual purpose, bridging the gap between uncompromising track capability and road-legal performance.
Development of the prototypes has been underway since late 2025, with testing conducted across a range of circuits including Immendingen, Bilster Berg, Portimão and Monteblanco. More recently, the programme has moved to the Nürburgring Nordschleife, marking a key phase in refining performance under demanding conditions.
The new GT3 will continue AMG’s long-running customer racing programme, which dates back to 2010 with the SLS AMG GT3. Since then, AMG’s GT3 cars have been a regular presence in international endurance racing, with updates introduced through the current GT3 and its Evo version.
Responsibility for the new model sits with Affalterbach Racing GmbH, a dedicated AMG subsidiary established to oversee development and production. The focus is on improving performance, safety and competitiveness while maintaining continuity with previous customer racing cars.
Alongside the GT3, AMG is also preparing a new Black Series model, positioned as the most extreme road-going version of the GT. The Black Series badge has been reserved for AMG’s most focused performance cars since 2006, drawing heavily on motorsport-derived engineering.
The new model is expected to continue that tradition, translating lessons from the GT3 programme into a road-legal package. AMG describes the approach as a continuation of its long-standing philosophy of transferring racing technology to production vehicles.
While technical details remain limited, the dual development programme highlights AMG’s strategy of aligning its racing and road car efforts more closely.
Further information on both the GT3 and the new Black Series is expected to be released as development progresses.
A new style of licence plate is being introduced in Victoria to better suit the growing number of Chinese-built vehicles on Australian roads, highlighting how quickly the local car market is changing.
According to reporting by Yahoo News Australia, the so-called ‘mullet plate’ features a standard Australian-sized front plate paired with a differently shaped rear plate designed to match the mounting points used on many Chinese vehicles. These rear plates are narrower and taller than traditional Australian formats, eliminating the need for brackets or modifications.
The change addresses a practical issue that has emerged alongside the rapid rise of Chinese brands such as BYD, MG, GWM, Chery and Haval. Many of these vehicles use number plate dimensions common in China, which differ from Australia’s standard 372mm by 132mm format. By contrast, the Chinese-style plate is deeper and less wide, making it incompatible without adjustment.
VicRoads says the new plates are intended to simplify installation and improve fitment. The updated design allows plates to be mounted directly without drilling or add-ons, offering a cleaner finish for owners and dealerships alike. The plates are available through selected dealerships and VicRoads centres, priced at $175 per set.
Chinese brands have gained traction in recent years thanks to competitive pricing, strong technology offerings and increasing availability at a time when global supply constraints have affected traditional manufacturers. Their rapid expansion in electric vehicle production has also aligned with rising consumer interest in lower running costs and reduced emissions.
The trend is now being reflected in national sales data. Recent VFACTS figures show China has become Australia’s largest source of new vehicles for the first time on a monthly basis, overtaking long-standing leaders such as Japan and Thailand. The shift underscores the speed at which Chinese manufacturers have established a foothold in the local market.
While the new ‘mullet’ plates may seem like a small change, they reinforce the significant transition underway in Australia’s new car market.
