Chinese car manufacturer Wuling appears to be the latest in a very long line of new brands to enter the Aussie market, with its Eksion electric medium SUV receiving federal government approval for local sale. The Eksion has appeared in Australian Government certification documents, although an official launch date, pricing and local distributor are yet to be confirmed.

While Wuling is largely unknown to Australians, the brand has a significant international presence and close connections to some familiar manufacturers. Wuling is actually part of SAIC-GM-Wuling, a joint venture involving American automotive giant General Motors, Chinese manufacturer SAIC Motor – which owns MG and LDV – and Wuling.

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Wuling vehicles are sold in China and many overseas markets, including Indonesia, where the company has manufactured cars since 2017. Vehicles produced by the joint venture have also sometimes been exported wearing Chevrolet badging, or in India, MG.

The Australian-approved Eksion is a five-seat, front-wheel-drive electric SUV measuring 4745mm long, placing it against big-selling rivals like the Tesla Model Y, BYD Sealion 7 and Geely EX5. Its single electric motor produces 150kW of power and the Indonesian version uses a 69.2kWh LFP battery, though in other markets, both petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains are also available.

Overseas equipment includes a 12.8-inch touchscreen, panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats and a range of active safety technologies such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree parking camera.

While the Eksion’s approval for local sales doesn’t necessarily confirm an Australian launch, it is at least a strong indication that we’ll be seeing yet another new brand on our shores within the next few years. With the brand already manufacturing right-hand drive vehicles in Indonesia, Australia is a logical next step.