Chinese car brands have been selling in Australia far longer than most realise
Chinese car brands have deeper Australian roots than most people think, with some selling here since 2009.
GWM is celebrating 18 years in the Australian market, but many people treat Chinese car brands as recent arrivals. Some have been selling here since the early 2010s.
GWM's original operation began June 2009 with the SA220 and V240 utes, though disputes interrupted sales before the brand relaunched under factory control in 2016. Haval launched in October 2015 with the H2, H8 and H9.
Chery returned in March 2023 but had already tried Australia in 2011, giving it 15 years of local history despite only just three years in its current form. Geely sold the MK in Western Australia from 2011 to 2014, then relaunched nationally in March 2025.
MG arrived in 2013, LDV in 2013, and newer brands like BYD (2022 retail launch, now second best-selling), Xpeng, Zeekr and Leapmotor followed in 2024.
- June 24, 2009
- GWM Australian launch
- 2016
- GWM factory control start
- October 2015
- Haval launch in Australia
- 6th best-selling vehicle brand
- GWM September rank
Why it mattersUnderstanding Chinese brands' true Australian history shows the depth of their market commitment and explains why some have stronger local supply chains and dealer networks than others.
AustraliaAustralians shopping for Chinese-brand vehicles benefit from understanding which brands have long-standing local support versus recent arrivals still building their presence.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 59 min ago
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