Chinese cars make record sales in Australia

[Franco Cozzo]

Australians are buying more cars made in China in 2020 than any other time in our automotive history.

Official sales figures compiled by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry (FCAI) show Chinese brands LDV, Haval, MG and Great Wall sold a record number of new vehicles up to the end of November 2020, despite a shrinking car market due primarily to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

Combined, all four marques have sold 25,838 vehicles so far in 2020 – accounting for a 3.2 per cent share of the Australian new-car market.

MG, Australia's best-selling Chinese manufacturer, shifted 13,329 vehicles year-to-date, an increase of 75.2 per cent over the 7606 figure posted over the same period in 2019, despite an overall 16 per cent market slump.

That sales figure slots it into 17th place in the overall new-car market, beating established brands such as Skoda, Volvo and Renault, and falling just 700 units short of 16th-placed Suzuki.

https://www.caradvice.com.au/909912/...-record-sales/

Interesting given the trade war we're currently involved in with China, it shows that people don't particularly care about the politics of it all, they're just shopping for best value.

[kevino]

Lowest cost of ownership.
Cheapest hatch MG3
Cheapest small SUV MG thingy model
Cheapest GWM Ute thingy model

However if China wants a trade war and wants to screw our hardworking fishermen farmers miners etc etc I will minimise my buying of CCP product.

The other factor is short time in the market. How good are they. How reliable? How long will they last? How driveable are they? Suspect they are just whitegoods on wheels.

[Dr Smith]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

https://www.caradvice.com.au/909912/...-record-sales/

Interesting given the trade war we're currently involved in with China, it shows that people don't particularly care about the politics of it all, they're just shopping for best value.

I wonder if any of the buyers even know where the product is built...maybe the fact MG is a British brand name shadows the fact of where it's built/owned.

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by Dr Smith

I wonder if any of the buyers even know where the product is built...maybe the fact MG is a British brand name shadows the fact of where it's built/owned.

I agree with this, it's pretty cunning using an iconic British brand as your average pleb would have no idea aside from thinking 1950/60s funky British cars.

Its disingenuous at best.

[naddis01]

The average pleb under the age of 50 wouldn't even know what an MG was.

[LG17]

Originally Posted by naddis01

The average pleb under the age of 50 wouldn't even know what an MG was.

I drove past an MG dealer in Brisbane last week.
I deliberately went slowly so I could have a look.
Not a TC, TD, TF, A or B anywhere.
I was extremely disappointed.

[DJR-351]

Starting to see a lot more LDV T60 dual cabs getting around, comfortable and cheap, if a bit underpowered, but obvious to see the attraction....

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by DJR-351

Starting to see a lot more LDV T60 dual cabs getting around, comfortable and cheap, if a bit underpowered, but obvious to see the attraction....

I don't mind the look of it, someone has one out here I come across on the road every morning going to work.

Yes, he drives 20kmh under the limit every morning

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

https://www.caradvice.com.au/909912/...-record-sales/

Interesting given the trade war we're currently involved in with China, it shows that people don't particularly care about the politics of it all, they're just shopping for best value.

I would think the sales figures pre date the last couple months of trade wars but you are right with your comment of shopping with best value!

[Dr Terry]

Originally Posted by naddis01

The average pleb under the age of 50 wouldn't even know what an MG was.

That's basically true in Australia, because the last MGs sold here in quantity would be the MGB (60s-70s). Ok they did sell a few MG Fs & RV8s later on, but the 'average pleb' wouldn't know of those.

In the UK MG was better known as manufacturers of small sedans & hatches up until they ceased in the UK around 2005-06.

Dr Terry

[Franco Cozzo]

There's a bit of a trend around keeping British brand names.

Royal Enfield bikes apparently used to be British, now they're Indian.

[hayseed]

There's been a few Chinese Brand Vacate the building Too. over the Years..
Chery, JMC & JAC are 3 that spring to Mind..

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by hayseed

There's been a few Chinese Brand Vacate the building Too. over the Years..
Chery, JMC & JAC are 3 that spring to Mind..

Liked the idea of the JAC trucks on paper at least.

[Franco Cozzo]

2021 MG ZS EV review

It's not the easiest task for car manufacturers – build a car that offers zero emissions, make it family-friendly, and ensure it’s not going to burn a hole in the consumer's pocket. Oh, and did I mention that looks are important, too?

Turns out MG is giving this all-boxes-ticked approach a solid attempt, with the new ZS EV. While there is a perception that electric equals expensive, the MG is trying its best to show that this doesn’t always have to be the case.

The 2021 MG ZS EV is the most affordable electric vehicle available in Australia today. Priced at $43,990 drive-away, I know what you may be thinking. That is twice the price of the entry-level ZS Excite ($21,990), so is it justified?

https://www.caradvice.com.au/905318/...s-ev-review-2/

$44K EV from MG

[RANGEREST]

The sooner we whack a ridiculous import duty on junk, the better.

[Itsme]

Originally Posted by RANGEREST

The sooner we whack a ridiculous import duty on junk, the better.

Why?
You should be careful what you deem is junk as prices might go up on vehicles you don't expect to do so.

[hayseed]

Originally Posted by RANGEREST

The sooner we whack a ridiculous import duty on junk, the better.

The sooner they abolish LCT the better!! In My opinion

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by RANGEREST

The sooner we whack a ridiculous import duty on junk, the better.

Yep, starting with Thailand Specials

[UTXR8]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I agree with this, it's pretty cunning using an iconic British brand as your average pleb would have no idea aside from thinking 1950/60s funky British cars.

Its disingenuous at best.

phew....just as well Ford dont build Rangers in Asia....iconic brand, and all....

[Franco Cozzo]

Originally Posted by UTXR8

phew....just as well Ford dont build Rangers in Asia....iconic brand, and all....

Ford wasn't sold to Chinese ownership and their brand continued on slapped on a car made in China.

Apples and oranges, strawman argument.

Would MG's cars be so popular if they were some Chinese brand like BYD or something else that has zero brand recognition in Australia?

[cycle myth]

I think every year from here in is going a be a record year for Chinese made cars - so the head line is going to get a lot of airplay.

There's always a market for cheap - just need to work out if its worth it - not just as a purchase proposition.

Careful we need to recognise what we are really getting.

[FairmontGS]

MG has gone ahead in leaps and bounds last few years - solid competitive cars now. But they sorely need to pony up with a hero model like the 86, Stinger, N30, etc. I'm sure they can afford it. Just dial 1800-Pinanfarina/Touring/Zagato, drop $50 large and job done.

You can't leverage 100 years of British heritage and expect to get away with it with just SUVs.

https://mgmotor.com.au/show-and-shine/

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

https://www.caradvice.com.au/909912/...-record-sales/

Interesting given the trade war we're currently involved in with China, it shows that people don't particularly care about the politics of it all, they're just shopping for best value.

Best value? No. Cheapest price.

There is a difference between value and price.

[DFB FGXR6]

Most of the people I see driving the current MG range are of an age to remember what MG is. Now granted, they don't make little sports cars but as mentioned, the brand has recognition that the other failed Chinese brands that tried to strike up in Australia.

With many established brands either moving further up-market or dropping sub 20K entry models, it's no wonder MG sales are booming.

Hyundai, Toyota, Mazda, Ford and Nissan have no entries below 20K. And not everyone will want a Kia or Mitsubishi. In steps MG with an attractively styled, well specified and cheaply priced car, the Bob's and Beryl's of Australia have no idea where it is made and or the implications of their purchase. Multiply that by xxx and there is the reason MG and Chinese vehicles are booming.

[oldel]

I probably would never buy a Chinese car - not just for their politics but because I'm old and like old things LOL. I'm living in the past and I'll die that way because I don't care for modern tech. (this is typed up on a 10 y/o desktop and my mobile phone is some cheap junk mostly unused and probably switched off)

But I think the comment before wasn't about Thai rangers or imported cars, it's more the fact that manufacturers have moved to China and they're making most car's components now. For example ZF/lemforder as a name brand, but heaps of minor pieces on cars are all made in China now.

Companies get annoyed at consumers buying cheap junk direct from overseas - hurts their profits - buy local they say and support jobs. But junk is made in China in the first place because companies shut down manufacture in the west (losing jobs), in order to increase their profits by making goods over there at a cheaper cost in the first bloody place.

[ESPJG32]

unfortunately it is this sort of mentality that will cause Oz to be done over by the Chinese.....we are a minnow in the world of trade - China has individual cities with more population than all of Oz,,,,For us to be self sufficient we need to stop buying Chinese crap and buy from others at worst or buy Australian where ever possible.....remember charity begins at home, buy Australian, that gives an aussie a job...we make good stuff

[Franco Cozzo]

Two young girls in their early 20s both have those MG3 things around the corner from me, they're a cheap entry level rig with some technology behind it.

I haven't seen any of the SUVs but I've seen a couple of the MG3s getting about.

I could be tempted to buy into the brand if they had an engine with some balls under the hood, my Focus is getting on and is getting a bit long in the tooth but its hard to find something in that mid $20K price range with some balls like my modified diesel Focus and that's good on fuel for a daily.

[oldel]

Originally Posted by ESPJG32

unfortunately it is this sort of mentality that will cause Oz to be done over by the Chinese.....we are a minnow in the world of trade - China has individual cities with more population than all of Oz,,,,For us to be self sufficient we need to stop buying Chinese crap and buy from others at worst or buy Australian where ever possible.....remember charity begins at home, buy Australian, that gives an aussie a job...we make good stuff

Consumers often don't have a say in where things were made, not much is made in Australia except for specialist stuff I have no use for and most manufacturers moved offshore, so they're to blame.
If it's rubber, steel or electronics, the manufacturers moved production to china.

Take for example sidchrome. Nearly everyone here might have a made in Australia sidchrome set. People never stopped buying them but nearly the entire global tool industry moved to Taiwan, sidchrome included. They can't blame the consumer for that move and loss of Australian jobs.
All we're left with is mining, farming, retail, building, service, tourism and niche manufacturing. Most of the stuff mined and a lot of the stuff farmed goes to china or elsewhere overseas, most of the manufactured goods come from china and the consumer didn't start this trade exchange.
Less jobs, lower income, inflated housing means chinese stuff is all that's offered and affordable for most now.

[Ben73]

What kind of self respecting person buys a Chinese car. Spend a few extra grand and buy a South Korean car.
At least you are buying from a country that doesn't hate you and all western values.

I would assume the average person wouldn't know where their car is from and doesn't care. I would also assume every single thing they buy is the cheapest version of that particular product.

[GasoLane]

Originally Posted by Ben73

What kind of self respecting person buys a Chinese car. Spend a few extra grand and buy a South Korean car.
At least you are buying from a country that doesn't hate you and all western values.

I would assume the average person wouldn't know where their car is from and doesn't care. I would also assume every single thing they buy is the cheapest version of that particular product.

Your last line answered the question from your first line