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The Australian
3 days ago
- The Australian
XPENG fires back at BYD's claims of EV dominance in Australia
The battle for Australia's booming car market is heating up, with Chinese EV disruptor XPENG firing back at BYD's claim that local success is a 'signal to the world' of its global dominance. In response to BYD Founder and President Mr Wang Chuanfu's rare and exclusive interview last week, TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke, who heads XPENG's local operations, said that while BYD has 'shifted the EV landscape,' the next wave of innovation is just beginning, and XPeng plans to lead it. 'We agree that Australia represents a globally visible market with high consumer expectations, and XPENG is proud to be part of this shift,' he said. 'We view this as an opportunity to demonstrate what the next generation of EVs can deliver – in both technology and driver experience.' MORE: Tesla reveals major Robotaxi move TrueEV CEO, local distributor of XPENG, Jason Clarke said 'there's no question BYD has helped shift the EV landscape in Australia' but XPENG sees a 'great deal of space for innovation and evolution'. Picture: Supplied XPENG's response comes after Mr Chuanfu declared that success in Australia proved BYD could 'meet and exceed the expectations of mature markets' – a statement seen by many as a declaration of global EV domination. Clarke said Australia is equally critical to XPENG's global expansion strategy, and he confirmed that the brand is 'here for the long haul'. 'Our goal is bold. We aim to be among the top five pure EV brands in Australia within the next three years,' he said. 'The future of XPENG here is about more than just presence. It's about leadership in the EV revolution.' The Australian market has been heating up over the past few years as Chinese EV makers vie for a position in Australia's booming market, with brands such as BYD, GWM, Chery, and XPENG expanding their local presence. MORE: Aussies 'not ready' for advanced driver tech BYD electric cars waiting to be loaded to the automobile carrier BYD "Shenzhen". (Photo by AFP) / China OUT BYD has surged ahead with volume, recently celebrating its 60,000th delivery in Australia, and last month ranked 5th in the best-selling brands nationally. For Clarke, it's not about volume but offering consumers advanced technology like AI-assisted driving, 800V ultra-fast charging and the brand's Turing Chip, an in-house design to power its advanced ADAS systems. 'XPENG is at the frontier of AI and smart driving,' he said. 'Our MONA M03 offers advanced ADAS with XNGP support, over 20 smart hardware components standard, and full-scenario smart parking. We also lead in charging speed with our 800V 5C platform, and our 10-year battery warranty sets a new benchmark for customer confidence.' The brand has already received strong response to the G6 and the upcoming release of the G9. MORE: The end of travel as we know it XPENG has plans to increase its line-up with the MONA M03 and G9. Picture: Supplied Clarke said the XPENG is taking the Australian market seriously, with infrastructure, innovation and customer support at the centre of its long-term strategy. 'We understand that long distances and fast charging are non-negotiable in Australia,' he said. XPENG is also focused on extended range options, including the Kunpeng Super Electric System offers up to 430km of electric-only range and an impressive 1,400km total range in hybrid format. 'That's why our vehicles use 800V platforms with 5C charging, meaning you can go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 12 minutes.' XPENG is preparing to launch several models locally, including the flagship X9 and the futuristic MONA M03, powered by AI-driven systems and full-scenario smart parking. Read related topics: China Ties Danielle Collis Journalist and Reporter Danielle's background spans print, radio and television, she has contributed to outlets such as The Age, ABC, Channel Nine and many more. For more than four years, Danielle has worked as Liz Hayes' producer and investigative journalist on her show 'Under Investigation', covering everything from corporate scandals to Australia's most baffling crime cases. Danielle's covered a range of topics from breaking news, politics, lifestyle and now motoring. Danielle Collis
News.com.au
3 days ago
- News.com.au
XPeng reveals plan to be top 5 EV brand in Australia
The battle for Australia's booming car market is heating up, with Chinese EV disruptor XPENG firing back at BYD's claim that local success is a 'signal to the world' of its global dominance. In response to BYD Founder and President Mr Wang Chuanfu's rare and exclusive interview last week, TrueEV CEO Jason Clarke, who heads XPENG's local operations, said that while BYD has 'shifted the EV landscape,' the next wave of innovation is just beginning, and XPeng plans to lead it. 'We agree that Australia represents a globally visible market with high consumer expectations, and XPEND is proud to be part of this shift,' he said. 'We view this as an opportunity to demonstrate what the next generation of EVs can deliver – in both technology and driver experience.' XPEND's response comes after Mr Chuanfu declared that success in Australia proved BYD could 'meet and exceed the expectations of mature markets' – a statement seen by many as a declaration of global EV domination. Clarke said Australia is equally critical to XPEND's global expansion strategy, and he confirmed that the brand is 'here for the long haul'. 'Our goal is bold. We aim to be among the top five pure EV brands in Australia within the next three years,' he said. 'The future of XPEND here is about more than just presence. It's about leadership in the EV revolution.' The Australian market has been heating up over the past few years as Chinese EV makers vie for a position in Australia's booming market, with brands such as BYD, GWM, Chery, and XPEND expanding their local presence. BYD has surged ahead with volume, recently celebrating its 60,000th delivery in Australia, and last month ranked 5th in the best-selling brands nationally. For Clarke, it's not about volume but offering consumers advanced technology like AI-assisted driving, 800V ultra-fast charging and the brand's Turing Chip, an in-house design to power its advanced ADAS systems. 'XPEND is at the frontier of AI and smart driving,' he said. 'Our MONA M03 offers advanced ADAS with XNGP support, over 20 smart hardware components standard, and full-scenario smart parking. We also lead in charging speed with our 800V 5C platform, and our 10-year battery warranty sets a new benchmark for customer confidence.' The brand has already received strong response to the G6 and the upcoming release of the G9. Clarke said the XPEND is taking the Australian market seriously, with infrastructure, innovation and customer support at the centre of its long-term strategy. 'We understand that long distances and fast charging are non-negotiable in Australia,' he said. XPEND is also focused on extended range options, including the Kunpeng Super Electric System offers up to 430km of electric-only range and an impressive 1,400km total range in hybrid format. 'That's why our vehicles use 800V platforms with 5C charging, meaning you can go from 10 per cent to 80 per cent in just 12 minutes.' XPEND is preparing to launch several models locally, including the flagship X9 and the futuristic MONA M03, powered by AI-driven systems and full-scenario smart parking.
The Australian
18-07-2025
- The Australian
BYD boss says Australia success key to global EV domination plans
The billionaire founder of a Chinese electric vehicle giant has declared Australia the ultimate proving ground, claiming local success is a 'signal to the world' the brand is ready to dominate the globe. Build Your Dreams (BYD) boss Wang Chuanfu made the claim in a rare and exclusive interview with News Corp Australia. Previously, Mr Chuanfu had never spoken with Australian media. The quietly spoken founder, chairman and president of BYD, made a surprise appearance in Melbourne this week to hand over the 60,000th BYD vehicle sold in Australia. It's a major milestone for an automotive brand. MORE: Massive car companies stop all US imports BYD Founder Wang Chuanfu says Australia is key to global EV strategy as the brand hits 60,000 sales. MORE: Car prices set to plummet Mr Chuanfu said Australia had become far more than just another sales market. 'Australia is a key market for the BYD Brand. It's a highly competitive, advanced automotive market with an educated customer that values innovation, safety, and sustainability,' he told News Corp Australia. He added that the brand's success wasn't just a sales win but a message. 'Success here is a signal to the world that BYD vehicles can meet and exceed the expectations of mature markets. The learnings we gain from Australia help shape our products and approach globally.' BYD has been rapidly rising through the ranks as one Australia's fastest-growing automotive players. Last month BYD achieved 8,156 monthly deliveries, up 386 per cent year-on-year and finished eighth overall in national sales. MORE: Iconic car quits Aus amid global collapse In June, BYD finished 5th overall in national sales. Picture: BYD MORE: $9.1bn slide: Car giant hits the wall The surge was largely due to the launch of the Shark 6 – the country's first plug-in hybrid ute. This year the brand's success continues, with 40,000 vehicle deliveries forecasted. Mr Chuanfu acknowledged local distributor EVDirect in helping build BYD's early momentum and praised Australian buyers for embracing BYD. 'Personally, it's very meaningful,' he said of the milestone. 'Our success in Australia would not have been possible without the strong partnership and commitment of EVDirect.' 'As our exclusive distributor, they have been instrumental in bringing BYD's vision to cool the Earth by 1°C to Australian customers. 'We are proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to continuing this successful collaboration as we enter the next phase of growth.' BYD Founder Wang Chuanfu, BYD Australia general manager Mr Wing You and BYD Asia-Pacific auto sales Mr Liu Xueliang arrive to a BYD dealership in Melbourne. Picture: BYD Founded in 1995, BYD began as a battery manufacturer before expanding into tech, rail and eventually electric vehicles. Today, it operates in more than 70 countries and employs more than 600,000 people worldwide. Its expansion has unsettled traditional players, especially as the brand continues to undercut rivals on price without compromising on features or safety. Currently, its Australian line-up includes the Atto 3, Dolphin, Seal, Sealion 6, Sealion 7 and Shark 6. Read related topics: China Ties Danielle Collis Journalist and Reporter Danielle's background spans print, radio and television, she has contributed to outlets such as The Age, ABC, Channel Nine and many more. For more than four years, Danielle has worked as Liz Hayes' producer and investigative journalist on her show 'Under Investigation', covering everything from corporate scandals to Australia's most baffling crime cases. Danielle's covered a range of topics from breaking news, politics, lifestyle and now motoring. Danielle Collis
