Alborz Fallah
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The Canberra Times,
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The West Australian,
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Founder of CarExpert.com.Au - Founder of CarAdvice.com - Adj. Professor & Entrepreneur in residence at the University of QLD
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Articles by Alborz Fallah
Chery defends enormous brand expansion in Australia, says some won’t chase big sales Original
Chery has defended the number of brands it's bringing to Australia, saying some will target small groups of buyers and operate with more limited dealer networks than its more mainstream marques. The group’s existing and announced Australian plans now cover nine names: Chery, Omoda, Jaecoo, Jetour, iCaur, Lepas, Exlantix, Luxeed, and Freelander. That count treats Omoda and Jaecoo separately, although they operate together here under the Omoda Jaecoo business.
Chery boss says around 90 per cent of Chinese automakers lose money Original
Chery International president Zhang Guibing estimates around 90 per cent of Chinese automakers are losing money, warning that rising development costs will force more companies to disappear. Speaking to Australian media, including CarExpert, in China, Mr Zhang was asked how many manufacturers would survive the competition, and whether Australian buyers could be confident new brands would still exist in five to 10 years.
Chery plans Australian R&D centre for growing brand lineup Original
Chery plans to establish an Australian research and development (R&D) centre to help adapt vehicles across its expanding range of brands to local conditions. Speaking to Australian media, including CarExpert, in China, Chery International president Zhang Guibing said the company wanted more local input because Australian driving habits, roads, and weather differed from those in China. Mr Zhang was asked whether the centre would focus on the group's incoming premium brands.
iCaur V25 EV to lead Chery brand's Australian launch, V27 and V25 EREVs to follow Original
The electric iCaur V25 SUV will lead the Chery-owned brand’s Australian launch, followed by the larger iCaur V27 extended-range electric (EREV) SUV and an EREV version of the V25. iCaur Australia product manager Derek Tian detailed the rollout to Australian media, including CarExpert, in China. The V25 was previously confirmed for an early-2027 Australian launch. “The V25 BEV will launch first,” Mr Tian said.
How the Chery Stockman PHEV ute will manage DPF regeneration
Alborz Fallah Chery says its Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute can keep its engine running to charge the battery and support diesel particulate filter regeneration, even when there's enough electric power available. Speaking to CarExpert and other Australian media in China, Stockman chief product manager Mark Qi explained how the automaker is managing the exhaust heat needed to clean the filter in a vehicle that can also run on electricity.
Chery's Luxeed confirmed for Australia, luxury people mover due in 2027 Original
Chery’s Australian expansion will see it add another luxury brand, with Luxeed expected to arrive in the second quarter (April to June) of 2027, led by a large people mover. Shawn Xu, CEO of Omoda & Jaecoo International, confirmed the Australian plans to local media at Luxeed’s global launch in Wuhu, China, on October 21. The first model will be the Luxeed LLounge people mover, followed by the Luxeed Stormax electric SUV. A local arrival date for the SUV has yet to be announced.
Chery Stockman: No more delays for diesel PHEV ute as final tuning continues Original
Chery says its Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute remains on track for its February 2027 Australian arrival, with the next round of local testing focused largely on software. Customer deliveries are scheduled to begin from February 1. Speaking to CarExpert and other Australian media in China, Stockman chief product manager Mark Qi reaffirmed February as the target. “Yes. We have discussed it with our Australian team. For now, the target is still February next year.
2027 Freelander 8 review: Quick drive Original
There’s a lot of excitement about the Freelander 8, not because we lack large premium three-row SUV options in Australia, but because this seems like a perfect blend of what an adventurous SUV customer might actually want: traditional British styling with the latest technology from China. We drove a pre-production plug-in hybrid Freelander 8 prototype around a short carpark course in China.
Chery still working on one-tonne payload for Stockman diesel PHEV ute Original
Chery is still working towards a one-tonne payload for its Stockman diesel plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute, after preliminary specifications put its carrying capacity at 765kg. Speaking to CarExpert and other Australian media in China, Stockman chief product manager Mark Qi was asked whether a version with the originally proposed one-tonne payload was coming. “We know about that. Think about the diesel PHEV, the battery and the weight. The payload now isn’t as good; it is not one tonne.
Why Chery’s iCaur thinks it can win over Australian SUV buyers Original
Chery’s incoming iCaur brand is betting on personalisation, familiar SUV styling and electrified powertrains to stand out in Australia’s crowded new-car market, with its international CEO arguing buyers want vehicles they can make their own. Speaking with Australian media, including CarExpert, in China, iCaur International CEO Ronna Luo said customisation was central to the brand’s pitch.
Omoda X revealed with night vision and a tougher SUV look Original
Chery's Omoda Jaecoo division has unveiled the Omoda X, a new crossover with thermal imaging and a tougher SUV look, as it prepares to expand its Australian lineup. CarExpert attended the Omoda X Night unveiling in Wuhu, China, on October 20, held as part of the Chery Group’s International User Summit. Australian availability, pricing and launch timing for the Omoda X have yet to be announced.
Freelander 8 extended-range EV still possible for Australia
Alborz Fallah Freelander hasn't ruled out a range-extender version of the Freelander 8 for Australia, with its local lineup still to be finalised. Speaking to CarExpert in China, Freelander's head of brand for Australia and New Zealand, Kym Mellow, was asked why Australia wasn't getting the range-extender. "We haven't committed on the model range yet for Australia," he said. Asked about the international model's 2.0-litre plug-in hybrid system, he said: "That is definitely the one confirmed".
EREVs easier, cheaper to repair than PHEVs, claims Chinese brand
Alborz Fallah Chery's incoming iCaur brand claims its extended-range electric (EREV) models will be easier and cheaper to repair than plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), as it prepares to enter Australia with the V25 in early 2027. Speaking with Australian media, including CarExpert , in China, iCaur International CEO Ronna Luo said separating the petrol engine's electricity-generation role from the electric drive system made repairs simpler. “If you look at the iCaur, we use EREV technology.
Chery plans separate dealers for iCaur SUV brand Original
Chery’s iCaur brand has begun recruiting Australian dealers and is planning a separate sales and service network, as it prepares to launch with the V25 SUV in early 2027. iCaur International CEO Ronna Luo said the brand would take a premium position distinct from mainstream Chery.
Chery’s iCaur has no diesel or ute planned, looks beyond boxy styling Original
Chery’s incoming iCaur brand has no diesel engine or ute in its current plans, while its bosses say future models need not share the boxy styling of its existing SUVs. The comments come ahead of the iCaur V25’s Australian launch in early 2027. Asked by Australian media, including CarExpert, in China whether iCaur could use a diesel engine, iCaur International CEO Ronna Luo replied: “Definitely no diesel engine plan.” She also said a pickup or truck wasn’t in iCaur’s current plans.
Freelander targets 25 dealers for 2027 Australian launch
Freelander is targeting around 25 dealers for its Australian launch in 2027, with existing Chery retailers and premium-brand dealers in the running. Kym Mellow, the brand’s head for Australia and New Zealand, told CarExpert the new network could include retailers representing JLR brands. “I think we’ll be looking at somewhere around 25,” Mr Mellow said of the launch network, with plans to take into account major capital cities.
Freelander targets 25 dealers for 2027 Australian launch
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Freelander targets 25 dealers for 2027 Australian launch Original
Freelander is targeting around 25 dealers for its Australian launch in 2027, with existing Chery retailers and premium-brand dealers in the running. Kym Mellow, the brand's head for Australia and New Zealand, told CarExpert the new network could include retailers representing JLR brands. "I think we'll be looking at somewhere around 25," Mr Mellow said of the launch network, with plans to take into account major capital cities.
Freelander 8 engineer claims development testing goes beyond that of other luxury SUVs
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Freelander 8 engineer claims development testing goes beyond that of other luxury SUVs Original
A senior engineer behind the Freelander 8 says the new SUV has undergone all-terrain development testing that matches, and in some areas exceeds, the testing undertaken by luxury SUVs he previously helped develop. Antonio Maresca, chief engineer at Chery's R&D centre, made the claim while presenting the engineering program behind the JLR-Chery brand's first model to media in China.
Freelander's Australian push backed by $630 million factory overhaul Original
The Australian launch of the Freelander brand will be backed by a US$440 million (A$630m) overhaul of the Chinese factory building its new SUVs, as the Chery-JLR joint venture shifts towards electrified vehicles under the revived name. The investment is directed at the existing manufacturing base in Changshu, near Shanghai, where the first production Freelander 8 rolled off the line on July 30, 2026. The all-new large SUV is due in Australia in 2027.
Freelander 8 detailed as JLR-Chery brand prepares for Australia Original
The Freelander 8 has been detailed in international form ahead of the JLR-Chery brand's Australian launch, with a claimed 460kW plug-in hybrid all-wheel drive system, five- and six-seat configurations and a claimed 900mm wading depth. At a presentation in China, the brand outlined the engineering and equipment of its first SUV, while naming Australia and New Zealand as priority markets for its right-hand drive rollout.
2027 Toyota Fortuner spied again in Thailand Original
The updated Toyota Fortuner has been spied again undergoing testing in Thailand ahead of its likely debut next year. Like the HiLux it's based on, the new Fortuner will share a lot in common with the model it's about to replace. Judging from the spy photos, which were published on Instagram by kurdistan_automotive_blog_, the 2027 Fortuner will have new, more sharply styled front and rear ends.
Huge discounts: Up to $25k slashed from KGM SUVs, utes
Following on from the decision of distributor Inchcape to drop KGM from its portfolio, the brand’s remaining stock in New Zealand has been discounted considerably by up to $25,000. In July of this year, Inchcape announced it would be shedding both KGM and LDV. The following month, it announced significant discounts for its remaining LDV stock on its local website.
2027 Mazda 6e Atenza review
The tech and pricing of a Chinese EV The brand reputation and dealer network of an established Japanese brand The styling of a Mazda Not as fun to drive as a Mazda Safety tech calibration another sign this isn't an entirely in-house Mazda Tesla has stolen the Mazda's price advantage If this is the car for you, we’ll compare offers from trusted dealers, handle the back and forth and manage your purchase from enquiry to delivery.
Volkswagen confirms Chinese-made cars for Australia
The boss of German automaker Volkswagen has confirmed it will sell Chinese-made models in Australia as it looks to rebound from sluggish global sales. Speaking to British outlet Autocar at the Paris motor show last week, Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer said the automaker was looking to export more Chinese-built vehicles to markets including Europe and Southeast Asia.
Top 10 family PHEVs with the longest electric range
Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are a good solution when it comes to family life. They use electric power only for all your local driving including school runs, commutes, playdates and driving infants to sleep, but also give you the peace of mind and convenience of a fuel tank for longer drives including family road trips without the need for any forward planning.
Chinese brand reveals yet another heavily Porsche-inspired model
SAIC, the newest brand from MG and LDV parent SAIC Motor, has revealed a new SUV that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Porsche Cayenne. The SAIC Z9 has been revealed in a Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) filing as the brand’s third model line, following shortly after the Z7 sedan and wagon which appear heavily inspired by the Porsche Taycan.
Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome: Subtle special edition confirmed for Australia
The Hyundai i30 Sedan N Monochrome has been revealed globally with confirmation Australia will be among the first countries in the world to receive the special-edition model, limited to 200 examples locally. Due in showrooms next month, the i30 Sedan N Monochrome brings what the automaker describes as more subtle exterior and interior treatments than the regular i30 Sedan N, with Korea and Canada the only other markets the special edition has been confirmed for.
Jeep could revive iconic Willys nameplate on an affordable EV
Jeep is planning an onslaught of new models in Europe, with the lineup expanding to "up to six" models there by 2030, followed by a potential revival of the Willys nameplate beyond 2030. At the 2026 Paris motor show, Jeep confirmed it will relaunch the Renegade before the decade is out. Made in Italy, the original Renegade was launched in 2014, and during its decade-long life in Europe, Jeep sold 610,000 examples.
Independent vehicle safety testing "not important", says major automaker's CEO
The newly appointed boss of Italian auto brand Fiat says the latest safety ratings from Europe’s independent automotive safety body, which works with Australia’s new-vehicle safety watchdog, only serve to confuse consumers – and that the industry has moved on. Speaking to Autocar following his appointment as Fiat CEO in August 2026, Arnaud Belloni said more rigorous testing protocols introduced by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) this year have baffled buyers.
Independent vehicle safety testing "not important", says major automaker's CEO
The newly appointed boss of Italian auto brand Fiat says the latest safety ratings from Europe’s independent automotive safety body, which works with Australia’s new-vehicle safety watchdog, only serve to confuse consumers – and that the industry has moved on. Speaking to Autocar following his appointment as Fiat CEO in August 2026, Arnaud Belloni said more rigorous testing protocols introduced by the European New Car Assessment Programme (Euro NCAP) this year have baffled buyers.
Chery’s Jetour to tackle Toyota RAV4 with turbo-petrol, PHEV mid-size SUVs
Jetour’s first models in Australia, the T1 and T2 mid-size SUVs, have received Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification ahead of their expected releases in early 2027, following the Chinese brand's local launch in late November. The Jetour brand, part of the wider Chery Group but set to be managed by a local team separate from other Group brands here, is expected to launch in Australia with the T1 and T2.
New Tesla Roadster detailed: Three fantastical variants revealed, but there's one big problem
So the long-awaited Tesla Roadster has been revealed and three incredible variants have been promised. However, its left-hand drive-only configuration and a rocket-assisted version capable of brief, Jetsons-style airborne manoeuvres complicates its availability in Australia. Tesla has outlined three versions of its second-generation Roadster: Performance, Thrust and Rocket. The three variants offer different levels of aerodynamic technology and rocket-style propulsion.
BYD Yangwang U8 luxury SUV one step closer to an Australian launch
The Yangwang U8 has received Australian Design Rule (ADR) certification, indicating it’s one step closer to a local launch. BYD's flagship SUV has appeared in the Australian Government’s road vehicle approval database in a single variant, featuring a 145kW turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder (petrol) engine and four 220kW electric motors.
Jeep could revive iconic Willys nameplate on an affordable EV
Jeep is planning an onslaught of new models in Europe, with the lineup expanding to "up to six" models there by 2030, followed by a potential revival of the Willys nameplate beyond 2030. At the 2026 Paris motor show, Jeep confirmed it will relaunch the Renegade before the decade is out. Made in Italy, the original Renegade was launched in 2014, and during its decade-long life in Europe, Jeep sold 610,000 examples. Looking for your next car?
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