Another Japanese automaker's stronghold is under threat! Chinese EVs are selling like hotcakes in Australia, trailing Toyota by just 243 units.

Australian has long been a core market for Japanese automakers, with Toyota holding the top sales spot for 23 consecutive years, commanding nearly 20% of the new car market. But this year, as the wave of new energy vehicles sweeps through, Chinese EV brands led by BYD have risen rapidly, bringing disruptive changes to the market landscape.

Local industry data shows that in June this year, BYD's monthly sales were only 243 units behind Toyota's, whereas before October 2022, BYD had zero sales in Australia.

As of July, electric vehicles accounted for 21.7% of new car sales in Australia, nearly tripling compared to January this year. There are currently around 110 EV models available in the local market, with Chinese automakers holding a leading position.

The competitiveness of Chinese brands is first reflected in pricing. Taking hybrid and plug-in hybrid models as an example, the Toyota RAV4 starts at around A$46,000, while the BYD Sealion 6 starts at around A$43,000, and the lower entry price directly influences consumer choices.

At the same time, Chinese automakers lead in iteration speed, with BYD and Denza launching multiple new models in rapid succession, while Toyota's new model updates are slow-paced. Delivery times further widen the gap—BYD buyers wait no more than four weeks, while popular Toyota models can take up to six months to arrive, prompting many customers unwilling to wait to switch to Chinese brands.

Beyond the passenger car market, Chinese pickup trucks are also making their mark. BYD's plug-in hybrid pickup, launched less than two years ago, has already captured 16% of the local segment, balancing range and price while steadily eroding the traditional turf of Japanese pickups. Currently, fifteen Chinese auto brands have established a presence in Australia, with dealer networks continuously expanding and product lineups covering all categories from family cars to off-road vehicles and pickups.