Toyota Considers China-Built Cars for Australia

Toyota Australia is weighing vehicles built in China for its showrooms as Chinese rivals gain ground with cheaper electric models.

Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Isometric editorial illustration of a car carrier ship beside a container terminal, with a gantry crane lifting a container, in muted oxblood, teal, and mustard. — Toyota Australia is weighing China-built vehicles for its showrooms as Chinese brands BYD, Chery, GWM and MG push cheaper electric models into the market. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Would you be comfortable buying a Toyota built in China?

Toyota Australia is considering sourcing vehicles built in China for Australian showrooms, making it the last brand among Australia's Top 10 sellers without a China-built vehicle produced or planned for the market. The company has not confirmed any China-sourced vehicle.

Why it matters

Chinese brands BYD, Chery, GWM and MG are competing in Australia with more affordable electric cars, and established automakers have increasingly looked to China as a source of lower-cost, higher-tech EVs. Toyota says it would assess Chinese-sourced vehicles on whether they suit each segment and meet customer needs.

The bZ3X, already built in right-hand drive for Hong Kong and Macau, uses a 149kW front motor and 67.9kWh battery for a claimed NEDC range of 565km, roughly 480km under WLTP. Toyota has not confirmed whether any China-built model will be sourced for Australia.

The players

Toyota Australia

The Australian arm of Japanese carmaker Toyota, which is considering sourcing China-built vehicles for its showrooms as it faces growing competition from Chinese EV makers.

GAC

Chinese state-owned automaker that produces Toyota's China-specific EVs through a joint venture with Toyota.

The details

Many of Toyota's China-specific EVs use BYD battery technology and are produced in a joint venture with Chinese automaker GAC. Toyota is also considering the smaller C-HR BEV for its Australian line-up in mid-2027, with a price that could start in the high-$40,000 range.

End of 2026: Toyota plans to end Kluger production in the United States, which could leave a gap that China-built Kluger models may fill.
Mid-2027: Toyota is due to add the smaller C-HR BEV to its Australian line-up.

Roadmap

Chinese automakers BYD, Chery, GWM and MG have expanded in Australia with more affordable electric cars, and Toyota's consideration of China-built vehicles follows that pattern. Toyota is the last brand among the Top 10 sellers without a China-built vehicle produced or planned for the market.

Buyers comparing Toyota EVs may see future choices that include China-built models, which could affect price and specification options. The planned C-HR BEV, with a price that could start in the high-$40,000 range, is due in mid-2027.

The takeaway

Shoppers considering a new EV in Australia should compare range, price and battery specifications across brands, as Chinese-built options are becoming more widely available.