Audi Australia Rules Out China-Made Models

Audi Australia says it is not looking to add China-made vehicles to its local lineup, even as Volkswagen expands exports from China.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Car Types

Audi Australia Rules Out China-Made Models

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Audi Australia said it is not currently looking to add China-made vehicles to its Australian range. The Chinese-market models, including the Audi E5 Sportback, were developed for the domestic market and cannot currently be exported.

Why it matters

Australia is the fourth-biggest market for Chinese vehicle imports and carries no tariffs, making it an attractive destination for Chinese-built cars. Audi's position contrasts with Volkswagen's plans to export Chinese-made vehicles to Australia and other markets.

Australia ranks fourth among markets for Chinese vehicle imports, and the number of Chinese brands has grown from roughly 2 or 3 about 18 months ago to 22. Another six or seven Chinese brands are expected to enter the market within four or five months.

The players

Audi Australia

The Australian arm of the German luxury carmaker Audi, responsible for the brand's local sales and product range.

Volkswagen

The German automaker whose brand is expanding exports of Chinese-made vehicles to Australia and other markets.

Matthew Dale

Audi Australia's product chief, who made the statement on China-made vehicles at the RS5 launch in Tasmania.

Thomas Schäfer

The chief executive of the Volkswagen brand, who outlined plans to export to the global south.

The details

Audi Australia product chief Matthew Dale made the comments in an interview with CarExpert at the launch of the new Audi RS5 in Tasmania. He said the Chinese-market models were developed with joint-venture partners and cannot currently be exported. Volkswagen brand CEO Thomas Schäfer told Autocar the company is starting to export to the global south, including Australia and the Middle East.

2004: The Volkswagen Polo Classic sedan, built in China, was first offered in Australia.
Approximately 18 months before publication: Australia had about 2 or 3 Chinese vehicle brands.
Last month: Volkswagen's CEO discussed exports at the Paris motor show.
Last week: Audi Australia's director presented to the board on Chinese imports.
Next four or five months: Six or seven more Chinese brands are expected in Australia.

Roadmap

Volkswagen's current export push extends a pattern that began in 2004, when the Polo Classic sedan built by Shanghai Volkswagen became the first Chinese-made passenger car the brand offered in Australia. Audi's position, by contrast, reflects models engineered for the domestic Chinese market rather than for export.

For Australian buyers, the choice between a locally sourced Audi and a Chinese-built alternative will depend on which models each brand brings to market. With six or seven more Chinese brands expected within months, the range of vehicles available is likely to widen.

The takeaway

Buyers comparing new cars in Australia should check the country of manufacture as well as the brand. The growing number of Chinese brands means more choice, but availability of any given model will still depend on each manufacturer's sourcing decisions.