The Melbourne Motor Show returned for the first time in almost 15 years to a sold-out crowd on 5 and 6 April.
People from all over Australia witnessed the release of exciting new vehicles from a range of different manufacturers, with 120 businesses represented at the event.
This included a range of debut Australian and world releases, as well as a wide variety of EV and hybrid vehicles.
World and Australian firsts
Some of the biggest drawcards at the motor show were the Australian and world-first launches.
This includes JAC, which featured Australian and world-first vehicles.
Their world premiere was the JAC Hunter, a plug-in hybrid dual cab ute, which managing director of JAC Australia Ahmed Mahmoud said would be available in Australian dealerships in less than 12 months.
“It will rewire the benchmark for performance, efficiency and transfer capability,” he said.
The car includes three engines and electric motors, can travel 100km without losing fuel or emitting emissions, and has 1000 newton-metres of torque.
The first Australian vehicles were the JAC De-Fine, which is yet to have a release date, and the JAC T9 EV, which is expected to be available in the near future.
Subaru’s Australian launch was the new generation Subaru Forester, with an advanced hybrid system.
“This new generation Forester has been designed with alternate to endless and innovation in mind, while taking a significant step forward in capability and safety, and enhancing driving time with both new style and safety,” Subaru general manager Katsuro Tadaki said.
More Australian firsts could be seen with MG, who released their IM collection, three new SUVs, and the MG U9, which is the first ute made by the brand.
The three updated SUVs are the all-electric MGS5, the MG HS plug-in hybrid, and the MG QS petrol vehicle. Harlan Ockey has the full story here.
The official launch of Jameel Motors Australia was also announced at the Melbourne Motor Show in partnership with Farizon.
With this partnership, they have released two updated commercial models, the Farizon SV in a low roof and high roof version.
They are also announcing the upgraded electric Farizon H9E truck which comes with safety features and a world-class 350km plus range.
After a five-year hiatus, Foton will return to Australia with its Foton Tunland ute range.
The product range is expected to arrive in Australia in Q3 this year, according to Foton Australia general manager Glenn Cooper.
“The Foton Tunland sits in a space all its own, delivering serious capability and interior comfort without compromise,” he said.
“It's built for how Australians live, work and explore, backed by Inchcape's customer centricity and national distribution strength.”
Another ute built for Australians that made its debut at the car show was the Kia Tasman Ute.
The updated ute is one of the few vehicles on display that wasn’t an RV or electric vehicle. It was touted as Kia’s most Australian product yet.
The ute is built for the Australian tradie with a 2.2-litre turbo-diesel and a maximum towing rating of 3500kg.
Tesla drives through
Tesla showcased its upgraded Model Y at the event, as well as its Cybertruck. The new Model Y made its Australian debut at Sydney’s Everything Electric show last month, and is already available for orders ahead of delivery in May.
“The new Model Y features significant exterior updates, from the front bumper to the tail light,” said Tesla Australia director Thom Drew. “An all-new interior features refined materials, advanced technology, and a re-imagined cabin environment.”
While the Cybertruck has been displayed in showrooms across Australia over the past year, it does not yet have a projected Australian release date.
“It’s one of the products that we will showcase in the market,” a Tesla spokesperson told Azzet. “But at this point in time it’s not something we are in a position to be committed to a date on.”
The company also displayed its Optimus humanoid robot at the Motor Show, although it does not have an Australian release date. The robot is currently used for repetitive tasks in Tesla factories.
Tesla sales in Australia have fallen dramatically in 2025, declining by 53% in March. Globally, Tesla’s sales dropped by 13% in the first quarter of the year as other electric vehicle brands like BYD increased their market share. In addition, backlash has mounted against CEO Elon Musk’s alliance with United States President Donald Trump.
Electric SUVs surge
Brands including Peugeot and BYD also showcased their electric SUVs at the Melbourne Motor Show.
The new Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid will offer a 32% reduction in fuel economy and emissions, compared with the previous petrol-powered model. “This vehicle is unmatched in the medium SUV segment,” said Peugeot Citroën Australia general manager David Owen.
Peugeot displayed its 2008 compact SUV, 5008 7-seat SUV, 408 GT fastback, and 308 GT hatchback, all using the same engine as the 3008. All of the company’s passenger SUVs are now hybrids, Owen said.
BYD’s Seal Dynamic sedan was presented with Drive’s 2025 award for the best electric vehicle under $50,000 at the event. The company also displayed its brand-new Sealion 7 electric SUV, which features 558 litres of trunk capacity and up to 482 kilometres of range.
Deepal showcased its newly launched E07 model, an electric SUV-ute blend. Available in both rear-wheel and all-wheel drive variants, the all-wheel drive E07 boasts 440 kilowatts of power and 645 newton-metres of torque.
“This is not just an SUV, not just a ute, but a fantastic blend of both,” said Deepal Australia general manager Cormac Cafolla.
Australian pre-orders for the E07 opened on Friday, with deliveries slated to begin in 2025’s third quarter. Deepal also plans to double its Australian dealer network in the coming months, with new retail partners soon opening in Canberra and Springwood, New South Wales.
Meanwhile, Leapmotor displayed the C10 REEV, a range-extending successor to its hybrid C10 SUV. The C10 REEV offers 170 kilometres of electric range and a 50 litre fuel tank. It can charge from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes.
Leapmotor International CEO Tianshu Xin introduced Leapmotor Care, the company’s updated warranty and roadside assistance package. Like Deepal, Leapmotor hopes to double its Australian dealer network in 2025 to at least 26 locations.
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