Tesla has cut the 2027 Model Y Performance by $4500 in Australia, dropping the starting price to $84,900 before on-road costs, while New Zealand pricing falls to NZ$95,900. The reduction follows a switch in local Performance shipments from Germany to Tesla’s Shanghai, China factory as the company looks to lower costs. The update also brings minor specification changes including the arrival of Powershare, with orders opening October 1, 2026.

Honda is accelerating its hybrid push after cancelling the 0 Series EV project, saying production costs for its next-generation hybrid system will drop by about 30%. Production of the seventh-generation CR-V is set to start in Canada in February–March 2027, with the Avancier debuting the same year and the HR-V following in 2028. The automaker is aiming for annual hybrid sales of 2.5 million vehicles by 2030, triple its 2025 total.

Xpeng has confirmed Australian pricing and powertrain choices for its new midsize SUV, the L03. The range starts at $41,900 before on-road costs, with rear-wheel-drive Standard Range, rear-wheel-drive Long Range and all-wheel-drive Performance Ultra variants offered. The battery-electric version uses a 58.3kWh LFP battery for a WLTP range of 445km, while the EREV is claimed to deliver more than 1000km of combined range and is priced from the same $41,900. All versions are rated to tow up to 1500kg.

Ford Australia plans to double its market coverage from 30% to 60% over the next three years by significantly expanding its lineup and sourcing new models from China. The company says it wants 90% of its range to be either all-new or significantly refreshed by the end of the decade. Ranger and Everest — developed locally — made up 88.5% of Ford’s Australian sales in the first half of the year, underscoring the brand’s reliance on a narrow set of models.

Ford Australia’s chief executive and marketing director said importing aggressively priced new electrified models from China will not weaken the brand’s standing in the local market. The Transit City has been set at a $50,000 drive-away price, just $10 more than the China-made Farizon V7E. The Bronco Basecamp is due to launch in the second half of 2027, with pricing yet to be announced. Both vehicles were developed and built in China through Ford’s joint venture with Jiangling Motors Corporation (JMC).