Australia and America used to be close allies on the automotive front, but it seems time is increasing the distance between the two countries.
Since the demise of local manufacturing both Ford and General Motors have adapted their Australian operations, but a recent visit to the US underlined just how far the gap between the two countries has grown. Put simply, America is hoarding some of its best cars and leaving Australians with less choice.
Now, to be crystal clear, this is a list of cars that I personally think would have market appeal in Australia, but is not backed up by any scientific evidence. I’m sure each car company has teams of product planning experts and accountants checking to see if these cars could be sold for profit in Australia (or any country for that matter). But I also get an increasing sense that those teams of people are being asked less frequently about Australia…
Here then are five vehicles I would love to see Down Under. Let me know in the comments if you agree or think I’m wide of the mark.
Ford Maverick
I can already hear the groans from the team at Ford Australia: ‘Ottley is talking about Maverick again.’ Even before I drove Ford’s SUV-based compact ute back in 2023 I have been fascinated by it. But since I did drive it (make sure you read my review) I have been convinced it would be an incredibly popular addition to the Ford Australia range.
Based on the same basic underpinnings as the Escape and the Bronco Sport (which is another model I’d love to see in Australia) the Maverick looks like a ute but drives like an urban-friendly SUV. It would have huge appeal in Australia for those who enjoy an active lifestyle but don’t need or want a big, expensive ute like a Ranger.
Given Ford Australia’s historic struggles with selling SUVs and passenger cars, it would more closely align with its current Ranger-centric ethos but open up a whole new market for the brand it currently can’t reach with anything else it offers.
Chevrolet Colorado
The Holden Colorado was a staple of the Lion brand’s range for decades, but when General Motors sold the Thai factory that made it, it not only spelled the end of the ute but was part of the chain reaction that ended Holden.
GM knew Holden would struggle for both credibility and sales in Australia without a ute and unfortunately this Colorado isn’t shared with Isuzu like the Holden version was. Instead this latest version is designed and built in the US and shares a surprising amount in common with the larger Silverado.
Unfortunately, the numbers don’t stack up to convert it to right-hand drive locally, like the Silverado, so it’s off the agenda for now. But it is built in South Korea, which (in theory) would provide cheaper production and shipping costs for GM Australia, but that still seems like it’s a long shot.
Which is a shame, because the American version of the Colorado is bigger and tougher looking than the final Holden Colorado. It also has a full range of models that would appeal to the ute-loving Australian market, from the working class WT all the way through to the rugged Trail Boss and sporty ZR2.
Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing
Yes, sedans are a dying segment. And yes, Cadillac is in Australia now. But the American luxury brand is focused on electric SUVs and having just taken in the CT5-V Blackwing I’m utterly convinced that there is a generation of former Holden Commodore SS and HSV buyers that would quickly hand over their money for one of these sports sedans.
The CT5-V is Commodore-sized (or BMW 5-Series, to keep it within the luxury market) and powered by a supercharged 6.2-litre V8 that makes 498kW and 893Nm, which would be music to the ears of Australians who miss our Holden V8s. It would be especially welcome as many would-be rivals switch to downsized or hybridised powertrains.
And while the V Series is Cadillac’s performance brand, the Blackwing takes things to the next level with track-ready capabilities and a muscular look to the CT5-V that oozes kerb appeal.
Rivian R1T
Electric utes are yet to gain traction in Australia, but that could be because we haven’t had the right one. The R1T could be that ute, with its combination of performance, practicality and luxury that would have more appeal than anything previously or potentially offered in Australia.
Whereas the Tesla Cybertruck has opted for attention-seeking weirdness, Rivian has built an electric ute that does all the important things a ute should do, including an 800kg payload and 5000kg towing capacity.
It also offers performance from its optional dual-motor, tri-motor and quad-motor powertrains. While Rivian has chosen to skip the minimalist look most other EV brands go for and instead built a stylish, sophisticated cabin that’s ideal for families.
Sure, an electric ute isn’t for everyone, but for those who do want one, the R1T would be a great option in Australia.
Lucid Gravity
Lucid Motors is a car brand that will likely be unfamiliar to many, but amid the myriad of new EV brands it stands out. Both the Lucid Air sedan and the Gravity SUV are visually striking vehicles, with dramatic and stylish looks that made me turn my head every time I spotted one on the road.
Started by former Tesla employees but now backed by the Saudi Arabia sovereign wealth fund and other major investors including BlackRock, Lucid is making headway in the American market. While still well behind Tesla in sales terms, there was a surprising amount of Lucids on the road, given both the Air and Gravity are larger, more expensive vehicles than Tesla’s Model 3 and Model Y.
The Air is an alternative to a BMW i5 or Audi e-tron GT, while the Gravity competes with the Audi Q8 e-tron and Mercedes-Benz EQE. It would likely be a very expensive model in Australia, but for those looking for something head-turning and exclusive, it would tick all the right boxes.
