#2 The Rise of New Challenger Car Brands: Do They Stack Up? How They’re Shaking up the Market in WA

In this episode, we sit down with Stephen Moir, the CEO of the Motor Trade Association of WA, to discuss a dynamic shift in the automotive landscape: the growing influx of new challenger car brands into Western Australia.Deepal, Leapmotor, IM motors, Xpeng, Zeekr…After decades of familiar international car brands, new names are emerging - many from China - which has become the global epicentre of car manufacturing. How will new the brands compete, and how do they stack up? How much confidence can consumers have in these young companies?As legacy manufacturers face competition from emerging players — many of them electric and tech-driven — what does this mean for consumers and local dealerships? Stephen shares his insights on the opportunities this disruption could bring for innovation and consumer choice.(0:00) Introduction to Emerging Car Brands(1:42) The Rise of Japanese Car Brands in Australia(6:18) The Impact of Korean Car Brands(7:01) The Surge of Chinese Car Manufacturers(12:52) Technological Innovations and Future Trends(15:32) Challenges with EV Depreciation(16:49) Innovative Features in New EVs(18:52) Chinese Brands Making Waves(25:00) The Future of Car Dealerships(28:12) Autonomous Vehicles: The Next Frontier(29:00) Legacy vs. New Brands: A Personal Take(29:37) Conclusion and Final ThoughtsSubscribe and shareIf you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to RAC’s Horizons podcast and share it with friends and family interested in the future of WA’s automotive industry.ResourcesWill most of our cars soon come from China? https://rac.com.au/horizons/drive/chinese-cars-australiaFind us onlineWebsite: rac.com.au/horizonsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HorizonsRACInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/racwa/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/racwa/Legal disclaimerThe views expressed in this podcast are those of the individual involved and may not be shared by the Royal Automobile Club of WA (Inc) or its related bodies corporate (together “RAC”) or any of its or their councillors, directors or employees.  This podcast is for general information and entertainment purposes only.  Listeners should not rely on the content as a substitute for independent advice.  References to a product should not be construed as an endorsement by RAC.  RAC accepts no liability for any reliance placed on the content.