‘Too big to fail' lithium producers unfazed by long price slump
One of Australia's biggest lithium producers says a Chinese battery giant's $7 billion Hong Kong's debut underscores long-term faith in the sector despite prices for the metal crashing to a four-year low.
Contemporary Amperex Technology, which commands a third of the global supply of batteries, wrapped up the biggest sharemarket listing in the world this year by raising $HK35.7 billion ($7 billion) this week.
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West Australian
39 minutes ago
- West Australian
2025 BYD Denza D9 review: Quick drive
Denza is about to go on the hunt for Kia Carnival , Zeekr 009 and Lexus LM buyers. The luxury offshoot of Chinese mega brand BYD is looking at bringing the D9 people mover to Australia as a luxury offering with some high-tech powertrain options on the table. At a preview drive in China I tested out the Denza D9 DM-i plug-in hybrid (PHEV), and while it mightn't look like a cutting-edge option, the powertrain and drive experience were surprising. There is no confirmation yet that the D9 is coming to Australia, but in China it is priced between 339,800 and 600,600 yuan, or approximately A$72,750 to $128,500. The former pricing is for the DM-i plug-in hybrid model, while the high-end option is the fully electric model. It is understood that, if the D9 was released in Australia, it would be a plug-in hybrid first and foremost, with a limited market for $130,000-pus electric people movers here… That space is currently occupied by the Zeekr 009, and the LDV Mifa 9 – neither of which have seen significant cut-through or sales volume in Australia. Oh, and the Lexus LM range, which kicks off at $160,000 or so for a plug-free hybrid. The big-name in the Aussie market, though, is the Kia Carnival, which accounts for more than 80 per cent of all new people movers sold in the market. But that is the official new-vehicle number, and doesn't include the grey-import market for Toyota Alphard and Vellfire vehicles – reportedly tallying 599 units in 2024. That, according to BYD/Denza insiders, could be the market segment that this car will aim at. In other words, above a high-spec Carnival hybrid ($76,630 plus on-roads) but below the aforementioned six-figure electric MPVs. In China, it has a heap of standard equipment, and comes with a 2+2+3-seat layout with middle-row captain's chairs. Have your say in the comments – what should the D9 cost, if it comes Down Under? Up front there are screens aplenty. The driver gets an older-style 10.25-inch instrument display with a heap of at-a-glance information on offer, while the central touchscreen is a decent 15.6 inch unit with a number of key controls managed through it. There is climate control adjustment for all three rows of seating available through the screen, and handily that part of the menu system stays docked at the bottom as well. It is a deep tech setup with dozens of menus on offer, but I didn't have much time to play with it. The test vehicle had a second 10.25-inch touchscreen for the front passenger, with connected services allowing live streaming (and the back seat screens have that, too). Thankfully there are numerous useable physical controls as well, including buttons for the sliding rear doors and a number of other features. One that might get a lot of use is the button on the steering wheel to bring up the surround-view camera. It feels plush and comfortable, but also practical. There are cupholders between the seats, a console storage area, and a hidden shelf below the 'bridge' between the seats. The test vehicle featured down pillows for front and middle-row occupants, and the driver gets a digital camera mirror system to see out the back, as the rear-view mirror can appear crowded with a few faces on board. Second-row riders are spoiled. There are 50W wireless charging smartphone docks, USB-C charging ports, and touchscreens to adjust heating, cooling, massage and media settings. It's a very plush place to sit. There is a fridge that opens to second-row occupant too, with temperature adjustable between -6°C and +50°C – so you can keep your choccy milks cool or your sausage rolls hot. There are media screens for rear riders as well, and the overall comfort and entertainment experience is clearly aimed at the two in the middle row of seats. The biggest concern for potential buyers of this car could be that very seat layout. It has a 2+2+3 design, with the centre row seating being focused on luxuriousness rather than outright practicality, and that means those buckets don't slide forward to allow third-row access. Instead, you're expected to (be small enough to) slither between the captain's chairs to access the very back. It's manageable, but it certainly makes the slide/fold setup of MPVs like the Carnival seem simply elegant. Admittedly, no Carnival has the level of plushness the captain's chairs here have. But I'm not so sure that is as important as easy third-row access. Once in the very back row, the space is decent but not mindblowing. With the middle-row seating set for me to have a good amount of room, I was a bit cramped in the very back (at 182cm/6'0'). My knees were just brushing the lovely leather-accented trim and my toes were tightly positioned under the seat, but there are great amenities in the back. Third-row passengers get things like cupholders (x4), pockets on the middle-row seatbacks (x6), USB-C ports (x2), electric sliding and reclining for the seats, and even third-row seat heating and cooling! There's also a flip-down armrest, and it would make a more comfortable six-seater than seven-seater, I'd say. Additionally, there are ISOFIX child seat anchor points in the window seats for both rear rows, and top-tethers, of course, too. Boot space varies between 390 litres with the third row upright to a claimed 2310L with the rear rows of seating folded away. Again, it isn't as cleverly packaged as a Carnival when it comes to the boot area, as those very rear seats cannot be folded down into the floor area, meaning you'll have to plonk stuff on top if you need to take a lot of stuff with you. Here are the specs of the Denza D9 DM-i, which is the model we had a chance to test… which probably wasn't by accident. And if you're curious, here are the EV version's specs: Which would you be keener to see here? Have your say in the comments. My drive of the D9 was brief, so this part of the review will be, too. What I learned after a couple of laps of a carpark with a marked course and hundreds of witches hats was that this is a better handling thing than you'd think. It's a 2.7-tonne bus after all, but it hustles. With a MacPherson front suspension setup and multi-link rear-end with adaptive damping, there was a level of driveability that I wasn't expecting from the D9. Of course it exhibits some body roll – in fact, it exhibits a lot of body roll. But the way that it ties corners together is impressive, with steering that is involving and direct, with trustworthy responsiveness. I had more fun than I expected to while pushing it through a slalom and attempting some tighter twists and turns. And the powertrain is superb, too. With a strong surge of torque from the electric motors at low speeds, the petrol engine kicks into life at about 70km/h, making for strong continued progress as pace climbs. There is a positive feel to the brake as well, despite it possessing a less aggressive regenerative braking system than you might expect – there's no single-pedal driving option. I didn't really attempt any parking manoeuvres, but the camera and sensor array made me feel confident it would be a simple thing to pilot into a spot, despite its size. Full specs and details aren't known yet, but below is a guide as to what the Chinese-spec model has. 2025 Denza D9 equipment highlights: The Denza D9 has a heap of standard safety gear fitted, as you'd expect – but it hasn't been tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, naturally. It runs the DiPilot 300 ADAS system, with the following sensors included: It also has dual front, driver's knee, front side, rear side, and full-length curtain airbags. It is expected that Denza will hit our market with a strong warranty offering – possibly mirroring that of parent company BYD at six years or 150,000km. Battery pack warranty will be eight years, as is the industry standard. Servicing details and roadside coverage are yet to be determined. The Denza D9 is a plush and premium feeling people mover. It perhaps isn't as practical as a Kia Carnival, but it has a plug-in hybrid system that sets it apart. Should it make its way Down Under with competitive price positioning, the Denza D9 could be very intriguing for families and fleet customers alike. MORE: Everything BYD
Perth Now
40 minutes ago
- Perth Now
EU warning for Australia on China
China is showing 'worrying signs' of deeper alignment with Russia's anti-West agenda, the EU's top diplomat in Australia has warned. The caution has come as Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin continue to step up co-operation against a backdrop of the raging war in Ukraine and simmering tensions in the Indo-Pacific. Ambassador Gabriele Visentin said on Wednesday what happens in Australia's neck of the woods is 'completely intertwined' with what happens in Europe. Ambassador Gabriele Visentin says China is showing 'worrying signs' of deeper alignment with Russia's anti-West agenda. NewsWire / Martin Ollman Credit: News Corp Australia 'I cannot possibly comment on the choice that the Australian government has on its defence policies,' the EU's envoy told the National Press Club. 'What I can say is that there is … a clear link between the Chinese and the Russian visions of what the new international rules-based order should be. 'We have seen maybe some worrying signs of military scaling up of China.' Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles said last week said China's rapidly growing nuclear arsenal is driving 'security anxiety' in Australia. As of mid-2024, China's operational nuclear warheads exceeded 600, according to the US Department of Defence. That was nearly triple what the country was estimated to have in 2020. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also earlier this month warned of an 'imminent' threat from China, saying Beijing could invade the democratically self-governing island of Taiwan as early as 2027. Such a move would deal a major blow to global supply of semiconductors – crucial components in modern tech – and massively disrupt vital trade routes. 'Let me be clear, any attempt by Communist China to conquer Taiwan by force would result in devastating consequences for the Indo-Pacific and the world,' Mr Hegseth told the Shangri La Dialogue. 'There's no reason to sugar-coat it. The threat China poses is real and it could be imminent. 'We hope not but certainly could be.' Mr Hegseth also called on Australia to boost defence spending in a meeting with Mr Marles, who holds the defence portfolio, on the sidelines of the conference. Asked how the EU might intervene in the event of a significant escalation in the Indo-Pacific, Mr Visentin was hesitant to outline any measures but said Europe had a 'vital interest' in keeping the region 'free'. 'I definitely think that the two theatres are completely intertwined,' he said. 'Forty per cent of the global trade towards the EU comes from the Indo-Pacific. 'Therefore, we do have a vital interest that the Indo-Pacific remains free and open. 'It's a matter of our wealth and our prosperity. 'So, of course we have to be aware of what a disruption of the status quo would mean for us as well.' The bloc deployed warships to the Red Sea in early 2024 to protect cargo ships from attacks by Islamist militants in Yemen emboldened by the conflict in Gaza. Mr Visentin also expanded on EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's comments last month saying she wanted a deeper 'strategic partnership' with Australia. 'It's not a military alliance,' he said. 'It's a partnership for co-operation on defence issues, including industrial things.' He added 'there is no scope for an understanding in terms of transfer of troops or mutual help and mutual assistance', unlike NATO, which guarantees blanket mutual defence if a member state is attacked.
The Advertiser
an hour ago
- The Advertiser
BYD Seagull could become Australia's cheapest EV after strategy switch
The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from: The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from: The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from: The BYD Seagull could become Australia's most affordable electric vehicle (EV) – although it may come with a four-star ANCAP safety rating – after the Chinese brand told CarExpert the pint-size hatch could make its way here. BYD will take over distribution of the brand in Australia from independent importer EVDirect on July 1, 2025, and now the previously ruled out Seagull is back in contention to join the local lineup. Already produced in right-hand drive for the UK – where it will be badged as the 'Dolphin Surf' – the Seagull is slightly bigger than the Kia Picanto and the discontinued Volkswagen Up micro-cars, but smaller than the Mazda 2 light hatch While BYD makes many of its models in both hybrid and battery-electric form, the Seagull is electric-only and uses a 55kW motor to drive the front wheels, and offers a range of up to 507km (CLTC) from its two battery sizes. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. Because it's smaller than the Dolphin electric hatch – currently the cheapest EV in local showrooms at $29,990 drive-away – the Seagull would have to be even cheaper, making it a prime candidate to become the brand's new price-leader. In January 2025, EVDirect boss Luke Todd told CarExpert the Seagull would only make sense if it had a five-star ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) rating and was priced around $25,000 or less. Now, with the Chinese car giant taking over local distribution – and a tech update coming in 2025 – the Seagull is back on the list for a local launch. "There would be room under the Dolphin and the Atto 2," BYD Australia Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Kate Hornstein told CarExpert when asked about the Seagull's chances for Australia. That's despite the once-booming micro segment it would compete in now offering only two models – the Kia Picanto and the Fiat 500/500e – accounting for only 0.6 per cent (3130 vehicles) of total new car sales year-to-date. By comparison, Chinese-market sales of the Seagull were a staggering 61,131 in May 2025 alone, making it the brand's best-selling single model there. "If we look at the numbers of the micro segment, is there opportunity? Has the customer had a lot of choice?", Ms Hornstein added while speaking with CarExpert at a BYD driving event in China. The only electric contender in the micro segment right now is the Fiat 500e priced at $52,500 before on-road costs. The second hurdle – the lack of a five-star ANCAP safety rating – would rule the electric hatch out for many fleet and government customers, and could also turn off some private buyers. Every BYD currently sold in Australia – from the entry-level Dolphin to the Sealion 6 PHEV and the top-selling Shark 6 dual-cab ute – has a five-star ANCAP rating. Yet an early 2025 facelift added BYD's entry-level 'God's Eye C' system, bringing Lidar, camera and ultrasonic sensors to the Seagull and offording it with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), adaptive cruise control, blind-spot detection and even navigation-based route learning ability. The upgrades could bring a five-star ANCAP rating within reach – yet even a potential four-star rating may not be a deterrent in such a cost-conscious segment. The Fiat 500e has a four-star rating, while the petrol-powered Kia Picanto is currently 'Unrated' by ANCAP after its four-star safety rating from 2017 expired two years ago. The four-star Seagull would not be an outlier and – in fact – may lead the segment courtesy of its 'God's Eye' tech. "I think after driving it and seeing the reactions of everyone driving it in the last couple of days, I've almost been converted to see that there is an enormous amount of opportunity," Ms Hornstein said. "The amount of people that have said first-hand they would buy this car is so exciting to me, so I think what we can take back is that excitement and try and build a case for it to come into the range." Content originally sourced from:
