Today in Cars: BYD’s big Aussie push, electric icons with soul, Ford recalls, and a few very bruised movie trucks

I did the usual dawn patrol around the industry this morning—coffee, inbox, a quick detour to the garage to stare at a set of tires I still haven’t rotated—and it’s a lively one. BYD’s making big moves and catching heat in Australia, two very different EVs (an electric G-Wagen and an Audi “electric TT” concept) show how personality is returning to battery power, Ford drops a pair of recalls, and a set of stunt-scarred Fast & Furious rigs heads to auction looking like they survived a small war. Let’s get into it.

BYD in Australia: sales charge, PHEV pivot, and a stockpiling storm

If you’ve felt like BYD is everywhere Down Under lately, you’re not imagining it. The brand is chasing a top-three market position in Australia next year, and the plan isn’t just more EVs—it’s a sharper push on plug-in hybrids. That’s shrewd; I’ve had more than a few Aussie buyers tell me a PHEV makes sense for long distances between towns and inconsistent fast-charger coverage. Run electric on the school run, petrol on the Nullarbor—no drama.

The timing, though, isn’t perfectly sunny. Local reports accuse BYD Australia of illegally stockpiling cars. It’s an allegation at this stage, but it lands right as the brand is ramping up volume and expanding model lines. If you’re shopping one, none of this changes how the cars drive, but it could affect delivery rhythms and dealer chatter. Keep an eye on how that story evolves alongside the PHEV rollout.

• Big picture: Volume growth meets regulatory scrutiny—watch logistics and dealer ETAs.
• Why PHEVs now: Lower running costs in town, zero “range planning” anxiety out of town.
• Competitors watching: Toyota’s hybrid empire, MG’s value play, and mainstream SUVs like RAV4 and Outlander PHEV.

EVs with personality: Audi’s “electric TT” concept meets the electric G-Wagen

I’ve long argued EVs need more character and fewer spec-sheet flexes. Today, two stories push that point nicely. Autocar road-drove Audi’s Concept C—think: a radical proof-of-concept channeling TT vibes for the battery era. It’s the kind of car that makes you want to take the long way home; the mood, the shape, the “want” factor. If Audi can bottle even half of that for production, enthusiasts will notice.

On the other end of the spectrum, the electric G-Class just got a full review abroad. I had seat time in a prototype last year, and even then its vibe was unmistakably G: upright driving position, squared-off view over the hood, that hilarious sense that the road yields to you. The production review notes echo what I felt in the mule—clever four-motor control, silent shove, and those party tricks (hello, G-turn theatrics) that make engineers snicker and kids clap. It’s heavy, sure. But it’s also a rolling masterclass in torque distribution. On a rutted lane near my place, the way it clambered without drama felt like cheating.

A quick, simple comparison

Neither vehicle is aiming to be an appliance. And that’s the point. Put personality back in, and you give people a reason to care beyond kilowatt-hours.

Ford recall double-tap: Mustang and Mustang Mach-E

Ford’s back in the recall column. Again. Two nameplates, different issues:

• Mustang (ICE): A fresh recall, but this one reportedly touches only a handful of cars. If you’ve taken delivery recently, it’s worth a quick VIN check with your dealer.
• Mustang Mach-E: Another recall for the electric one. Owners I’ve spoken with appreciate how painless software-based fixes can be, but if hardware is involved, plan on a service bay visit.

Quick owner tip-list I’ve learned the hard way:

• Check your FordPass app and email for recall notices—don’t rely on social media headlines.
• Ask your dealer if parts are in stock before you book. Saves a wasted morning.
• If it’s software-only, confirm whether it’s an over-the-air update you can do at home.

New metal watch: Omoda 4 small SUV on the way, 2026 Mazda BT-50 in focus

Omoda—the design-forward sub-brand tied to Chery—has greenlit the production version of its Omoda 3 concept as the 2026 Omoda 4. It’s a small SUV with the right ingredients for Australia: compact footprint, edgy styling, and the kind of big-screen cabin that wins over showroom browsers. If it lands here, expect it to square up against Mazda CX-30, Toyota Corolla Cross, and BYD Atto 3. The win-or-lose hinge will be tuning: ride compliance on our coarse-chip roads, and driver-assist calibration. I’ve driven too many budget crossovers that get 90% of the way there and fall down on lane-keep jitters.

Speaking of utes, there’s a new 2026 Mazda BT-50 review making the rounds. The current BT-50’s best trait, in my book, is road manners—less pogo-stick than some rivals when unladen. I’ve towed a dual-axle trailer with the outgoing version and it settled nicely with a bit of tongue weight. If Mazda has kept that composure while adding quieter cabins and smarter driver tech, they’ll please tradies and families alike. If the tow rating stays at the segment’s typical 3.5 tonnes, it’ll remain a viable weekday–weekend workhorse: scaffold on Friday, tinnie on Sunday.

Motorsport quick hits

• F1: Red Bull copped a heavy fine after a United States GP grid infringement that involved tampering with Lando Norris’s grid marker. Not a great look; the sort of paddock slap that leaves a mark.
• F1: Carlos Sainz received a grid penalty for his clash with Kimi Antonelli at the US GP. Expect strategic reshuffles to compensate.
• F1: Alpine isn’t thrilled with Franco Colapinto defying team orders in Austin and will review it. Internal politics, meet public air.
• WRC: Martins Sesks rejoins M-Sport for the Saudi Arabia finale. That event could be spicier than the calendar suggests.

Movie metal: Fast & Furious stunt SUVs go under the hammer

A batch of battered stunt cars used in the franchise—Range Rovers from the Hobbs & Shaw era among them—are headed to auction, and the photos make them look like they’ve seen three lifetimes of car parks and a riot. I’ve inspected a few movie rigs in person over the years; the glamor fades fast up close. They’re often mechanically simplified, missing safety kit for road use, and held together with hope and rivets. But if you want a slice of cinema history for the den—or the world’s most aggressive coffee table—this is your moment.

Feature highlights

• BYD chases top-three in Australia, leans into PHEVs, faces stockpiling allegations.
• Audi’s Concept C shows the “fun EV” path; electric G-Wagen proves icons can go battery without losing swagger.
• Ford issues fresh recalls for both Mustang and Mach-E—check your VIN, confirm parts/OTA.
• Omoda 4 could spice up the small SUV segment; 2026 Mazda BT-50 eyes refined ute duties.
• Motorsport delivered fines, penalties, and a late-season WRC seat shuffle.

Bottom line

The EV story is finally getting interesting again—less range anxiety theater, more character. Meanwhile, the industry’s growing pains (recalls, logistics, racing politics) keep humming along. If you’re shopping, 2025–26 is shaping up as a sweet spot: broader choice, better tuning, and, crucially, more personality baked into the sheetmetal.

FAQ

• Is BYD really focusing on PHEVs in Australia?
  Yes. Alongside its BEVs, BYD is pushing plug-in hybrids to suit Australia’s mix of urban commuting and long-distance travel.
• What’s special about the electric G-Class?
  Quad-motor control and serious off-road hardware translated to EV form. It keeps the classic G feel with silent, instant torque.
• Did Audi confirm a production version of the Concept C?
  Not yet. Media drives highlight intent—a compact, design-led EV that channels the TT spirit—but production details remain to be seen.
• What should Ford Mustang and Mach-E owners do about the latest recalls?
  Check your VIN with your dealer or app, confirm if it’s an over-the-air fix or a workshop visit, and book only when parts are confirmed.
• Will the Omoda 4 come to Australia?
  It’s being positioned for global markets and is under consideration for Australia. Timing and final spec are still to be confirmed.