Today in Cars: Cybertruck Canned for Australia, MG Talks Ute Towing, Chery Goes Big, and a MotoGP Shakedown

I started the morning with a flat white and a flurry of Australian headlines that all seem to point in the same direction: our market’s moving fast, and not always in straight lines. Tesla has pulled the pin on Cybertruck down under, MG is bullish on towing with an EV ute, Chery is expanding (and getting local with R&D), Ford has a Ranger/Everest recall to sort, and Phillip Island just served a tasty Friday tease in MotoGP. Let’s unpack it.

Tesla Cybertruck: Australia is off the list—deposits to be refunded

The headline is as sharp as that stainless steel body: Tesla’s Cybertruck won’t be coming to Australia. If you put money down, Tesla says deposits will be refunded. I know a few readers who had already measured their garages and printed wall posters; this will sting. No long-winded corporate spiel here—just a rare instance of Tesla saying “not for us” and moving on.

What does it mean in the ute world? It leaves a very public gap where a halo EV pickup might have reshaped Saturday Bunnings runs and long-weekend campsite bragging rights. The interest was real, even if the practicalities always looked… complicated for Aussie roads and regs. In any case, you’ll get your deposit back.

EV utes and towing: MG is upbeat—your range meter, maybe less so

Meanwhile, MG is telling Aussies not to stress about range when towing with an electric ute, arguing that the charging network has your back. I love the optimism. And yes, the charging map looks a lot better than it did two summers ago. But physics hasn’t changed: towing a boxy van up the Hume on a 30-degree day will chew through electrons faster than your mate downs a servo pie.

In my own EV towing tests over the last few years, the rule of thumb has been simple: expect a big range haircut, plan your stops, and you’ll be fine. It’s not scary—just different.

• Plan with margins: assume significantly reduced range when towing.
• Pick sites with easy trailer access (drive-through chargers are gold).
• Leave early, charge early; don’t chase the last 10% if the next stop is close.
• Mind your speed—wind resistance is the silent battery killer.

MG’s confidence is a useful signal: mainstream brands are ready to sell the EV-ute lifestyle, not just the spec sheet. But the difference between “plenty of chargers” and a hassle-free tow still comes down to route planning and a little zen at the plug.

Electrified arrivals (and absences): where we stand right now

Denza N9 edges closer: a luxe, three-row PHEV for the school run and ski run

Denza—BYD’s premium wing—has nudged its N9 a step nearer to Aussie showrooms. It’s a three-row, plug-in hybrid SUV that looks tailor-made for families who want electric commuting with petrol backup for highway holidays. I can already picture the use case: quiet early-morning school runs on battery, then a Friday dash to Thredbo without spreadsheet anxiety. If pricing and cabin polish land right, it could unsettle the usual European suspects in the premium PHEV space.

Chery’s big Australian swing: more models, local R&D, and a frank money talk

Local R&D centre on the cards

Chery isn’t tiptoeing into our market; it’s striding. The brand plans an Australian R&D centre to tune vehicles for our unique cocktail of coarse-chip bitumen, speed bumps that masquerade as curbs, and those long dead-straight country stretches that reveal a car’s NVH in about eight minutes. Local input matters—I’ve driven cars transformed by Australia-specific suspension and steering tweaks. If Chery follows through, expect meaningful improvements in ride and cabin refinement.

Not every model will chase big sales

The company’s also defending a wide model rollout with a pragmatic twist: some nameplates won’t be volume hunters. That’s actually refreshing. A thoughtful lineup with clear roles beats a showroom of me-too crossovers crowding the same price band. Think: halo tech or niche body styles that attract attention without overwhelming dealer lots.

“Around 90 percent of Chinese automakers lose money”

That candid line from Chery leadership is the other side of the coin. The price war that’s made showroom stickers look very friendly is squeezing margins hard. Translation for buyers: short-term deals can be brilliant, but brand stability and aftersales support become even more important. I always tell new-car shoppers to weigh the service network and parts pipeline alongside the monthly repayment—especially in rapidly expanding segments.

Ford Ranger and Everest recall: what Aussie owners should do today

There’s a new recall notice for the Ford Ranger and Everest in Australia. Details will vary by build, so don’t guess: grab your VIN and contact your dealer or Ford customer care to check if your vehicle’s affected and what the fix entails. Recalls are part of modern car ownership; the key is to book in promptly and keep your service history tidy. If you’re planning a road trip, sort it before you load the roof pod and hit the M1.

MotoGP at Phillip Island: Bezzecchi tops Friday; Aprilia floods the sharp end

Friday practice at the Australian GP served a spicy appetizer. Marco Bezzecchi set the pace, while Aprilia stacked the timing sheets with a 2-4-5—serious intent from Noale. Phillip Island rewards bikes that carry speed through those big, wind-battered sweepers, and Aprilia’s balance and edge grip look properly dialed. It’s only Friday, but if you’re the betting type, keep a little ink for Aprilia’s long-run pace.

The takeaway

Australia’s car story this week is about recalibration. Cybertruck’s gone, but the EV ute narrative is very much alive. Chery’s doubling down with local engineering and a realistic view of the market’s economics. Denza aims to bring premium PHEV practicality to big-family life. And if you own a Ranger or Everest, make the recall call. See you at the servo—or the charger.

Quick FAQ

• Is the Tesla Cybertruck coming to Australia? No. Tesla has cancelled Australian plans and will refund deposits.
• What did MG say about towing with an electric ute? MG argues Australia has plenty of chargers, so towing range shouldn’t be a deal-breaker—planning remains essential.
• Is the Denza N9 coming to Australia? It’s a step closer. The N9 is a luxury, three-row plug-in hybrid SUV being readied for our market.
• What’s Chery doing in Australia? Expanding its lineup, planning a local R&D centre, and signalling that not every model must chase big sales volumes.
• There’s a Ford Ranger/Everest recall—what now? Contact your dealer with your VIN to confirm if you’re affected and book the fix.