AADA Convention and Expo
MCEC Melbourne | 21-22 July 2027

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The Chinese Auto Wave Is Here – Are You Ready to Ride It or Risk Being Washed Away?

At this year’s AADA Convention & Expo, one session is set to ignite more conversation, and action, than any other:
Special Presentation: “China’s Impact on the Auto Industry: Survive, Thrive, or Stall!”
When: 3:00PM – 4:00PM, Wednesday 23 July 2025
Presented by: Steven Bragg, Partner – Pitcher Partners
As the automotive world pivots, one thing is clear: China is no longer following. It’s leading.

Australia, with its unique blend of open market access, tech-savvy consumers, and strict safety standards, has become ground zero for China’s EV expansion. Already, 17 Chinese EV brands are actively competing on Australian roads. Another seven are preparing to enter before the year ends. This is not a passing trend. It’s a full-blown transformation.

And dealers? You’re in the driver’s seat… or the crosshairs.

Why This Session Matters

Chinese manufacturers are reshaping the game at speed. With faster go-to-market strategies, advanced battery tech, and competitive pricing, they’re forcing legacy players to catch up, or be left behind.

But for Australian dealers, this shift raises urgent questions:

  • Which brands will stick, and which will stumble?
  • How do you build customer trust when the nameplate is brand new?
  • What role do margins, servicing, and aftersales support play in choosing a partner?

This session will cut through the noise and deliver real, grounded answers.

What You’ll Learn

In just one hour, this powerhouse session will explore:

  • Global EV trends and how they’re reshaping Australia’s auto landscape
  • Who the “winners,” “challengers,” and “pretenders” really are in the EV arms race
  • What dealers must do to stay profitable in a low-margin, tech-heavy market
  • How tariffs, policy shifts, and supply chain uncertainty are changing the rules
  • Why the pre-owned EV market is the next battleground – and opportunity

Expect practical insights, not theory. And questions that don’t dodge the difficult.

Focus: Straight Talk on the Industry’s Toughest Questions

This is not your standard Q&A. Expect direct commentary from OEMs, analysts, and dealers who are living this transformation every day. Among the critical talking points:

  • What separates the winners from the pretenders in 2030?
  • Can Chinese brands build long-term trust with Australian buyers?
  • What do dealers need to stay relevant in a post-ICE world?
  • Will tariffs and trade policy reshape who stays competitive – or who survives?

Plus: A live Q&A to tackle the questions you can’t Google.

Who Should Attend?

This session is a must for anyone serious about the future of automotive retail:

  • Dealers navigating shrinking margins, digital disruption, and customer change
  • OEM and franchise leaders needing clarity on EV strategy and partnerships
  • Investors and strategists watching China’s global ascent
  • Policymakers and industry bodies weighing the balance between openness and protection
Final Word: Change Is Here. Are You Ready?

The session “China’s Impact on the Auto Industry: Survive, Thrive, or Stall!” isn’t just a session. It’s a wake-up call. A reality check. And a roadmap for anyone who plans to stay in this business past 2030.

Australia’s EV market is no longer an experiment. It’s a battleground. The choices made now – about brands, partners, operations, and investment – will shape whether you survive, thrive, or stall.

Don’t miss this defining moment. Wednesday 23 July, 3:00PM sharp.

REGISTER NOW