Record July car sales and a sharp rise in battery-electric deliveries underscored a turning point in Australia’s import-dependent auto market, where Chinese manufacturers are challenging established incumbents

Surging sales of Chinese electric cars are forcing distributors Ateco Group and Inchcape to rethink their portfolios – or risk becoming obsolete.

Record July car sales and a sharp rise in battery-electric deliveries underscored a turning point in Australia’s import-dependent auto market, where Chinese manufacturers are…