Australia could become the first major export market for the Chinese-built Hyundai Elexio electric SUV, which would slot between the Kona Electric and Ioniq 5.

Hyundai Australia’s first model built in China – not Korea, Europe or India – could arrive in local showrooms sooner than forecast.

Government documents reveal the brand has received approval to sell its 2026 Hyundai Elexio electric family SUV in Australia, which is built by the joint venture between Hyundai Motor Company and Beijing Automotive Group (BAIC).

The Elexio has been developed to rival the growing number of Chinese mid-size electric SUVs, along with the Tesla Model Y – the world’s best-selling electric car – and the Kia EV5 it’s related to, with the latter two also built in China for Australia.

It is Hyundai’s first m

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