Chery, China's biggest independent automaker, said in a statement that it would begin selling A1 and T11 models, which arrived in Chery's initial shipment. The automaker also plans to introduce the A3 model in June.

The state-owned automaker will introduce other models in Australia in the future, making it one of the company's most important export destinations, Zhou Biren, head of the Chery's international operations, said in the statement.

Last year, Chery shipped 91,986 vehicles overseas, accounting for nearly 14 percent of its overall sales. Most exports went to emerging markets in eastern Asia, Latin America and the Middle East.

Chery, which is based in the east China city of Wuhu, is the third Chinese automaker to export vehicles to Australia. In January, Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. Co. shipped an initial batch of 100 MK GL compact sedans to a dealership in Perth.

In 2009, Great Wall Motor Co. Ltd. began exporting pickups and SUVs to Australia. Great Wall's Hover SUV now is a leading seller in that market.