Australia’s new car market recorded its second-strongest August on record, with 100,539 vehicles sold nationwide. The result was up 2.2 per cent compared with August 2024.
For the first time, four Chinese manufacturers including, BYD, GWM, MG and Chery, entered the national top ten. Together, they sold 20,070 vehicles during the month, 67 per cent higher than in the same period last year.
SUVs Lead the Market
SUVs continued to dominate, accounting for 60 per cent of sales with 60,495 vehicles registered in August. Passenger cars made up just 13.1 per cent of the market and remained 25 per cent lower year-to-date compared with 2024.
Electrified options also gained ground. Battery electric vehicles represented 6.8 per cent of sales, while plug-in hybrids added 3.9 per cent. Consumers now have more than 400 models to choose from, including about 100 EVs.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said the rise of Chinese brands reflected the changing automotive landscape.
“The presence of four Chinese brands in the top ten illustrates the continuing evolution of the automotive landscape in Australia,” he said. “Consumers have an extraordinary range of vehicles to choose from.”
Toyota Leads, States Show Mixed Results
Toyota remained the market leader with 20,791 sales in August, well ahead of Ford (8,002), Kia (7,402), Mazda (6,814) and Hyundai (6,322).
Sales performance varied across the states and territories. The Australian Capital Territory led the way with a 20.7 per cent jump, followed by Victoria (up 3.8 per cent) and Queensland (up 2.8 per cent). New South Wales rose slightly at 2.4 per cent, while Western Australia lifted 1.6 per cent. Declines were recorded in South Australia (down 6.0 per cent), Tasmania (down 3.1 per cent) and the Northern Territory (down 7.8 per cent).
Year-to-date, 812,447 vehicles have been sold, a 2.1 per cent decline on the same period last year.
Mr Weber also renewed calls for a nationally consistent road user charge to replace declining fuel excise revenue as electrified vehicle sales continue to grow.
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