Australia’s new vehicle market has opened the year on a stable footing, with January sales edging slightly higher despite mixed results across key segments.
New vehicle sales reached 87,092 units for the month, up 0.3 per cent, or 288 vehicles, compared with January 2025, according to data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). Selling days were unchanged year-on-year, resulting in a modest lift in average daily sales.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the figures point to consistent demand across the market.
“January’s figures show a market that is stable, with Australians continuing to purchase vehicles that meet their needs for work, family, and lifestyle,” Weber said.
Electrified vehicles gain ground
January data showed a continued shift away from petrol-powered vehicles, with petrol sales falling 14 per cent compared with a year earlier.
Plug-in hybrid vehicles recorded the strongest growth, with 5,161 units sold during the month. That result represented 5.9 per cent of total sales and a 170.5 per cent increase year-on-year. Hybrid vehicles accounted for 17.4 per cent of the market, while battery electric vehicles made up 8.4 per cent of total sales.
“We are seeing fewer petrol vehicles sold and rapid growth in plug-in hybrids, while uptake of hybrid and battery electric vehicles is more stable,” Weber said.
China strengthens position as vehicle source
The data also showed continued growth in vehicles sourced from China, which consolidated its position as Australia’s second-largest vehicle supplier behind Japan. Sales of China-sourced vehicles increased 68.6 per cent over the past 12 months.
Brand and model performance
Toyota retained its position as the market leader in January with 14,310 sales, ahead of Mazda (7,692) and Kia (6,600). Ford followed with 6,116 units, while Hyundai recorded 5,856 sales.
The Ford Ranger led model rankings with 3,403 sales, followed by the Toyota HiLux (2,800) and Mazda CX-5 (2,289). Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro ranked fourth with 2,234 sales, ahead of the Mitsubishi Outlander at 1,975.
Mixed results across states and segments
Passenger vehicle sales rose 4.6 per cent compared with January last year, while SUV volumes increased 1.0 per cent. Light commercial vehicle sales declined 2.5 per cent, and heavy commercial vehicles fell 12.4 per cent.
Victoria recorded the strongest state-based growth, with sales rising 6.3 per cent to 24,222 units. New South Wales increased 2.3 per cent to 26,305, while the Australian Capital Territory lifted 2.0 per cent. Western Australia and the Northern Territory recorded the largest declines, down 12.7 per cent and 18.1 per cent respectively.
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