New car sales data reveals dramatic shift in Aussie market

News.com.au

a day ago

Aussies are increasingly favouring one particular type of vehicle as the new car market undergoes significant change
According to the latest VFACTS data, 103,097 new vehicles were delivered – the strongest July result on record.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the result highlights robust underlying demand and a positive outlook among new vehicle buyers.
'We are now seeing confidence return to the market, supported by a recent interest rate reduction and anticipation of further easing,' Mr Weber said.
'Consumers are responding with interest across most segments, particularly utes and SUVs.'
While utes and SUVs continue to dominate the market, plug-in hybrids experienced a surge in growth.
According to the latest figures, PHEVs have rocketed in popularity, with sales increasing by 183 per cent year-to-date. This represents an 81.1 per cent increase month-on-month.
There are currently more than 50 PHEV models available on the market, and plug-in hybrids are emerging as a significant option for drivers who are limited by EV infrastructure.
As Mr Weber explains, PHEVs provide 'the ability to drive short distances on electric power while retaining the flexibility and range of a conventional engine'.
Range anxiety and concerns about charging infrastructure still linger for many potential EV owners, particularly in regional Australia, where charging facilities are limited.
China-made vehicles continued their rapid rise, with 18,850 units sold in July, resulting in a massive 53 per cent increase compared to July 2024.
So far this year, 121,788 Chinese vehicles have been on Australian roads, marking an impressive 11.4 per cent increase.
Interestingly, the BYD Shark did not make it into the top 10 list, while the Chery Tiggo 4 Pro secured seventh place with 2,065 new sales in Australia.
Despite this, BYD continues to lead the charge with impressive growth figures. The company reported 4,607 units sold, resulting in a remarkable 158 per cent increase from July 2024 (1,786 units).
Other Chinese brands, such as Chery, GWM, and Geely, are also gaining significant traction as Aussies seek affordable alternatives to Japanese and European car brands.
SUVs and utes continue to dominate the market. SUVs accounted for 63,079 units of the 103,097 new vehicles sold in Australia last month.
The long-term trend for SUVs over the passenger vehicle segment continues, with the passenger sales down 27 per cent year to date.
A major shake-up in the sales leaderboard saw Toyota reclaim dominance, with the HiLux and RAV4 outperforming the Ford Ranger, which dropped to third place.
'For every two passenger vehicles sold so far in 2025, about nine SUVs have been sold. In July, there was only one sedan in the top 20 models, the Toyota Corolla,' Mr Weber said.