‘Paradigm shift’ for sales

Australia’s new-vehicle market recorded its strongest month ever in June, reports the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

During the month, VFacts recorded 131,134 sales, which was seven per cent higher than in the same month of 2025. However, sales from all sources in June totalled 140,058, the highest monthly sales figure ever recorded across the Tasman.

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23.3 per cent of sales from all sources. Last year in June, they came in at 7.6 per cent.

BEVs have recorded “extraordinary” growth across the first half of 2026, with EVs’ market share from all sources rising every month from 8.4 per cent in January to 23.4 per cent in June, an almost threefold increase in just six months. 

Tony Weber, the FCAI’s chief executive, describes last month’s result as a “paradigm shift” for the new-vehicle market. 

“The Australian market has shifted on its axis during the first months of 2026. This year is likely to represent a significant turning point for our industry.

“Global uncertainty appears to have sharpened interest in vehicles that reduce exposure to fuel prices. While these factors have had a short-term impact, part of the EV growth appears to be a permanent structural shift.”

The Ford Ranger was the highest-selling model in VFacts in June with 5,999 sales. It was followed by the Toyota Hilux 4x4 with 5,175, BYD’s Sealion 7 on 4,730, the Toyota RAV4 on 4,115 and BYD’s Shark 6, pictured, with 3,398.

Toyota was the market leader last month with 19,124 units. It was followed closely by BYD with 18,881 sales. Ford recorded 9,181 sales, followed by Kia with 8,005 and Hyundai on 7,480. 

China is now established as Australia’s leading source of vehicles. Those sourced from that country accounted for 46,592 sales in VFacts in June, or 35.5 per cent. 

Next up were Japan with 27,098 and 20.7 per cent, Thailand on 23,297 and 17.8 per cent, South Korea with 14,863 and 11.3 per cent, and Germany with 5,731 and 4.4 per cent.