Record sales across ditch

Australia’s new-vehicle market has recorded its strongest July result after delivering 103,656 vehicles last month.

The total surpassed the previous July record of 103,097 last year and was supported by increased demand for battery EVs (BEVs), says the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

It notes the result follows a record June and marks two consecutive months where BEVs represented more than one fifth of all sales.

There were 23,510 BEVs sold across the ditch last month for a 21.7 per cent share of the market. Year to date, Australians have purchased 127,244 BEVs, representing 17.3 per cent of the new-vehicle sector.

Toyota’s RAV4 was the leading model in July, with 5,564 sales, while the brand’s Hilux took second place with 4,721 units.

Ford’s Ranger on 4,024 sales, the BYD Sealion 7, pictured, with 2,548 and Chery’s Tiggo 4 on 2,156 completed the top five.

Toyota was the leading marque after delivering 20,409 new vehicles last month. It was followed by BYD on 7,857, Ford with 6,553, Kia on 6,458 and Mazda with 6,400.

Tony Weber, FCAI chief executive, says the July result shows the resilience of Australia’s market in a cost-of-living crisis.

“July was another outstanding month for Australian new-vehicle sales and delivered the best July result on record,” he adds. 

“There is a risk that the rapid increase in electric vehicle uptake in 2026 will outpace the supply of public charging infrastructure. 

“Governments and the private sector must work together to ensure that the public charging network meets growing demand, particularly in regional areas and for motorists who do not have access to charging at home.

“Accessible and dependable charging will be critical to maintaining consumer confidence as electric vehicles become a larger part of Australia’s new-vehicle fleet.”