VFACTS: July market remains buoyant

CONSUMER sentiment across the new car market remained buoyant in July despite Australia’s lingering economic woes.

New vehicle registration data supplied by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed 103,097 unit sales for the month of July, an increase of 3611 units (or 3.6 per cent) on the same time last year.

While the passenger car market continues to trend downward – falling 2245 units or 19.3 per cent year-on-year – SUV and LCV sales were up, growing by 6489 units (or 11.5 per cent) and 722 units (or 3.3 per cent) respectively.

“We are now seeing confidence return to the market, supported by a recent interest rate reduction and anticipation of further easing,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“Consumers are responding with interest across most segments, particularly utes and SUVs.”

The FCAI’s sales data reveals the strongest July for new vehicle sales on record, led again by the Toyota HiLux utility (4676 units), Toyota RAV4 SUV (4415 units), Ford Ranger (3930) and Everest (2425), and evergreen Isuzu D-Max (2351).

Toyota remained Australia’s favourite new-car brand in July with 21,722 recorded registrations – however this number is down 4.3 per cent (or 22,705 units) on the same time last year as growing competition from Chinese brands takes hold.

Across the July sales ladder we find Mazda in second place with 7452 unit sales (down 12.1 per cent), Kia in third with 7402 units (up 11.8 per cent), Ford in fourth with 7279 units (down 6.1 per cent), and Hyundai in fifth place with 6687 units (up 11.1 per cent).

Interestingly, Chinese brands including BYD rose considerably in July with a 158.0 per cent gain on June sales numbers (to 4067 units). Chery grew its sales by 267.4 per cent (to 3149 units), and GWM up 42.2 per cent (to 4271 units). On the flipside we find LDV down 19.9 per cent (to 1113 units), and MG down 26.7 per cent (to 3008 units).

Overall, sales of Chinese-made vehicles have increased by 22.6 per cent when compared with the same period last year.

Looking at motive power types, we find rapid growth in the sales of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with a 183.0 per cent increase year-to-year to 4031 units across July (or 29,644 sales YTD).

“With more than 50 models available in 2025, plug-in hybrids have emerged as an important transition technology for many Australians, particularly those in regional areas or those with limited access to charging,” added Mr Weber.

“They offer the ability to drive short distances on electric power while retaining the flexibility and range of a conventional engine.”

Conversely, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) fell 30.2 per cent to 6072 units in July (or 37,898 sales YTD), while hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) sales grew 11.9 per cent to 17,757 sales for the month (or 111,503 sales YTD).

According to data published by the Electric Vehicle Council (EVC), Polestar sales for the month of July tallied 230 units (up 123.3 per cent), while Tesla sales finished at 917 units (down 64.6 per cent).

The two outliers have amassed sales of 1403 and 15,063 units respectively for the year to date.

Internal combustion engine (ICE) powered vehicles remain the dominant preference among Australian buyers with diesel sales of 31,611 units for the month of July (up 8.0 per cent) and petrol sales of 39,991 units (down 4.8 per cent).

Across the regions, July sales showed gains across the Australian Capital Territory (up 1.6 per cent to 1441units), New South Wales (up 1.9 per cent to 30,940 units), the Northern Territory (up 10.6 per cent to 1047 units), Queensland (up 8.9 per cent to 22,806 units), Victoria (up 3.1 per cent to 27,496 units), and Western Australia (up 3.0 per cent to 10,995 units).

Sales across South Australia and Tasmania were both down in July, falling 1.4 per cent and 1.0 per cent to 6824 and 1548 units respectively.

Top 10 vehicle sales by make (July 2025)*:

Top 10 vehicle sales by model (July 2025)*:

State by state (July 2025)*:

*Sales data supplied courtesy of the FCAI.

^Sales data supplied courtesy of the Electric Vehicle Council.