Quick Takeaways
- Passenger cars continue to lose share as SUVs and utility vehicles consolidate dominance in Australia’s auto market.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles emerge as the fastest-growing powertrains amid infrastructure-led EV adoption constraints.
On January 6, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reported that FCAI new vehicle registrations in Australia reached 98,744 units in December 2025, marking a 3.0% increase compared with the same month last year. Despite this late-year improvement, total new vehicle sales for full-year 2025 declined marginally to 1,209,808 units, reflecting a 0.9% year-on-year decrease.
FCAI New Vehicle Registrations Highlight Segment-Wise Performance
December performance across segments showed a clear divergence in consumer demand. Passenger cars recorded 12,033 units, declining 14.1% compared with the same period last year. In contrast, SUVs continued their upward trajectory with 61,530 units sold, reflecting a 6.3% increase.
Full-Year 2025 Sales Reflect Structural Market Shift
Across the full year, FCAI new vehicle registrations revealed sustained structural changes in the Australian automotive market. Passenger car sales fell sharply to 157,484 units, representing a 22.6% decline year on year. SUVs remained the dominant category, growing 5.5% to 733,831 units.
LCV sales edged up 1.0% to 273,229 units, while MHCV volumes declined 11.6% to 45,264 units, indicating cautious fleet and freight investment conditions.
Manufacturer Performance Shows Emerging Winners
Among leading brands in December, Toyota recorded sales of 18,541 units, down 0.6%, while Ford improved 2.8% to 8,541 units. Mazda posted a 4.2% increase to 7,562 units, Kia declined 3.2% to 6,101 units, and Hyundai delivered strong growth of 12.2% to 5,640 units.
For the full year, Toyota, Ford, and Mazda each reported declines compared with 2024. In contrast, Great Wall Motors and BYD demonstrated strong momentum, with annual sales rising 23.4% and 156.2% respectively, highlighting growing acceptance of newer entrants and electrified offerings.
Electrified Powertrains Drive FCAI New Vehicle Registrations Growth
According to FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber, many buyers are selecting hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as a practical step toward lower emissions. While the industry continues to invest heavily in battery electric technology, customer adoption remains closely linked to charging infrastructure availability and everyday usability.
Best-Selling Vehicles Define Market Preferences
Reflecting continued demand for utility-focused models, the best-selling vehicles in 2025 were led by the Ford Ranger, followed by the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota HiLux. These models underscored the ongoing preference for versatile, high-utility vehicles across both private and commercial buyers.
FCAI New Vehicle Registrations Highlight Segment-Wise Performance
December performance across segments showed a clear divergence in consumer demand. Passenger cars recorded 12,033 units, declining 14.1% compared with the same period last year. In contrast, SUVs continued their upward trajectory with 61,530 units sold, reflecting a 6.3% increase.
- Light commercial vehicles posted steady gains, with 21,449 units sold, up 8.1%.
Full-Year 2025 Sales Reflect Structural Market Shift
Across the full year, FCAI new vehicle registrations revealed sustained structural changes in the Australian automotive market. Passenger car sales fell sharply to 157,484 units, representing a 22.6% decline year on year. SUVs remained the dominant category, growing 5.5% to 733,831 units.
LCV sales edged up 1.0% to 273,229 units, while MHCV volumes declined 11.6% to 45,264 units, indicating cautious fleet and freight investment conditions.
Manufacturer Performance Shows Emerging Winners
Among leading brands in December, Toyota recorded sales of 18,541 units, down 0.6%, while Ford improved 2.8% to 8,541 units. Mazda posted a 4.2% increase to 7,562 units, Kia declined 3.2% to 6,101 units, and Hyundai delivered strong growth of 12.2% to 5,640 units.
For the full year, Toyota, Ford, and Mazda each reported declines compared with 2024. In contrast, Great Wall Motors and BYD demonstrated strong momentum, with annual sales rising 23.4% and 156.2% respectively, highlighting growing acceptance of newer entrants and electrified offerings.
Electrified Powertrains Drive FCAI New Vehicle Registrations Growth
According to FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber, many buyers are selecting hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles as a practical step toward lower emissions. While the industry continues to invest heavily in battery electric technology, customer adoption remains closely linked to charging infrastructure availability and everyday usability.
- PHEVs delivered the strongest growth of any drivetrain in 2025, with sales more than doubling to 53,484 units, representing a 130.9% increase over 2024.
Best-Selling Vehicles Define Market Preferences
Reflecting continued demand for utility-focused models, the best-selling vehicles in 2025 were led by the Ford Ranger, followed by the Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota HiLux. These models underscored the ongoing preference for versatile, high-utility vehicles across both private and commercial buyers.
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