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Author: Ashleigh Sykes

Dealer Download Series: Finding Clarity in the Chaos

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

AADA is pleased to be offering members another Dealer Download Series webinar, this time tackling dealership profit and performance insights with the team from Deloitte Motor Industry Services.

Webinar Title: Finding Clarity in the Chaos: Driving dealership performance in 2025 and beyond

Date: Tuesday 14 October 2025

Time: 11:00am-12:15pm AEDT

Presented by: Lee Peters and Andrew Moore from Deloitte

Australia’s automotive industry is facing unprecedented complexity. Beyond the headline numbers, what does the data really tell us about the health of the industry – and where the opportunities lie?

Join AADA and Deloitte’s Motor Industry Services team for an exclusive online webinar designed specifically for franchised dealers. Deloitte’s Profit Focus platform consolidates the financial and performance results of seven out of ten dealers nation-wide. This unparalleled data set gives Deloitte a unique lens into dealership performance trends and the factors driving profitability today.

In this session, Deloitte will go deeper than the surface results. They will unpack the hidden stories in the numbers, highlight the most pressing challenges for dealers, and reveal practical insights you can apply to your own business immediately. From margin pressures and operational efficiency, to changing customer expectations and the impact of industry disruption, you’ll gain clarity on what really matters right now.

Most importantly, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies to optimise your performance, strengthen your profitability, and navigate the road ahead with confidence.

This is a must-attend session for those who want to cut through the noise and focus on what drives results.

Webinars are open to all AADA dealers, their staff, and corporate members, so secure your spot today!

REGISTER NOW

August 2025 AIR

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in partnership with AutoGrab, have released the August 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), offering a national snapshot of used car sales and listings across both dealer and private transactions.

This month’s results show the market cooling slightly after July, with total sales dipping lower, however dealer inventory remaining firm, and average days to sell continuing a steady decline. The EV segment remains volatile, with sales falling in August, coinciding with a sharp drop in listings.

Key insights from August include:

  • Sales ease further: National used car sales fell to 203,480 in August, down 1.3 per cent month-on-month. VIC, TAS and ACT were the states holding strong recording slight increases in sales.
  • Days to sell continue downward trend: Average days to sell improved again, falling to 43.9 days in August from 44.6 in July. This marks the fifth consecutive monthly decline since March’s peak of 51.3 days.
  • Dealer inventory remains strong: Dealers accounted for 46.1 per cent of sales and 58.9 per cent of listings. Total active listings rose slightly to 339,932, the second-highest level of 2025.
  • EVs remain a small, volatile market: EV sales fell 9.8 per cent in August to 2,750, representing just 1.35 per cent of all used car sales. Listings of used EVs dropped sharply, showing fluctuating consumer demand even as more models enter the market.

“Used car activity has softened in line with seasonal patterns, but what’s notable is the continued reduction in average days to sell,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“This reflects strong consumer demand when vehicles are priced competitively. At the same time, the EV market is proving unpredictable, sales remain a very small share overall and continue to move up and down month-to-month,” he said.

“For consumers, the combination of softening values and more choice in the market means better buying opportunities. Dealers, meanwhile, will be focused on managing turnover and stock levels in a more competitive environment,” said Mr Voortman.

DOWNLOAD AUGUST 2025 AIR

New Vehicle Sales August 2025

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Australia’s new vehicle market recorded 103,694 sales in August, up 2.89 per cent compared to the same month in 2024. Year-to-date sales now sit at 832,068 vehicles, a 0.48 per cent decrease on the same period last year.

  • NSW led the nation with 31,488 sales, followed by VIC (28,038) and QLD (22,575).
  • Toyota remains on top, with 163,491 vehicles sold YTD and a 19.65 per cent market share.
  • Petrol vehicles continue to lead with 39 per cent of sales YTD, followed by diesel (33 per cent), hybrids (15 per cent), and BEVs (8 per cent).
  • SUVs dominate the market mix, accounting for 60 per cent of all sales YTD.

August marked a milestone for the Australian market, with four Chinese manufacturers (BYD, GWM, MG and Chery) all ranking inside the national top ten. Collectively, vehicles built in China reached 20,070 sales for the month, a surge of 67 per cent compared to August 2024.

The AADA has assessed VFACTS and the EVC Top 10 Makes & Models YTD, analysing trends across fuel types, segments, and states.

VIEW PDF

AADA Webinar

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Webinar Title: What’s new and innovative in our industry?

Date: Thursday 4 September 2025

Time: 11:00am-12:15pm AEST

Presented by: Tim Burdon from Commbank, Michael Holmes from CarBee, and Stewart Bird from Autograb

Brief Description: Staying ahead of industry change means knowing what tools and technologies can give your dealership a competitive edge. AADA’s upcoming webinar will showcase fresh, innovative approaches to online classified platforms.

The session will feature:

  • CommBank – Tim Burdon will take you through an in-depth look at the CommBank Platform, how it works, and the benefits it delivers for dealers with its bold new car loan offer that is reshaping finance and insurance.
  • CarBee – Michael Holmes will share how their video-led, AI-driven platform is transforming car marketplaces. The platform is built to ease operational pressure on dealers by reducing time to sell and bringing down the cost per sale.
  • AutoGrab – Stewart Bird will explore key automotive data trends and how AutoGrab’s tools are powering marketplaces. With a focus on innovation and industry transformation, he’ll share how dealers can unlock new opportunities and be part of an industry-defining shift.

The webinar will deliver practical insights and fresh ideas that can translate directly into value for your dealership. Whether you’re in sales, marketing, finance & insurance, or looking to stay ahead of evolving digital trends, register now to stay informed.

Webinars are open to all AADA dealers, their staff, and corporate members, so secure your spot today!

REGISTER NOW

2024-25 Annual Report

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

We are pleased to share the second edition of the AADA Annual Report, covering the 2024–25 financial year.

This year’s report captures the breadth of the AADA’s work across policy, research, events, and industry engagement. From securing important commitments on franchising and NVES, to expanding initiatives like the Dealer Satisfaction Survey, the report reflects the ongoing effort to support and strengthen Australia’s new car and truck dealer community. Inside you’ll find:

  • Outcomes from key advocacy campaigns on franchising and the NVES.
  • Expansion of research and insights, including the second Dealer Satisfaction Survey and multiple EV related projects.
  • Highlights from our member communications, submissions, and political engagement.
  • Coverage of the 2025 AADA Convention & Expo and recognition of our Lifetime Achievement Award winners.

The Annual Report is designed to provide a clear view of the year that was, and the work being done to ensure a strong future for franchised new car and truck dealers.

DOWNLOAD 2024-25 REPORT

Vale Richard Collins

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

It is with sadness that the AADA advise of the passing of prominent South Australian dealer and former AADA director, Richard Collins, Chair of the Jarvis Group,

Richard was a highly respected and adept businessperson who earnt a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne University, where he majored in Economics and Company Law. Prior to acquiring Jarvis Ford in 1984, Richard worked for 10 years with Ford Australia. Under his watch, the Jarvis Group has grown to employ over 300 South Australians, selling over 7,000 new cars annually from the likes of Ford, Toyota, Subaru, Suzuki, Isuzu Ute, Skoda, Peugeot, Deepal, and Geely franchises.

Richard was well respected in the industry, serving as Chair of the ASX Listed Carsales, and filling the role of the South Australian Director on the AADA Board.

Richard was a noted philanthropist and supported numerous animal welfare and children’s charities in Australia and overseas. Richard and wife Joanna were both recipients of Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2021, for their significant service to the community through charitable initiatives.

The Chair, Board and Secretariat of AADA send its deepest condolences to Richard’s wife Joanna, the Collins family and to all employees of the Jarvis Group.

July 2025 AIR

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in partnership with AutoGrab, have released the July 2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), offering comprehensive national reporting of used car sales covering both dealer and private transactions. This national, all-channel view helps industry and policy-makers understand real demand, track emerging trends, and make better-informed decisions.

The results from the July AIR shows a slight slowdown in used vehicle sales activity following June’s end-of-financial-year peak, alongside continued softening in retained values across most segments.

Key insights from July include:

  • Sales ease after EOFY surge: National used car sales fell to 206,216 in July, down 2.8 per cent month-on-month. WA, TAS, ACT and NT recorded modest increases, while all other states saw declines.
  • Dealer inventory remains strong: Dealers accounted for 47.5 per cent of sales and 55.5 per cent of listings. Total active listings rose 2.9 per cent to 339,742 nationally, the highest level so far in 2025.
  • Hybrid and EV sales slow: Hybrid sales fell 8.5 per cent month-on-month, while EVs dropped 20.3 per cent. However, hybrid listings increased 13.6 per cent and EV listings rose 4.9 per cent, indicating ongoing supply growth in these segments.
  • Days to sell dropped: Average days to sell across all used vehicles fell to 44.6 days in July, down from 47.0 in June, indicating a quicker turnover for vehicles that matched buyer demand.

“July often sees a cooling in sales activity after EOFY, so these results are in line with seasonal patterns,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“Stock levels are building, which is positive for consumer choice, but the ongoing softening in retained values is something dealers will be factoring into pricing and margins,” he said.

“For consumers, the easing in retained values means there’s more opportunity to secure a better deal on a used vehicle than we’ve seen in recent years. With more stock on the market and prices softening across most segments, buyers have greater bargaining power and more choice to find the right car at the right price.” said Mr Voortman.

VIEW JULY 2025 AIR

New Vehicle Sales July 2025

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Australia’s new vehicle market recorded 104,244 sales in July, up 2.02 per cent compared to the same month in 2024. While year-to-date sales are down slightly by 0.94 per cent, the July figures highlight continued resilience in the market.

➡️ NSW led the way with over 31,000 sales, followed by VIC and QLD.
➡️ Toyota remains the market leader, with 142,700 vehicles sold YTD, holding a 19.59 per cent market share.
➡️ Petrol continues to dominate (40 per cent), while diesel holds a 33 per cent share.
➡️ Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) account for 8 per cent of sales YTD. Hybrids are tracking slightly higher at 15 per cent.

The AADA has assessed VFACTS and the EVC Top 10 Makes & Models YTD, analysing trends across fuel types, segments, and states.

VIEW FULL INSIGHTS

Mid-Year Insights Show Used Car Supply Surging

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab are pleased to release the Mid-2025 Automotive Insights Report (AIR), providing insightful data about the dynamic Australian used car market in the first half of the year.

Used car inventory is surging, with 1,589,491 vehicles listed for sale in the first six months of 2025 which represents an over 30 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2024.

This uplift in supply is matched by stable demand, with 1,133,990 used cars sold so far this year, a slight increase on 2024. Notably, the market is experiencing a continued shift back toward dealership sales, with dealer transactions now representing 46.7 per cent of total sales, up from 36.5 per cent last year.

“After a year of constrained supply and strong retained values, we’re seeing greater balance return to the used car market,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“The mix of rising stock levels, stable demand and more stable pricing is creating better conditions for consumers and dealers alike,” said Mr Voortman.

Low emission vehicle adoption continues to gain momentum. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales nearly doubled year-on-year, rising 92 per cent, while plug-in hybrid sales grew by 96 per cent. Hybrids also performed strongly, up 42 per cent on the same period last year.

“The growing inventory surplus is likely to place downward pressure on prices and could result in extended selling times during the second half of 2025. The surge in supply is primarily driven by passenger vehicles and SUVs. While SUVs continue to underpin sales growth and utes are stable, demand for passenger vehicles has shown a noticeable decline,” said AutoGrab CCO Saxon Odgers.

“The other standout trend in 2025 is the acceleration of electrified vehicle sales in the used market. While we are coming off a low base, used EV stock is growing, and are becoming far more visible and accessible to buyers,” said Mr Odgers.

Among brands, Toyota remains the market leader for used car sales, though its market share slipped slightly to 15.6 per cent as other brands gained ground. A number of manufacturers have seen significant growth in their sales figures, with GWM, Kia, and MG the headliners.

The Ford Ranger maintained its position as the top-selling used model, with 43,030 units sold, followed by the Toyota Hilux and Toyota Corolla.

Other highlights from the 2025 mid-year AIR include:

  • BEVs now account for 1.1 per cent of all used car sales, up from 0.8 per cent last year.
  • Private sales dropped significantly, now making up 53.3 per cent of all transactions (down from 63.5 per cent).
  • Retained values are lower in 2025 compared to last year, but the rate of decline month-to-month is more gradual, indicating a more stable market.
  • The average number of days to sell a used vehicle remained steady for dealers, though private sellers are taking longer to sell compared to the same period in 2024.
VIEW 2025 MID-YEAR AIR

New Research Maps Australia’s Automotive Future

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has released new research today which details Australia’s past, current and future automotive trading partners, with a particular focus on understanding how the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) impacts automotive dealers.

The report reveals that China is gaining momentum in supplying vehicles to the Australian market and are on track to become the dominant source of automotive imports by 2035 with 43 per cent of all new vehicles sold by 2035 coming from China.

The research to be released at the 2025 AADA Convention & Expo to over 1,000 new car dealers and industry stakeholders, details how the Australian automotive market has always been in a constant state of flux but this rapid growth of imports from China will fundamentally change the Australian automotive landscape.

Speaking to the research at the Convention, James Voortman, CEO of AADA, notes that:

“Australia is at an inflection point where we are going to see exponential growth of sales and new brands from China which we are already starting to see now. This growth comes on top of the change to electric vehicle drive trains.”

“This rate of growth can have unintended implications to consumer protections such as the supply of parts, wait times to service vehicles, and the long-term ability of manufacturers to guarantee their consumer warranties.”

“Australian consumers have long expected a level of service from AADA members upon purchasing a new vehicle and we want to continue to meet that expectation. To do that, we will be talking to Government about what consumer protections are adequate and appropriate to support Australian dealers and consumers in what is, on average, the second largest asset Australian’s buy in their lifetime.”

VIEW REPORT