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AADA to Take Australian Dealer Voice to Beijing

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) will travel to Beijing this week to participate in the 2026 World Intelligent Connected Vehicles Conference (WICV), bringing the perspectives of Australian dealers to one of the world’s leading automotive industry forums.

The AADA delegation will present on the transformation of the Australian automotive market, the opportunities and challenges arising from increasing competition, and the importance of strong and profitable dealer-manufacturer partnerships in delivering positive outcomes for customers and businesses.

The delegation will also meet with government and industry stakeholders, including regulators, industry associations and vehicle manufacturers, to discuss developments affecting the Australian market and advocate for the interests of Australian dealerships.

AADA Chief Executive Officer James Voortman said Australia had become one of the world’s most competitive automotive markets and offered valuable lessons for the global industry.

“Australia is being closely watched by other automotive markets. Intense competition between new and established brands has coincided with rapid technological change which is shaping the future of automotive retail.”

“The AADA represents thousands of Australian businesses, many of them family-owned dealerships, and it is important that their interests are represented in international discussions about the future of our industry.”

“As Australia’s automotive market becomes increasingly diverse and competitive, Australian dealerships need a seat at the table and a voice in conversations that will influence the future of automotive retail.”

“Our presentation will focus on market trends, the opportunities and challenges created by increasing competition, and why strong local and profitable partnerships remain critical to long-term success.”

“We will also be highlighting the role dealer councils can play in helping manufacturers better understand local market conditions, strengthen communication and build stronger, more sustainable dealer networks.”

Mr Voortman said the delegation also expected discussions on connected vehicle technology and the changing ownership experience.

“As vehicles become increasingly connected and software-driven, important questions continue to be examined globally around vehicle data, customer choice and the future ownership experience. The AADA’s role is to ensure the perspectives of Australian dealerships and their customers are part of those conversations.”

The AADA represents more than 3,900 franchised new vehicle dealers across Australia and is the national voice of the retail automotive industry.

AADA Calls on Parliament to Back Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is calling on the Australian Parliament to support the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement and help deliver its benefits for Australian consumers and businesses.

AADA welcomed the conclusion of negotiations earlier this year, particularly the removal of the 5 per cent tariff on passenger vehicles imported from the European Union.

AADA CEO James Voortman said the agreement builds on a longstanding automotive trading relationship between Australia and Europe and the deep commercial partnerships that have developed between Australian franchised dealers and European manufacturers.

“European automotive brands have been an important part of the Australian new car market for decades, supported by Australian dealers who have invested significantly in facilities, people, training and their local communities,” Mr Voortman said.

“Brands such as Volkswagen, BMW and Audi have longstanding franchising relationships with Australian dealers. These relationships have brought European vehicles and technology to Australian consumers while supporting dealerships, jobs and investment across the country.”

“This agreement strengthens those relationships by removing an unnecessary 5 per cent tariff on European vehicles and putting downward pressure on the cost of bringing those vehicles to Australia.”

Mr Voortman said removing barriers to trade would support consumer choice while contributing to the long-term sustainability of Australia’s automotive retail sector.

“Australia is home to one of the most diverse new car markets in the world. Maintaining strong trading relationships with major automotive markets such as Europe is important to ensuring Australian consumers continue to have access to a broad range of brands and vehicles,” Mr Voortman said.

“This agreement is also bigger than automotive. It represents an opportunity to deepen Australia’s economic relationship with Europe at a time when strong and open international trading relationships are increasingly important.”

AADA continues to believe the agreement should have gone further on reform of the Luxury Car Tax, but Mr Voortman said this should not stand in the way of securing the broader benefits of the agreement.

“We remain disappointed that the negotiations did not deliver more substantial reform of the Luxury Car Tax, but that should not prevent Australia from securing the wider benefits of this important agreement,” Mr Voortman said.

“After years of negotiations, Australia has an opportunity to strengthen an important economic and trading relationship.

“Australian dealers have a long history of doing business with European manufacturers. We urge the Parliament to support the agreement and provide greater certainty for businesses to continue investing in these relationships into the future.”

What Australians Want in the Used Vehicle Market

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Key Headlines

  1. Used vehicle sales climbed 6.0 per cent in September to 258,127, the third consecutive monthly increase.
  2. Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles accounted for 46.2 per cent of sales, up from 44.6 per cent 12 months earlier.
  3. Manual transmissions fell to just 6.6 per cent of used vehicle sales, while white remained the most popular colour across major brands.
  4. EV sales reached 5,417 in September, up 29.8 per cent on August. EVs now make up 2.1 per cent of all used sales, up from 1.5 per cent in July.

1. Market Snapshot

Australia’s used vehicle market continued to build momentum in September, with sales rising for a third consecutive month as buyers increasingly favoured four-wheel drive vehicles and automatic transmissions.

New data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab shows 258,127 used vehicles were sold nationally in September, up 6.0 per cent on August and 20.1 per cent higher than June.

The increase in sales came as the number of vehicles listed for sale continued to fall. Active listings dropped to 390,184 in September, down 7.7 per cent on August and 10.9 per cent below July’s peak of 437,855.

Despite stronger sales, vehicles took slightly longer to sell, with the average time on market increasing from 51.5 days in August to 52.8 days in September.

2. 4WDs Gain Ground

4WD and AWD share has edged up across the market over the past 12 months, from 44.6 per cent of sales in October 2025 to 46.2 per cent in September 2026.

Four-wheel drive remains king in the used Ute market, with more than four in five buyers opting for a 4WD and that share staying above 81 per cent every month since January. The 2WD Ute is becoming an increasingly rare sight, while SUVs are edging in the opposite direction, with front-wheel-drive compact models such as the Toyota Yaris Cross, Corolla Cross and MG ZS helping nudge the segment towards two-wheel drive.

3. Manual Cars Continue to Fade

Manual transmissions are becoming less common in Australia’s used vehicle market, with their share of sales falling from 8.3 per cent in October 2025 to 6.6 per cent in September 2026.

Manual Ute sales recorded the biggest decline by segment, with their share dropping 3.3 percentage points to 15.5 per cent. Manual transmissions accounted for just 2.0 per cent of used SUV sales in September, down from 2.5 per cent a year earlier.

Across the market, manual vehicle sales fell 19.0 per cent over the 12-month period, from 9,512 to 7,707.

4. EVs Edge Further into the Used Market

Reflecting the growth in the new market, used electric vehicle sales continued to gain momentum in the September quarter, with monthly sales climbing from 3,496 in July to 5,417 in September. EVs accounted for 2.1 per cent of used vehicle sales in September, up from 1.5 per cent in July.

Dealers played an increasingly significant role in the market, accounting for 75.4 per cent of used EV sales in September, while private sales remained broadly flat.

5. White Remains Australia’s Favourite Car Colour

Despite the variety of colours available to buyers, white continues to dominate the used vehicle market, ranking as the most popular colour across all major brands examined in the data.

Mitsubishi recorded the highest share of white vehicles among the listed makes, at 42.1 per cent, followed by Toyota at 39.0 per cent. When Toyota’s Glacier White is included, white shades accounted for 44.6 per cent of its sales.

Grey was a popular second choice across most brands, while colour preferences varied elsewhere. Mercedes-Benz stood out for its black vehicles, with black accounting for 19.1 per cent of sales. Mazda had a more evenly distributed colour mix, with red accounting for 9.5 per cent and blue 9.4 per cent, compared with 18.6 per cent for white.

6. General Market Statistics

  1. 258,127 vehicles sold in September, a 6 per cent increase on August.
  2. 390,184 vehicles listed for sale in September, a 7.7 per cent decrease month on month.
  3. Dealer share rose to 43.9 per cent of sales.
  4. 8 days average time to sell in September, compared with 51.5 days in August.

7. Reaction

“The data gives us an interesting snapshot of what Australians are looking for when they buy a used vehicle. Four-wheel drive remains a clear preference among Ute buyers, while automatic transmissions continue to dominate across the market. White also remains a popular choice, showing that while buyers have plenty of options, some trends are remarkably consistent,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“Whilst consumer preferences continue to evolve, and the decline in manual sales is a good example of that shift. For dealers, understanding what buyers want, from vehicle specifications to everyday practicality, is important when deciding which vehicles to stock and how to meet demand,” Mr Voortman said.

“September was the third consecutive month of sales growth, with 258,127 used vehicles sold nationally. Over the same period, active listings fell to 390,184, down 10.9 per cent from their July peak. In September there were 66 sales for every 100 vehicles listed, up from 55 in July, so more vehicles are selling from a smaller pool of stock,” said AutoGrab Chief Commercial Officer Saxon Odgers.

“Buyer preferences show up clearly in the sales data. Manual vehicles made up 6.6 per cent of used sales in September, down from 8.3 per cent in October 2025, and white was the most common colour for all ten major makes we examined. That information helps dealers decide what to stock, how to price it and how long it is likely to take to sell,” Mr Odgers said.

September 2026 New Vehicle Sales

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Australia’s new vehicle market recorded another positive month in September, with 108,778 vehicles sold, up 0.9 per cent compared with the same month last year. The result brings total new vehicle sales for the year to 957,698 units, up 2.0 per cent year-to-date.

Battery electric vehicles continued their strong run in September, outselling petrol and diesel vehicles for the second consecutive month. BEVs account for 19 per cent of sales YTD.

Toyota remains Australia’s best-selling brand, followed by BYD and Ford. The Ford Ranger continues to lead the model market YTD, ahead of the Toyota Hilux and Tesla Model 3.

SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for 65 per cent of sales YTD.

The AADA has reviewed September VFACTS and EVC data, ranking vehicles by volume, and continues to analyse new vehicle sales by state, fuel type and market segments to monitor trends shaping the Australian market.

AADA Calls For Greater Transparency on Connected Vehicle Safety and Security

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is calling for greater transparency and clearer
information regarding connected vehicle technologies, following increased public discussion about vehicle privacy, cybersecurity and safety.

AADA CEO James Voortman said Australian dealers and their 64,000 employees are increasingly facing questions from customers about what modern connected vehicles are capable of, what information they collect, what functions can be accessed remotely and what safeguards exist to ensure these technologies remain safe and secure.

“Australian car buyers are asking legitimate questions about connected vehicle technologies and
deserve clear answers,” said Mr Voortman.

“Those questions are not limited to privacy and data collection. Customers also want to understand how these technologies operate, what protections are in place and how manufacturers and regulators are managing potential cybersecurity and safety risks.”

“Dealers are the customer-facing part of the supply chain and are regularly asked questions about connected technologies which are standard features of modern vehicles.”

“We need an urgent debate on this issue informed by the facts, so that as an industry we can provide car buyers with confidence. We also need a thorough understanding of what the future regulatory
landscape looks like.”

The AADA said responsibility for vehicle design, software systems, connected technologies and regulatory compliance rests with manufacturers and relevant government authorities, but industry should not be left without the information required to support customers.

“Manufacturers are responsible for the technologies they introduce to the Australian market, while
government agencies and regulators play a critical role in ensuring appropriate oversight and public
confidence.”

“This issue also highlights vulnerabilities in the Australian Consumer Law and makes it clear why
manufacturers and not dealers should be liable for the products they supply to the Australian market.”

“If Australians are expected to embrace increasingly connected vehicles, there must also be a coordinated effort to ensure clear and accessible information is available to both industry and the public.”

The AADA believes greater collaboration between manufacturers, transport regulators, security agencies, dealers, consumer groups and the wider automotive industry is required to improve transparency and public confidence.

“Our objective is simple. We want Australian dealers and their customers to have confidence in the
technologies entering our market, supported by factual information, transparency and appropriate safeguards.”

Used Car Market Picks Up Pace as VIC Edges NSW

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Key Headlines

  1. National used and demonstrator vehicle sales rose 1.3 per cent in August to 243,514 vehicles, the second consecutive monthly increase.
  2. Sales of one-to-five-year-old used vehicles increased 5.4 per cent nationally, with Victoria narrowly beating NSW for the strongest growth among the five largest states.
  3. Victoria recorded 14,148 sales, up 6.7 per cent, while NSW remained Australia’s biggest market with 16,956 sales, up 6.6 per cent.
  4. Used EV sales jumped 19.4 per cent in August.
  5. The Ford Ranger was the best-selling one-to-five-year-old used vehicle in seven of eight states and territories, with the Toyota RAV4 taking top spot in the ACT.

1. Market Snapshot

Australia’s used vehicle market continued its recovery in August, with sales rising for the second consecutive month and most states recording stronger activity.

New data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab shows 243,514 used and demonstrator vehicles were sold nationally in August, up 1.3 per cent on July.

The near-new market was even stronger, with sales of one-to-five-year-old used vehicles increasing 5.4 per cent nationally to 58,090.

2. State versus State

The August data provides a clear snapshot of how Australia’s used vehicle markets are performing against each other.

New South Wales remained the largest market, with 16,956 one-to-five-year-old used vehicles sold during the month.

Victoria was the fastest growing of the five largest states, with sales increasing 6.7 per cent compared with July.

3. Ford Ranger Dominates State Markets

The Ford Ranger is the best-selling 1- to 5-year-old used vehicle in 7 of 8 states and territories and has held first place in every mainland state since June. The exception is the ACT, where the Toyota RAV4 outsold the Ford Ranger 27 to 19. The Toyota Hilux is second in 5 markets; in the Northern Territory the two utes together account for 20.4% of sales.

4. Chinese-Made Cars Among Australia’s Fastest-Selling Used Vehicles

Chinese-made vehicles are making a strong impression in Australia’s used car market, accounting for five of the eight fastest-selling models across the states and territories in August.

The BYD Shark 6 was the fastest-selling used vehicle nationally, taking an average of just 27.9 days to sell, while the BYD Atto 3 was Victoria’s fastest seller at 27.7 days.

Interestingly, fast-selling vehicles did not always command strong retained values. The MG ZST, for example, took just 23.2 days to sell in Queensland but retained 60.7 per cent of its original value. By contrast, the Suzuki Jimny, the best-retained model nationally, took 58.3 days to sell.

5. General Market Statistics

  1. 243,514 vehicles sold in August, a 1.3 per cent increase on July.
  2. 422,509 vehicles listed for sale in August, a 3.5 per cent decrease month on month.
  3. Dealer share fell back to 40.9 per cent of sales.
  4. Average days to sell slightly decreased to 51.5 for August, after last month’s high-water mark.

6. Reaction

“Australia’s used vehicle market continued to build momentum in August, but the state-by-state numbers show there is no single story playing out across the country,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“Victoria may have taken the title for fastest-growing major market, but NSW is still comfortably the biggest, with almost 17,000 one-to-five-year-old vehicles changing hands in August. Queensland, WA and South Australia also recorded solid growth, while Tasmania and the territories went backwards.”

“The Ford Ranger’s dominance of the used market is pretty remarkable, it was the top-selling one-to-five-year-old vehicle in seven of the eight states and territories. The ACT was the one market to buck the trend, where the Toyota RAV4 managed to beat the Ranger.”

“Used EV sales rose 19.4 per cent in August outpacing the movements in all other fuel types, albeit that EVs continue to make up a significantly smaller segment of the used market than petrol and diesel vehicles,” said AutoGrab Chief Commercial Officer Saxon Odger.

“Looking at 1-5-year old cars, five of the eight fastest-selling used vehicles across the states and territories in August were Chinese-made. The BYD Shark 6 was the quickest nationally at 27.9 days and retained 92.1 per cent of its original value.”

AADA Welcomes Government Investment in New Car Dealers

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has congratulated the Albanese Government for expanding the DRIVEN Program to include EV servicing and repair equipment, a change that adopts recommendations put forward by AADA and recognises the significant investments being made by franchised new car dealers to support Australia’s transition to electric vehicles.

AADA CEO James Voortman said the announcement reflects recommendations made by AADA in its pre-budget submission and demonstrates that the Government has listened to industry concerns and understands the significant costs and operational challenges dealers face as they prepare their businesses for an increasingly electrified vehicle fleet.

“AADA welcomes the Government for recognising that Australia’s transition to electric vehicles requires more than charging infrastructure alone.

“Franchised dealers are investing millions of dollars in specialised equipment and workplace safety measures to support Australia’s growing EV fleet, and the expansion of the DRIVEN Program acknowledges these real-world costs.

“Recent record EV sales demonstrate that the transition is happening now. These changes will help dealers meet the challenges of the fastest transition the Australian automotive industry has ever experienced while ensuring motorists continue to have access to safe, high-quality EV sales, servicing and repair facilities.”

AADA consumer research shows that customers who are open to purchasing an EV are overwhelmingly looking to the new vehicle market, with 71 per cent saying they would consider buying a new EV over a used EV. This highlights the important role franchised dealers play in helping customers make the transition to EVs not just through sales, but through ongoing servicing, repairs and advice.

The AADA said the Government’s decision demonstrates the value of industry consultation and evidence-based policymaking.

“By adopting AADA’s recommendation to expand the DRIVEN Program, the Government has delivered a practical policy outcome that reflects the realities of modern automotive retailing.

“AADA looks forward to continuing to work with the Government on policies that support vehicle electrification while ensuring customers have access to the skilled technicians, equipment and dealer networks they need to confidently purchase, service and repair new vehicle technologies.”

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August 2026 New Vehicle Sales

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Australia’s new vehicle market recorded another strong month in August, with 108,760 vehicles sold, up 4.9 per cent compared with the same month last year. The result brings total new vehicle sales for the year to 848,920 units, up 2.0 per cent year-to-date.

Battery electric vehicles reached a significant milestone in August, outselling every other individual powertrain for the first time in a monthly sales result. More than 27,000 BEVs were sold during the month, accounting for 18 per cent of the market YTD.

Toyota remains Australia’s best-selling brand, followed by BYD. Chinese brands including BYD, GWM, MG, and Chery continued to record strong numbers in 2026.

SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for 65 per cent of sales YTD.

The AADA has reviewed August VFACTS and EVC data, ranking vehicles by volume, and continues to analyse new vehicle sales by state, fuel type and market segments to monitor trends shaping the Australian market.

Used Car Market Rebounds Strongly in July

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Key Headlines

  1. National sales rose 11.8% in July to 240,311 units, recovering from a June dip caused almost entirely by dealer demonstrator clearance ahead of the financial year end.
  2. Dealer used volume grew a healthy 9.1% in July. Private seller volume grew 26.2%, roughly three times faster. Dealer share of the near-new used market slipped from 71.8% to 70.1% in a month.
  3. Dealers are taking around 22 more days than private sellers to sell equivalent 1 to 5-year-old vehicles, despite discounting less frequently and less deeply.

Market Snapshot and the EOFY Demo Effect

Australia’s used vehicle market rebounded strongly in July after a softer June, with national sales rising to 240,311 vehicles.

New data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab shows the June decline was largely the result of end-of-financial-year demonstrator clearance activity rather than weaker underlying demand.

June’s 2.9% sales dip was not a demand story. It was a dealer demonstrator stock effect: dealers clear demo fleets ahead of the June 30 financial year end. Demo sales spiked from 17,547 in May to 22,427 in June, then collapsed to 11,418 in July, a fall of 49%. Genuine dealer used stock, excluding demo, held broadly flat through the demo spike (82,839 in May, 82,360 in June) before growing 9.1% in July to 89,857.

Dealers Selling More but Losing Market Share

While dealers increased used vehicle sales during July, private sellers grew at almost three times the rate.

Dealer used vehicle sales increased 9.1 per cent compared with June, while private seller sales rose 26.2 per cent.

Private sellers recorded stronger growth than dealers across every vehicle age category, despite dealers continuing to dominate the near-new segment.

The two channels remain structurally different businesses: 42% of dealer volume in July was 0-4 years old versus 10% for private sellers, while 61% of private volume was 11 years or older versus 24% for dealer.

General Market Statistics

  1. 240,311 vehicles sold in July, an 11.8% increase on June.
  2. 437,855 vehicles listed for sale in July, a 13% increase month on month.
  3. Dealers accounted for 42.1% of the sales for the month.
  4. Average days to sell jumped out to 52.1 for July, the highest point for the year.
  5. Dealers achieved broadly the same retained values as private sellers while discounting less frequently and less deeply

Reaction

“The July rebound shows the June decline was largely a seasonal effect driven by end-of-financial-year demonstrator clearances rather than any softening in underlying demand,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“It’s encouraging to see dealers increase used vehicle sales during July. However, private sellers grew at a much faster rate, highlighting the competitive conditions across the used vehicle market.”

“The data also shows dealers are continuing to achieve similar retained values to private sellers while discounting less often. That suggests slower stock turnover is being influenced by broader market dynamics rather than pricing alone,” he said.

“Supply grew a little faster than demand in July. There were 437,855 vehicles advertised for sale, up 13 per cent on June, against 240,311 sold, up 11.8 per cent. The average vehicle took 52.1 days to sell, the longest of the year so far. A market can be busy and slow at the same time, and in July it was both,” said AutoGrab Chief Commercial Officer Saxon Odgers.

“The private channel is the larger half of this market. Dealers accounted for 42.1 per cent of July sales; private sellers moved 139,036 vehicles, close to 58 per cent of the total. Private sellers have held the larger share in each of the past three months, and that share widened again in July.”

“The days-to-sell gap barely moved across the quarter. Dealers took around 22 more days than private sellers to sell equivalent one to five-year-old stock in May, again in June and again in July. The consistency is the finding here, not the size of the gap. Three months at the same spread is a settled pattern rather than a one-month result,” he said.

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July 2026 New Vehicle Sales

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Australia’s new vehicle market recorded its strongest July on record, with 108,577 vehicles sold in July, up 4.2 per cent compared with the same month last year. The result follows a record June and brings total new vehicle sales for the year to more than 740,000 units.

The market continued to see strong demand for electrified vehicles, with battery electric vehicles accounting for 21.7 per cent of total sales in July. Hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales also remained strong, meaning electrified vehicles collectively represented almost half of the market during the month.

Toyota remained Australia’s best-selling brand in July with 20,409 sales, while BYD recorded 7,857 sales to retain second position. Chinese brands continued to make gains, with Chery, MG, Geely, Omoda Jaecoo and Zeekr all recording significant year-on-year growth.

SUVs continued to dominate the market, accounting for 66.7 per cent of July sales. The Toyota RAV4 was the best-selling vehicle for the month with 5,564 sales, followed by the Toyota HiLux with 4,721 and Ford Ranger with 4,042. Medium SUVs were the strongest-growing major segment, with sales up 29.4 per cent year-on-year.

*The AADA has reviewed July VFACTS and EVC data, ranking vehicles by volume, and continues to analyse new vehicle sales by state, fuel type and market segments to monitor trends shaping the Australian market.