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Used Car Prices Ease as EOFY Deals Drive Strong Sales

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA), in partnership with AutoGrab, have released the June 2025 Automotive Insights Report, which saw an end-of-financial-year (EOFY) lift in used vehicle sales activity even as retained values begin to soften across most segments.

Key insights from June include:

  • EOFY drives strong sales growth: National used car sales surged to 212,136, up 10.1 per cent month-on-month. Significant increases were recorded in NSW (12.5 per cent), QLD (11.7 per cent), and VIC (9.1 per cent).
  • Dealer activity remains strong: Dealers accounted for 49 per cent of sales and 53.6 per cent of listings. The dealer share of inventory continues to lead, reflecting strategic stock positioning and ongoing consumer confidence in dealer-backed purchases.
  • Hybrid and EV momentum continues: Hybrid sales climbed 21.7 per cent month-on-month, PHEVs increased 29.3 per cent, and EVs rose 7.6 per cent, despite a 6 per cent drop in EV listings. The shift reflects increasing consumer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles.
  • Days to sell remains stable: Average days to sell across all used vehicles held steady at 47.0 days, consistent with May, suggesting sustained consumer engagement as stock levels increased slightly by 1.2 per cent to 330,278 listings nationally.

“EOFY always drives sales activity, but it also tends to put downward pressure on retained values. We saw the same pattern in June last year in that buyers are motivated, but so are sellers keen to close deals before the books close.”” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“Hybrid and EV sales are continuing to build momentum, showing strong consumer interest in fuel-efficient vehicle despite broader market fluctuations,” he said.

“The pressure on retained values is something dealers will need to factor in when setting margins and managing stock. It’s encouraging to see hybrid and EV sales continue to build momentum, but pricing volatility remains a key watch-point heading into the second half of the year,” Saxon Odgers, Chief Commercial Officer at AutoGrab said.

VIEW JUNE 2025 AIR

February AIR

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The February 2025 edition of the Automotive Insights Report (AIR) shows a modest rebound in used car sales. Using data supplied by AutoGrab, February’s AIR saw sales rise 2.2 per cent to 174,762 units, however this came as total listings declined slightly indicating a tightening in some areas.

“While the increase in sales is a positive shift from January, the broader market remains in a state of adjustment,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“With supply contracting and demand still below historical levels, it remains a competitive market for sellers,” he said.

“Average days to sell a used vehicle remained stable at 48.5 days, suggesting that vehicles are still moving at a steady pace, albeit with some regional fluctuations,” said Mr Voortman.

The Suzuki Jimny continued its dominance in retained value rankings, holding the highest resale value among passenger cars and SUVs in both age brackets. With an impressive 108 per cent retained value, the Jimny has consistently outperformed larger and more expensive competitors, reflecting its strong demand in the market.

Ford Ranger retained its position as Australia’s best-selling used car, with a 2.5 per cent increase in sales. Toyota models continued to dominate the top-sellers list, with five of the top ten positions.

Highlights from the AIR for February 2025

  • 174,762 used cars were sold, an increase of 2.2 per cent from January.
  • Used vehicle supply fell by 1.8 per cent, with most states experiencing a drop in listings.
  • Sales increased in major markets, with VIC (7.0 per cent) and NSW (3.8 per cent) leading the gains.
  • Electric vehicle sales rebounded, up 11.4 per cent, though retained values remain under pressure.
  • Average days to sell a used car held steady at 48.5 days.
  • Japanese brands dominated, taking 8 of the top 10 best-selling models, with Toyota accounting for 5.
VIEW FEBRUARY 2025 AIR

AADA Expands Resources

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The AADA has bolstered its leadership team with the appointment of two key industry professionals to strengthen its advocacy efforts. Matthew Hawkes has been named Head of Public Affairs, while Michael (Mick) McKenna steps into the role of Director of Industry Affairs. These appointments reflect AADA’s commitment to enhancing Dealer representation at both state and national levels, ensuring a strong and unified voice for the industry.

Matthew Hawkes has over 15 year’s experience working in Government, Public Policy and Government Relations. Prior to commencing at AADA, Matthew was employed at GRA Cosway where he advised some Australia’s largest companies on their government relations strategies. He has previous been employed as the Policy Manager at the Financial Services Council. In addition, he served as Chief of Staff to Senator Deborah O’Neill for five years. It was during this time with Senator O’Neill, Matthew developed a strong understanding of franchised new car Dealers working on key parliamentary inquiries including the 2019 Parliamentary inquiry into Franchising reforms and the 2021 Parliamentary inquiry into the relationship between car manufacturers and car dealers in Australia. 

Prior to his appointment, Mick McKenna led the secretariat of the Victorian Automobile Dealers Association (VADA), a key division of the Victorian Automotive Chamber of Commerce (VACC) for 16 years. Mick has a very strong understanding of the issues facing franchised new car and truck Dealers in Australia. Over the years he has developed strong relationships with state Government as well as regulatory agencies and has a strong track record of successfully advocating on behalf of car, truck, motorcycle and farm machinery Dealers.

 “AADA is pleased to announce the appointment of both new secretariat members,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

 “Matthew has a very good understanding of the inner workings of government and has developed strong experience in a number of issues important to AADA members including franchising reform and finance and insurance issues.”

 “Mick is particularly well known and respected amongst Victorian AADA members and enjoys an excellent reputation amongst dealers in Victoria and throughout Australia. We look forward to him applying his vast experience and practical approach to addressing key issues for franchise new car and truck dealers across the country.”

 “AADA believes now is a good time to strengthen its resources in supporting both state and national dealer issues. The addition of these two staff members will help us better address member concerns at both levels, ensuring dealers have strong representation and a unified voice in Canberra.”

Australia’s Best-Looking Dealership

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Are you proud of your Dealership’s picturesque location and stunning views? Maybe you think it’s the most aesthetically pleasing in the country, or boasts an exceptional design that sets it apart from the rest? AADA is on the hunt for Dealerships that not only provide top-notch service and products but also offer a unique and beautiful location that make it stand out.

Submit your application for the chance to win the coveted title of ‘Australia’s Best-Looking Dealership’. We’re looking for winners in two categories: Regional Dealers and Metro Dealers, to showcase the wide-ranging nature of the automotive industry in Australia.

Not only will the winners have bragging rights, they will have a professional photoshoot at their Dealership arranged and paid for by the AADA. Winners will be chosen by the secretariat, and the photos can be used for the Dealership’s business, they will also be featured in AADA marketing collateral and to decorate the walls of our offices!

Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to showcase your Dealership. Submit your application now for the chance to be recognised as the best-looking dealership in Australia. Nominations close on 30 April 2023.

 

APPLICATION FORM

Christmas and New Year Break

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

The AADA offices will be closed from Friday, 23 December 2022 and will reopen on Tuesday, 3 January 2023.

AADA staff will of course be on stand-by throughout this time should an urgent matter arise.

Driving Australia to Net Zero

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

AADA joined the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, the Motor Trades Association of Australia, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association, and the National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association in hosting the Driving Australia to Net Zero – Automotive Emissions Forum at Parliament House in Canberra earlier last month.

Discussions around electric vehicles have dominated the news cycle of late. The event was an opportunity for industry experts to share research and opinions with MPs, Senators, and their staff on ensuring future policy settings enables customers access to the best transport technologies available and help lower vehicle emissions.

The event saw the launch of a joint industry developed document, ‘Mobility inspired by sustainability’, which outlines agreed positions to achieve the orderly transition towards the electrification of Australia’s fleet.

 

MOBILITY INSPIRED BY SUSTAINABILITY

New AADA Chair and Board Members

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

In November we were pleased to announce that the AADA Board elected David Blackhall as the Australian Automotive Dealer Association’s new Chairman, commencing his duties as an independent director following the AADA Annual General Meeting on 16 November 2021.

David has excellent industry experience through a long and successful career in the automotive industry. As the former CEO of the AADA (2016-2019), David also has extensive experience in working with the Government and industry. During his time as the AADA CEO, he made some significant gains for the AADA and its members. Since 2019, David has continued to provide valuable support to the AADA and its members as an independent consultant, supporting the AADA in its fight for better automotive franchising regulations.

Separately, the AADA also welcomed two new Directors to its Board. Edwina Gilbert, Executive Chair of the Phil Gilbert Motor Group, joined as a Director for New South Wales and David Reynolds, Managing Director of the Steinborner Automotive Group, is the Director for South Australia. Both Edwina and David have extensive experience in the automotive industry and have served on the Australian Motor Dealer Council.

We’d like to take the opportunity to acknowledge outgoing Chairman Terry Keating for his leadership and guidance over the past six years. Terry has played a significant role in making AADA the peak Dealer body in Australia, recognised by Dealers, other industry bodies, regulators, and the Government. Terry was instrumental in convincing the Dealer councils to commit to an adequate level of funding for the AADA. He has presided over several major achievements, including the hard-fought reforms to automotive franchising laws and the reversal of plans to allow for parallel imports of new vehicles to name a few.

Terry’s time as Chair comes on the back of a lifetime of service to the automotive industry including roles as the President of MTA-NSW, a director of the MTAA, Chair of the Ford National Dealer Council and Chairman of the BMW National Dealer Council.

#DealersGiveBack – Is Your Dealership Doing Something Special?

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Australia’s new car Dealers make an important contribution to their local communities – not only through the jobs they provide and economic contribution they make, but also through donations to charities, sponsorships of local sporting teams or the support of local events and initiatives.

Every day, #DealersGiveBack to their communities. We want to recognise and highlight the important contribution our members make to their communities. We want to share your stories about the positive impact dealerships have with your Government and fellow Australians.

To do so, we need your help! If your dealership does something special, please let us know by sending us an email or tagging AADA in a post about your good cause on LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.

Talking Automotive Podcast with James Voortman – How the AADA Empowers the Dealer Network

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

In “Talking Automotive” with Mark and John” Ep 29, Mark Palavestra and John Sinclair talk to AADA CEO James Voortman CEO about the Australian Automotive Dealer Association and the services they provide to automotive Dealers in Australia.

James covers the canvassing the AADA do on behalf of Dealers in Canberra at a political level. He also delves into agency, electric vehicles and protection for Dealers in balancing the power between Manufacturer and Dealer. James also shares information on study tours and conventions they provide.

LISTEN TO PODCAST

AADA Quarterly Activity Report – April to June 2019

Posted on by Ashleigh Sykes

Between April and June 2019, the AADA Secretariat attended 273 meetings with politicians, members and industry stakeholders, resulting in 65 more industry meetings than quarter 1 of 2019. The AADA published 11 media releases and earned 118 media mentions. During quarter 2 there was a Federal Election with saw the AADA website views more than triple and social media posts almost double.

VIEW FULL REPORT