Archives: Media Releases

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.”

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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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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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New AADA research finds cheaper running costs have overtaken environmental concerns as the number one reason Australians would consider an electric vehicle, as Chinese brands continue to gain a larger market share.

Australians are increasingly viewing electric vehicles as a way to save money rather than save the planet, according to new research released by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA).

AADA’s latest national consumer research has found that cheaper running and recharging costs are now the leading reason Australians would consider purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), overtaking environmental benefits from January this year and for the first time since the AADA began tracking consumer sentiment more than four years ago.

AADA CEO James Voortman will present the new research findings to more than 900 dealers and automotive stakeholders at the AADA Convention & Expo in Sydney today.

“This is one of the most significant shifts we have seen since AADA began tracking EV sentiment,” Mr. Voortman said. “For years, Australians considered EVs primarily for their environmental benefits. Today, the biggest attraction is their lower running and recharging costs compared with petrol or diesel vehicles.”

The research found that 45 per cent of prospective EV buyers nominate lower running and charging costs as a reason for considering an EV, making it the most important driver of future EV interest. At the same time, environmental motivations have continued to decline significantly.

“The conflict in Iran and renewed concerns around global energy markets have focused attention on fuel affordability and fuel security,” Mr. Voortman said. “Australians are increasingly viewing EVs through a practical financial lens rather than an environmental one.”

The study found that 55 per cent of Australians agree rising petrol and diesel prices make EVs more attractive, while EV consideration increased to 41 per cent of Australian drivers.

Australia’s automotive market is also undergoing unprecedented change. Australia is expected to have 67 vehicle brands competing in the market in 2026, rising to 75 brands by 2031 as manufacturers compete for a share of the growing EV market.

“The June new vehicle sales results show the transition is occurring more quickly than previously forecast, particularly for Chinese manufacturers,” Mr. Voortman said. “Based on recent sales trends, the AADA expects China to account for an even larger share of Australia’s new car market, reaching around 58 per cent by 2035, thereby exceeding previous estimates.”

“The Australian automotive market is undergoing the most significant transformation in its history,” Mr. Voortman said. “Consumer preferences are changing, technology is evolving, and new brands are entering the market at an extraordinary rate. More than 900 industry leaders will gather at the AADA Convention & Expo this week to discuss these trends and what they mean for dealers, manufacturers and consumers.”

“As this transformation accelerates, the Albanese Government must ensure the regulatory framework keeps pace. That means delivering stronger franchising protections for Australian new car dealers and modernising Australian consumer laws to ensure drivers remain protected as new brands enter the market. The pace of change is accelerating, and the policy settings that underpin consumer confidence, dealer investment and long-term market sustainability must evolve just as quickly.”

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The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is calling on Treasury to exempt family-owned and small to medium-sized franchised new car dealership transactions from Australia’s new mandatory merger notification regime following the release of an independent report prepared by BDO Australia.

The report demonstrates that the current turnover thresholds unintentionally capture family-owned, regional and small to medium-sized dealership transactions, not because those acquisitions create market power, but because dealerships are high turnover, low-margin businesses that exceed the notification thresholds despite posing no meaningful competition risks.

AADA CEO James Voortman said the findings highlighted a significant unintended consequence of the new framework.

“This report confirms what AADA has been saying since the merger reforms were announced, that franchised new car dealerships are not the type of businesses these laws were designed to target. Unlike other industries, dealership competition is already heavily shaped by manufacturers through franchise agreements, dealer network planning and ownership limits.”

“Dealership acquisitions are typically driven by owner retirement, succession planning, increasing compliance costs, margin pressure and the need to achieve scale. They are not about accumulating market power or reducing consumer choice.”

Mr. Voortman said the timing of the reforms could not be worse for dealers already navigating unprecedented change across the industry.

“Dealers are investing heavily to meet manufacturer requirements, manage the transition to EVs and adapt to the impacts of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, all while facing rising costs and intense competition.”

The report identifies the Federal Government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, rising compliance obligations and increasing capital investment requirements as key factors driving dealership succession and consolidation activity across the sector.

The AADA is urging Treasury to introduce either a specific exemption for franchised dealership transactions or a low-cost, expedited approval pathway that recognises the unique characteristics of the franchised automotive retail sector.

“Dealers are under pressure from the NVES, rising compliance costs, major facility investment requirements and shrinking margins,” Mr Voortman said.

“When a dealer sells, it’s typically about succession, viability and business continuity, not market power.”

“As part of the upcoming review of the merger laws, the Government should introduce an exemption for smaller franchised dealership transactions that pose no realistic competition concerns.”

“Dealers are already grappling with the impacts of the NVES, growing compliance burdens and significant investment requirements. The merger regime should not create another barrier to business succession, regional investment and dealership viability.”

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A new independent review commissioned by the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has found that Australia’s consumer law framework is failing both car buyers and franchised new car dealers, leading to significant delays, increased costs and poor consumer outcomes.

The report, prepared by Emeritus Professor Jenny Buchan, concludes that key shortcomings in the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) are contributing to lengthy delays in resolving vehicle fault claims. The review found consumers can face delays of six to eight weeks in claim resolution, while state and territory tribunal hearings can take between 12 and 18 months. The report also highlights concerns that some manufacturers are denying reimbursement claims and failing to engage effectively in dispute resolution processes.

A 2017 ACCC market study concluded that manufacturers needed to overhaul the way they were handling consumer guarantee claims and review their commercial arrangements with dealers. This latest review finds those issues have deteriorated further. Its findings come at a critical time, as Australia’s automotive market undergoes unprecedented change, with industry forecasts indicating the number of vehicle brands operating in Australia will reach 75 within five years, a 92 per cent increase over the past decade.

“This review clearly shows that Australia’s consumer laws are not delivering the outcomes that consumers and new car dealers deserve,” James Voortman, CEO of AADA said.

“The evidence presented in this report indicates that some international manufacturers are either failing to engage with, or are not adequately responding to, Australia’s consumer law processes.”

“Ambiguous definitions and unclear procedures are creating unnecessary costs for businesses, placing additional pressure on tribunals and, most importantly, leaving motorists without access to their vehicle for extended periods.”

In response to the review, the AADA is calling on the Federal Government to introduce mandatory and earlier manufacturer participation in vehicle-related consumer claims, undertake a targeted review of key legislative definitions, and conduct a broader assessment of how the ACL operates in the new vehicle market.

“For most Australians, purchasing a car is the second-largest financial commitment they will make. Consumers have every right to expect a fair, timely and efficient process when faults arise,” Mr. Voortman said.

“Multinational manufacturers must take greater responsibility for the products they import in Australia and be active participants in resolving consumer disputes.”

Key Findings of the Review

• Delays of six to eight weeks in processing consumer defect claims.
• Tribunal hearings can take between 12 and 18 months to resolve disputes.
• Inconsistent manufacturer engagement in consumer law processes.
• Unclear legislative definitions creating inefficiencies and increased costs.
• Growing market complexity as the number of vehicle brands in Australia continues to expand.

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Key Headlines

1. Australia’s used vehicle market recorded 1.3 million sales in the first half of 2026, down 6.6 per cent compared with the first half of 2025.
2. Year-on-year sales declines widened over the half, with June recording the largest decline of the year to date with sales falling 16.2 per cent compared to June 2025.
3. Used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids bucked the broader trend, with EV sales up 54.6 per cent and PHEV sales up 468.4 per cent year-on-year.
4. The rate of discounting held broadly flat through Q1, then rose from April.
5. Every State and Territory sold fewer used vehicles in the first half of 2026 than in the equivalent period in 2025. The sales decline was concentrated in passenger cars, with SUVs and Utes recording smaller falls.

1. Market Snapshot

Australia’s used vehicle market softened through the first half of 2026 as buyers were presented with greater choice and increasing negotiating power.
New data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab shows 1,300,018 used vehicles were sold nationally during the first six months of the year, down 6.6 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.

While overall sales declined, supply continued to build throughout the half, resulting in slower selling times and increased discounting as sellers competed for buyers.
The year-on-year rate of decline widened over the half rather than holding steady. January was still growing year-on-year. By June, sales were down 16.2 per cent on the same month in 2025, the largest monthly decline of the half.

2. Greater Competition Drives Discounting

The balance between supply and demand shifted noticeably during the first half of the year, with listed stock increasing while sales softened.

By June, more than half of all one to five-year-old used vehicles sold had their asking price reduced before sale, while the average discount widened to 3.7 per cent, the largest discount recorded this year.

Petrol and diesel vehicles experienced the greatest increase in discounting, while hybrids remained the most pricing-resilient fuel type throughout the first half.

3. Electrified Vehicles Continue to Gain Momentum

While the broader used vehicle market slowed, demand for electrified vehicles continued to strengthen with EV, PHEV and hybrid sales combining for 7.1 per cent of the market.

Used EV sales increased 54.6 per cent year-on-year during the first half, while PHEV sales rose 468.4 per cent from a relatively small base.

EVs also sold significantly faster as the year progressed, with average days to sell falling from more than 60 days in January to fewer than 40 days by June.

4. Reaction

“The used vehicle market has become increasingly competitive during the first half of 2026. Buyers have more choice than they’ve had for some time, and dealers are responding to that environment through more competitive pricing and discounting,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“While overall sales have softened compared with last year, it’s encouraging to see continued growth in used electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids as more Australians consider lower-emission vehicles in the second-hand market,” said Mr Voortman.

“Year-on-year sales declines widened over the half, with June recording the largest decline of the year to date. Every State and Territory sold fewer used vehicles in the half of 2026 than in the equivalent period in 2025. And the sales decline was concentrated in passenger cars, with SUVs and Utes recording smaller falls,” said AutoGrab Chief Commercial Officer Saxon Odgers.

“By June, more than half of all one-to-five-year-old vehicles were selling below their asking price, and the average discount had widened to 3.7 per cent. In that environment, accurate and current pricing is the difference between a car that sells and one that sits. Petrol and diesel are carrying most of the pressure, while hybrids have held their value best.”

“Electrified vehicles are the clear exception. Used EV sales rose 54.6 per cent and sold faster as the year progressed, with average days to sell falling from over 60 in January to under 40 by June. The volume growth is now well established in the Australian market,” said Mr Odgers.

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The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has expressed disappointment at the ACT Government’s decision to further increase the cost of purchasing new vehicles, describing the latest changes to motor vehicle duty as another example of Canberra motorists being targeted to repair the Territory’s budget position.

Under measures announced in the 2026-27 ACT Budget, high rates of motor vehicle duty will apply to vehicles with higher emissions, adding to the cost of purchasing many new vehicles used by families, tradespeople, and small businesses.

AADA CEO James Voortman said the changes continue a worrying trend of the ACT Government repeatedly turning to motorists when it needs to raise revenue.

“For the second year in a row, the ACT Government has chosen to increase taxes and charges on people purchasing vehicles,” Mr Voortman said.

“Motorists are increasingly being treated as a convenient source of revenue to help address the Territory’s budget challenges. At a time when cost-of-living pressures remain significant, this is a disappointing outcome for consumers and businesses alike.”

Mr Voortman said the industry was particularly concerned by the lack of consultation prior to the announcement, despite the significant impact the changes will have on vehicle buyers and retailers.

“The ACT Government and Treasurer have not meaningfully engaged with the retail automotive industry before introducing these measures, despite dealers being responsible for administering the Territory’s motor vehicle duty system and helping consumers navigate these costs every day.”

Governments should focus on policies that encourage fleet renewal rather than making it more expensive for consumers to access newer technology.

“New vehicles are safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient than the vehicles they replace. Public policy should be encouraging consumers to upgrade to newer vehicles, not creating additional barriers to doing so.”

“The ACT Government should work collaboratively with industry to achieve its environmental objectives while ensuring motorists and small businesses are not unfairly burdened by additional taxes and charges.”

While the AADA acknowledges the Government has delayed previously announced registration indexation, the Budget shows that registration charges will increase significantly over the forward estimates.

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Key Headlines

1. Recovering from the weakest month of the year in April, total sales rose to 221,323 in May, broadly in line with January and March.
2. Demand for electrified vehicles is building. Electrified vehicles accounted for approximately 16 per cent of all 1 to 5 year old used vehicle sales in May.
3. For the first time in 2026, more than half of all vehicles sold in May had their asking price reduced before the sale was made.
4. Average discounts reached their deepest level of the year at 3.4 per cent.

Market Snapshot

Australia’s used vehicle market bounced back in May following a seasonal slowdown in April, with sales returning to levels seen earlier in the year despite continued pressure on vehicle pricing.

New data from the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) and AutoGrab shows 221,323 used vehicles were sold during May, up from 203,525 in April. At the same time, buyers continued to benefit from increased choice and stronger negotiating power, with more than half of all used vehicles sold after a price reduction.

Discounting Reaches Highest Level of 2026

May marked the first month this year where more than half of all used vehicles sold had their asking price reduced before sale.

The average discount on vehicles that required a price reduction reached 3.4 per cent, the highest level recorded in 2026.

Petrol and diesel vehicles both exceeded the 50 per cent discount threshold, while hybrids remained the most pricing-resilient fuel type. Less than half of all hybrids sold required a discount, and those that did attracted the smallest average price reductions.

According to AutoGrab’s analysis, elevated vehicle supply following April’s softer trading conditions has increased competition among sellers and placed downward pressure on asking prices.

General Market Statistics

1. 221,323 vehicles sold in May, an 8.7 per cent increase on April.
2. 339,728 vehicles listed for sale in May, a slight decrease month on month.
3. Dealers accounted for 45.4 per cent of the sales for the month.
4. Average days to sell jumped out to 51.8 for May, the highest point for the year.

Reaction

“The increase in discounting reflects the strong level of competition in the used vehicle market at the moment. With plenty of stock available, buyers are in a good position to compare options and negotiate on price, while dealers continue to work hard to match vehicles with customers,” said AADA CEO James Voortman.

“It’s no surprise to see hybrids performing so strongly. With household budgets still under pressure, many consumers are looking for ways to reduce fuel costs, and hybrids offer a practical and proven solution,” he said.

“May’s rebound to 221,323 sales tells us April was a seasonal dip, not a change in underlying demand. Volumes came straight back to where they sat in January and March, which is exactly what we’d expect when buyers have stock to choose from and room to negotiate,” said AutoGrab Chief Operating Officer Saxon Odgers.

“The discounting we recorded in May is a competitive supply story. When more than half of all vehicles sell below their asking price and cars are taking 51.8 days to move, the market is telling sellers there are more cars on the ground.

“Hybrids held their price while petrol and diesel both passed the 50 per cent discount mark, and that resilience is now showing up month after month,” he said

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The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) welcomes the Albanese Government’s work to honour its election promise to legislate protections for franchised new car dealers by banning unfair trading practices.

James Voortman, CEO of the AADA, said that the release of today’s Treasury consultation paper is tangible progress and recognition that Australia’s franchised new car dealers need protection from the exploitation by multinational car manufacturers.

“Today’s consultation paper is a very important step to delivering important franchising protections for new car dealers,” said James Voortman, CEO of the AADA.

“For years, the AADA has been advocating for these reforms which are now even more pertinent in the biggest disruption our industry has seen. Today’s announcement is welcome but until this is legislated, Australian new car dealers will always be vulnerable to unfair behaviour that is not in their or consumer’s interests.”

Earlier this year Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stated in a speech to a room full of new car dealers that ‘…in order to protect consumers from unfair practices, we have to protect dealers as well’.

This statement from the Government clearly demonstrates their understanding of how protecting both Australian consumers and dealers are intrinsically linked.

Australia is facing challenging economic times with overall new vehicle sales declining. Dealers are operating in a very difficult environment with a record number of new manufacturers entering the market while the industry adjusts to decarbonisation of the transport sector. It is thus imperative that the Government legislates these protections so the over 64,000 people employed in the nearly 4,000 new car dealerships across Australia are shielded from the proven power imbalance within the automotive franchising sector.

The 2026 Dealernomics Automotive Statistics booklet is available for download here.

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