Archives: Research

The AADA has surveyed Australian drivers since 2022 to track changing consumer attitudes towards electric vehicles (EVs) and help new car dealers respond to evolving consumer demand. With the automotive market changing rapidly, the fifth wave of research was conducted in June 2026 to measure how recent market developments, including increased competition from new brands, changing fuel prices and accelerating EV adoption, are influencing consumer behaviour and purchase intentions.

This research focuses on understanding Australian drivers, with a specific focus on:

• The type of vehicle they currently drive (body style, age and fuel type);
• Their willingness to purchase an electric vehicle when replacing any of their current household vehicles;
• Specific perspectives on electric and hybrid vehicles (willingness to consider, drivers and barriers to consideration, and price point analysis);
• Attitudes towards EVs and the role of individuals in driving uptake.

The latest research shows a significant shift in why Australians are considering an EV. For the first time since the AADA began tracking consumer sentiment, lower running and recharging costs have overtaken environmental benefits as the leading reason prospective buyers would consider an EV. The research also found that 55 per cent of Australians believe rising petrol and diesel prices make EVs more attractive, while overall EV consideration has increased to 41 per cent of Australian drivers.

DOWNLOAD VEHICLE MARKET SENTIMENT STUDY WAVE 5 INSIGHTS REPORT

Australia’s mandatory merger notification regime commenced on 1 January 2026, introducing new ACCC notification and clearance requirements for certain mergers and acquisitions. Following concerns raised by members, the AADA commissioned independent analysis by BDO Australia to assess how the new regime affects franchised new car dealerships. The report examines whether the current turnover thresholds appropriately capture dealership transactions and identifies the unintended consequences for family-owned, regional and small to medium-sized dealership businesses.

Based on the findings in the report, the AADA is calling on the Australian Government to introduce either a specific exemption for qualifying franchised dealership transactions or a low-cost, expedited approval pathway that recognises the unique characteristics of the automotive retail sector.

DOWNLOAD MERGER CONTROL REGIME REPORT

The AADA is pleased to release the 2026 edition of Dealernomics, our annual statistical snapshot of Australia’s franchised automotive retail sector.

Dealernomics provides members with a comprehensive picture of the industry – from dealership networks and vehicle sales to taxation, consumer trends and benchmarking insights. The report continues to highlight the scale, resilience and economic contribution of Australia’s franchised new car and truck dealers.

The latest edition shows the sector remains a major contributor to the national economy, including:

• 3,943 franchised new car and truck dealerships operating across Australia
• $21.5 billion in economic activity generated by the sector
• More than 64,000 people employed by dealerships nationally
• 7,508 apprentices working across the dealer network

Together, the data reinforces the vital role franchised dealers play in Australia’s economy and communities providing employment, training opportunities and essential services to motorists across the country.

DOWNLOAD 2026 DEALERNOMICS

*Note: Dealership numbers for Suzuki and BYD have been updated to correct an error identified after initial publication.

The AADA has surveyed Australian drivers annually since 2022 to understand their intention to purchase an EV, helping new car dealers respond to changing consumer demand. This research focuses on understanding Australian drivers, with a specific focus on understanding:

• The type of vehicle they currently drive (body style, age, fuel type);
• Their willingness to purchase an electric vehicle when replacing any of their current household vehicles;
• Specific perspectives on electric and hybrid vehicles (willingness to consider, drivers/barriers of consideration and price point analysis);
• Attitudes towards EVs and the role of individuals in driving uptake.

The latest survey conducted in November 2025 shows that, despite three consecutive years of growth in the overall new car market, intention to purchase an electric vehicle as a main car has remained unchanged. The consumer survey also found that there has been a national decline in intention to purchase an electric vehicle in regional and rural Australia. However, there are positive indicators where there is an increase in consumers’ intention to purchase a hybrid or plug in hybrid electric vehicle which is also demonstrated in recent sales data.

DOWNLOAD EV & HYBRID WAVE 4 INSIGHTS REPORT

In response to changes to the NSW Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulations 2025, the AADA has prepared a set of member-only fact sheets to assist franchised new car dealers in understanding their obligations under the new rules.

The Regulation commenced on 1 September 2025, following extensive consultation with industry stakeholders. While several key proposals (such as a new EV repair licence class) did not proceed, there are a number of important changes dealers must comply with.

Fact Sheet 1 – Online selling Requirements

New provisions now govern the sale of motor vehicles online. Dealers currently operating online have until 1 December 2025 to notify NSW Fair Trading and meet all other requirements. Dealers who commence online selling after 1 September 2025 must notify NSW Fair Trading at least 20 business days before starting sales.

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET 1 – ONLINE SELLING REQUIREMENTS

Fact Sheet 2 – Compensation Fund Changes

The Regulation also expanded the Motor Dealers and Repairers Compensation Fund, lifting the maximum claim limit from $40,000 to $100,000 and extending coverage to older vehicles, motorcycles and trailers. It also clarifies the types of conduct that may trigger compensation, while NSW Fair Trading retains oversight of the Fund and authority to adjust levies.

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET 2 – COMPENSATION FUND CHANGES

Fact Sheet 3 – Other Regulatory Changes

The Motor Dealers and Repairers Regulation 2025 also introduced additional reforms, including extending dealer guarantees to trailers from September 2026, longer recordkeeping obligations, new rules for trade show participation, tougher recycler restrictions, and higher penalties for odometer tampering and unlicensed trading.

DOWNLOAD FACTSHEET 3 – OTHER REGULATORY CHANGES

What Dealers Should Do

Dealers should review their online sales and compliance processes ahead of the December 2025 deadline, update recordkeeping systems, and ensure staff are across the new obligations.

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 FY24-25 ANNUAL REPORT

The AADA commissioned the Centre for International Economics to undertake analysis of Australia’s past, current and future automotive trading partners, with a particular focus on understanding how the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard impacts automotive dealers (AADA members).

The report reveals that not only is China gaining momentum in supplying vehicles to the Australian market, but they are also on track to become the dominant source of automotive imports from 2035 with 43 per cent of all new vehicles sold coming from China.

The research 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.

DOWNLOAD REPORT

The AADA has today released a new report, ‘New Vehicle Efficiency Standard Impact on Automotive Dealers’. Prepared by the Centre for International Economics, this report comprehensively examines how the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) could affect Australia’s 3,200 franchised new car dealerships.

The key finding of the report was that the introduction of the NVES could cost Australian dealerships anywhere between $1.1 billion and $2.1 billion between 2025 and 2029, depending on how car manufacturers (OEMs) and vehicle importers decide to meet their emissions targets.

 

DOWNLOAD EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

DOWNLOAD FULL CIE REPORT

AADA is proud to release the 2025 edition of the DealerNomics Automotive Statistics booklet.

DealerNomics 2025 remains an essential resource, offering key insights into the latest automotive industry trends. This year’s edition continues to provide a comprehensive summary of the most relevant data, helping members stay informed in an ever-evolving market.

For 2025, we’ve expanded our coverage to include:

• Analysis of the new vehicle market, combining sales data from multiple sources for a comprehensive view
• For the first time, truck Dealer network performance and economic data
• Used vehicle sales trends
• Australia’s in-service vehicle fleet
• The economic contribution of dealerships
• Dealer network sales performance
• Highlights from our latest consumer sentiment survey on EV adoption
• Motor industry benchmarking insights

 

DOWNLOAD DEALERNOMICS

The EV & Hybrid Vehicle Wave 3 Insights Report is the third wave of tracking EV sentiments across the community, following similar studies conducted in September 2022 and January 2024, with feedback collected from a sample of 2,000 Australian drivers (representative by age, gender and household location across Australia).

Key findings from the report include:

• The research is the third wave of tracking EV sentiments across the community, following similar studies conducted in September 2022 and January 2024, with feedback collected from a sample of 2,000 Australian drivers (representative by age, gender and household location across Australia).
• Intention to purchase an EV has plateaued with 39 per cent of respondents saying they would consider an EV for their next vehicle – largely unchanged from two years ago.
• Affordability remained the biggest barrier to EV adoption, with 55 per cent of respondents stating that EVs are simply too expensive, however, this has improved from 62 per cent in the first survey in September 2022.
• Economic pressures are influencing buyer behaviour, with 64 per cent of respondents saying they are less willing to pay a premium for an EV due to current cost-of-living challenges. The average price premium consumers are willing to pay for an EV has dropped to just 6 per cent, down from 8 per cent in January 2024.
• Respondents are more likely to consider traditional hybrids (52 per cent) than EVs (39 per cent) or plug-in hybrids (36 per cent).
• While 58 per cent of respondents consider EVs are better for the environment, this has fallen from 67 per cent since early 2024.
• Concerns over EV resale value and repair costs have increased since early 2024, adding to the hesitancy around adoption.
• The trend towards purchasing medium SUVs continues, with 32 per cent of respondents considering this body type for their next vehicle.
• Higher-income households are nearly twice as likely to consider purchasing an EV compared to those on lower incomes.
• Rural households remain significantly less inclined to purchase an EV compared to metro-based households.
• Over the last 10 months support for governments incentivising EVs has reduced from 69 per cent to 62 per cent.
• Support for a fuel efficiency standard is overwhelming, with 78 per cent of respondents supporting the policy.

 

DOWNLOAD FULL REPORT