Record sales across ditch

Australia’s new-vehicle market has achieved its best July sales figures on record after completing 103.097 registrations last month.

The total was 3.6 per cent higher than in July last year, when 99,486 units were sold, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Toyota took out the top two spots on the models’ ladder, with the Hilux, pictured, completing 4,676 sales and the RAV4 on 4,415.

Ford occupied third and fourth place, with the Ranger on 3,930 registrations and the Everest with 2,425.

The Isuzu Ute D-Max completed the top five after notching 2,351 sales.

Toyota was the leading marque in July with 21,722 sales, followed by Mazda on 7,452, Kia with 7,402, Ford on 7,279 and Hyundai with 6,687).

Tony Weber, FCAI’s chief executive, says the market’s record-breaking performance reflects robust underlying demand and a positive outlook among new-vehicle buyers.

“We are now seeing confidence return to the market, supported by a recent interest rate reduction and anticipation of further easing,” he adds.

“Consumers are responding with interest across most segments, particularly utes and SUVs.”

Sales of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), described by Weber as an important transition technology, are experiencing rapid growth in Australia and are up 183 per cent year-to-date.

However, the FCAI notes sales of battery electric vehicles have stalled and remain below eight per cent of all new vehicle sales in 2025.