Australia’s new vehicle market recorded 103,325 sales in October 2026, up 3.8 per cent compared with the same month last year. FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said consumers were benefiting from stronger competition across brands, models and technologies.

Battery electric vehicles accounting for 23.1 per cent of sales from all sources, almost three times their share a year earlier (7.3 per cent). “Australia’s open and competitive market has put consumers in the driver’s seat, with more choice across brands, technologies, features and price points".

Competition, continuing instability in the Middle East, sustained higher fuel prices and the Federal Government’s generous tax concessions have contributed to strong demand for BEVs throughout 2026, with little indication that demand is easing.

“Consumers are making rational choices and are attracted to options that reduce their costs. Despite continuing pressure on household budgets and higher borrowing costs in 2026, the October result shows there is extraordinary resilience in new vehicle demand,” Mr Weber said.

“This increase in new vehicle demand, especially BEVs, must be supported by reliable and accessible charging infrastructure that keeps pace with demand.”

Petrol vehicle sales in October were down 35.9 per cent on the same month last year and diesel sales were down 14.7 per cent. China was the largest source of vehicles recorded through VFACTS, supplying 36.3 per cent. Japan supplied 23.3 per cent.

Thailand supplied 17.9 per cent and South Korea 9.2 per cent. Toyota led sales with 20,649 vehicles, followed by BYD (10,025), Ford (7,310), Kia (5,801), Mazda (5,730), MG (4,676), Hyundai (4,571), GWM (4,417), Geely (4,365) and Chery (4,317).

The leading models were Toyota HiLux (5,954), Ford Ranger (4,841), Toyota RAV4 (4,718), BYD Sealion 7 (2,524), Toyota Prado (2,397), Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (2,178), BYD Atto 2 (1,943), BYD Shark 6 (1,843), Geely EX5 (1,789) and Ford Everest (1,741).


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