Australia’s new-car market softened slightly in November, but the latest VFACTS data reveals a much bigger story: plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are accelerating fast, petrol is slipping, and SUVs continue to dominate Australian buying habits.
Market Snapshot — Sales Dip, But Buyer Trends Shift
A total of 97,037 new vehicles were sold in November, down 2.1% on the same month last year. Despite fewer selling days, average daily sales actually increased — a sign of continued underlying demand.
Passenger cars continued their long-term decline, falling 15.7%, while SUVs grew slightly (+0.2%) and now make up more than 60% of the entire market. Light commercials rose 2.3%, but heavy commercial sales dropped 11.5%.
PHEVs Are the Month’s Standout Performer
If November had a theme, it was the rapid rise of plug-in hybrids.
- 4,768 PHEVs sold in November — up 83.3% on November 2024
- 47,565 PHEVs sold year-to-date — up 130.6%
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said the shift reflects customers seeking lower emissions without compromising practicality. He noted:
“Plug-in hybrids continue to gain momentum because they give drivers the benefit of electric travel for daily use while removing range concerns. Consumers are looking for flexible, low-emission choices and brands are meeting that demand.”
Petrol vehicles, meanwhile, fell sharply — down 18.1% for the month and 9.5% year-to-date — signalling a long-term transition.
BEVs Gain Ground Too
Battery-electric vehicles accounted for 9.1% of November sales, up from 6.5% a year earlier. BEVs now hold 8.2% market share year-to-date.
Weber highlighted that Australians now have 110 BEV models to choose from, adding:
“We encourage governments to continue to invest in recharging infrastructure to support growth in consumer confidence in this new technology.”
Top Brands and Models — Toyota Leads, RAV4 Dominates
Toyota maintained its dominant market position with 19,787 November sales, ahead of Ford (7,407) and Mazda (6,979).
Top-Selling Models in November
- Toyota RAV4 – 6,390
- Ford Ranger – 4,673
- Toyota HiLux – 3,418
- Chery Tiggo 4 Pro – 2,287 (up 207%)
- Isuzu D-Max – 2,119
The standout here is Chery’s Tiggo 4 Pro, posting extraordinary growth as value-focused SUVs continue to resonate strongly with buyers.
Hyundai also had a strong month, with the Kona (+57%) and Tucson (+25.9%) both climbing into the top 10.
Market Outlook — Flexibility and Electrification Rising
November’s results paint a clear picture of a market in transition:
- Consumers are moving away from petrol faster than ever.
- PHEVs are becoming a mainstream stepping stone into electrification.
- BEVs continue to climb as choice expands and infrastructure improves.
- SUVs remain Australia’s favourite vehicles by a wide margin.
As 2025 approaches its end, the momentum behind alternative powertrains continues to grow — and with 110 BEV models now on sale, that trajectory is expected to accelerate.
