For the first time, four Chinese brands – BYD, GWM, MG and Chery – are in the national top 10. A total of 20,070 Chinese-made vehicles were sold in August, which was 67 per cent higher than in August 2024.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the figures showed how quickly the industry and consumers are adapting to new options.
“The presence of four Chinese brands in the top 10 illustrates the continuing evolution of the automotive landscape in Australia. Consumers have an extraordinary range of vehicles to choose from – more than 400 models, including around 100 EVs,” Weber said.
Spearheaded by the popular Tiggo 4, which was the best-selling small SUV in July, Chery sold a record 3305 units across the entire model line-up last month.
For eight consecutive months, sales have increased, showcasing the brand’s commitment to provide Aussie buyers with the best value products in a highly competitive market.
“Reaching this incredible milestone was no easy feat,” Chery Australia COO, Lucas Harris, said.
“Finishing 10th for August sales is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our local team, dealership network, and the ongoing support of our customers.
“This accomplishment will continue to motivate us to achieve our goal of further growing our market share and enhancing the brand's reputation plus awareness in Australia."
Overall, SUVs continued to dominate the Australian market, with 60,495 sales in August representing 60 per cent of the market. Passenger cars made up 13.1 per cent of sales in August, and year-to-date sales are down 25 per cent compared with the same period last year.
Electric vehicles represented 6.8 per cent of VFACTS-recorded sales in August, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles accounted for 3.9 per cent.
So far in 2025, 812,447 vehicles have been sold, compared with 830,226 for the same period last year, representing a modest decline of 2.1 per cent.
Weber said the time was right for a federally led road user charge as a part of broader tax reform in the sector.
“FCAI has long been a supporter of a nationally consistent road user charge that ultimately can be applied to all types of vehicles, not just EVs. As the number of electrified vehicles increases, governments must support a smooth transition away from fuel excise. A road user charge is needed to provide an enduring revenue stream to support road and recharging infrastructure,” Weber said.
Toyota was the market leader with sales of 20,791 during August, followed by Ford (8,002), Kia (7,402), Mazda (6,814) and Hyundai (6,322).
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were up 20.7 per cent on August 2024 to 1,615; New South Wales was up 2.4 per cent (30,536); Northern Territory was down 7.8 per cent (840); Queensland rose 2.8 per cent (21,907); South Australia fell 6.0 per cent (6,404); Tasmania decreased 3.1 per cent (1,554); Victoria was up 3.8 per cent (27,036) and Western Australia rose 1.6 per cent (10,647).