As 2025 reaches its midpoint, the Northern Territory's new vehicle market presents a clear picture: a strong consumer preference for Toyota vehicles continues, even as overall sales show a slight decline of 1.5 per cent compared to the same period last year.
This mid-year assessment also brings into sharp focus the imminent influence of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), which will significantly shape the market for the remainder of the year.
The latest figures highlight a dominant trend: the Northern Territory is unequivocally 'Toyota Country'. The top four new vehicles sold year-to-date are all Toyota models, showcasing the brand's enduring popularity and suitability for the Territory's unique conditions. The Toyota Hilux 4x4 continues its reign as the top seller, followed closely by the Toyota Prado, Toyota Landcruiser, and Toyota RAV4, demonstrating a strong consumer trust in the brand's reliability and capability.
While petrol and diesel vehicles still constitute the vast majority of new sales at 73 per cent, shifts in consumer preference towards low and zero-emission vehicles are evident, albeit with mixed results.
Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) have seen substantial uptake, up 106.2 per cent compared to June 2024, now making up 2.6 per cent of total vehicle sales. Hybrid vehicles also continue their upward trajectory, increasing by 8.6 per cent from the same time last year and accounting for 15 per cent of new vehicle sales. In contrast, Electric Vehicle (EV) sales are down 37.5 per cent compared to June 2024, representing just 2 per cent of new vehicle sales.
"The Northern Territory's strong affinity for Toyota is undeniable, and these sales figures reinforce that,” Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) CEO, Darrell Jacobs, said.
Top 5 new vehicles 2025 YTD in NT
1 - Toyota Hilux 4x4 – 573
2 - Toyota Prado - 447
3 - Toyota Landcruiser - 269
4 - Toyota RAV4 - 254
5 - Ford Ranger 4x4 – 200
Zero and low emission vehicles sold in the NT in 2025
- Electric vehicles make up 2 per cent of all new cars sold in the Northern Territory, down 37.5 per cent compared to April 2024.
- Hybrid vehicles make up 15 per cent of all new cars sold in the Northern Territory, up 8.6 per cent compared to April 2024.
- Plug in hybrid vehicles make up 2.6 per cent of all new cars sold in the Northern Territory, up 106.2 per cent compared to April 2024.