Structural Shift" Continues in Australia's Car Market -- June Update

Australia’s car market is undergoing a shift that is accelerating plug-in penetration, according to a June 2026 update described in the report. Tony Weber, CEO of the Federal Automotive Industry lobby group, says the market “shifted on its axis” in the first months of 2026, with rising consumer interest in vehicles that reduce exposure to fuel prices. The update cites that plug-in sales doubled year on year, with 140,058 light vehicles sold in June 2026 and almost 36% coming with a plug. Penetration has tripled since January 2026, with most vehicles coming from China. In June, more than 32,570 BEVs and 17,000 PHEVs were sold. Pure petrol sales fell by almost 30% year on year and diesel declined by nearly 20%. Tesla Model Y led all powertrains with 8,702 sales, followed by Ford Ranger at 5,999, and a range of models including Toyota and BYD. The report also flags Toyota orders for a BEV Hilux, with over 300 reservations.