Australian new car sales fell by 1.8% in November 2025, with 99,906 vehicles delivered—a downturn driven by significant drops from industry giants like Ford, Mitsubishi, MG, Nissan, and Volkswagen. This decline underscores a broader trend of shifting consumer preferences and increasing competition in the automotive market.
The data, compiled from reports by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and the Electric Vehicle Council, reveals a complex landscape where traditional gasoline-powered vehicles are losing ground to more efficient alternatives. While overall sales are down, plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are experiencing a surge in popularity, with deliveries up 83.3% compared to last year. This rise is notable even after the removal of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption, indicating that consumers are actively seeking fuel-efficient options.
Year-to-date, PHEV sales have reached 47,565 units, a 130.6% increase, though still trailing behind fully electric vehicles (EVs) at 92,886 units. The shift towards electrification is clear, as sales of gasoline-only vehicles decreased by 18.1% month-over-month and 9.5% year-to-date.
Brand Performance and Market Leaders
Toyota remains the market leader with 19,787 units sold, despite a 3.8% drop. Ford experienced a steeper decline of 15.1%, largely due to decreased sales of its Ranger 4×2 and 4×4 models, though the Everest maintained stable performance. Mazda held third place with 6,979 deliveries, down 8.0%, while Hyundai narrowly surpassed Kia in sales.
Chinese brands GWM, BYD, and Chery continued to gain market share, increasing by 16.7%, 144.2%, and 105.3%, respectively. However, MG saw a dramatic 47.3% slump in deliveries, falling out of the top 10 as key models like the ZS, MG 3, and MG 4 suffered significant year-over-year declines. Nissan and Volkswagen also faced double-digit sales drops.
Notably, Honda experienced an impressive 139.3% increase in sales, fueled by a massive surge in CR-V and ZR-V deliveries—a rebound from a poor performance in November 2024. New entrants like Foton also made their debut in the VFACTS charts, further diversifying the market.
Model Rankings and Segment Trends
The Toyota RAV4 topped the sales charts, with deliveries up 15.6%. The Ford Everest outsold the Toyota Prado in November, intensifying the rivalry between these two popular large SUVs. The Isuzu MU-X also outperformed the Prado, highlighting a growing consumer preference for utility vehicles.
Segment-wise, micro cars led by the Kia Picanto, light cars dominated by the MG 3, and small SUVs such as the Chery Tiggo 4 saw substantial activity. Medium SUVs, including the Toyota RAV4 and Mitsubishi Outlander, remained strong performers, while large SUVs like the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser continued to attract buyers.
Key Takeaways
The November 2025 sales data confirms a clear shift in the Australian automotive market. Consumers are increasingly favoring plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles, while traditional gasoline-powered cars decline in popularity. Major brands such as Ford, MG, Nissan, and Volkswagen are struggling to maintain sales volume, while Chinese manufacturers are gaining traction. This trend suggests that the automotive industry in Australia is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by environmental concerns, government policies, and evolving consumer demands.
