Australia recorded 1,313 road deaths in the year to 31 August, down 1.1% and the first fall against the previous corresponding period in 39 months, but still 19.7% above January 2021.
Electrified vehicles took 42.9% of Queensland new vehicle sales in August against petrol on 25.8%, with MTA Queensland using the result to push for workshop tooling and regional charging.
Used and demonstrator sales rose 1.3% to 243,514 in August, a second straight increase, but dealer share of those sales fell to 40.9% as listings tightened.
Australian new vehicle sales reached 100,939 in August, up 0.4%, but petrol and diesel fell to 50.5% of light vehicle sales and Chinese brands took five of the top 10.
China has become Australia's largest source of new vehicles for the first time in a single month, according to figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). In February 2026, 22,362 vehicles sourced from China were sold, surpassing Japan (21,671), Thailand (19,493) and South Korea (11,913).
Australians purchased 100,539 new vehicles in August 2025, marking the second strongest August result on record and highlighting the rapid rise of Chinese automotive brands. For the first time, four Chinese brands — BYD, GWM, MG and Chery — secured positions in the national top ten.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) a total of 105,285 new vehicles were delivered to customers in May by Australian new car dealers. The market was down 5.2% compared to the same month in 2024.
Typical Australian household transport costs rose by 13% in 2023, far outpacing the year’s consumer price index (CPI) increase of 4.1%. So says the Australian Automobile Association in its latest transport affordability index.
The January 2024 Automotive Insights Report (AIR) shows the average time taken to sell a used car decreased slightly with consumers starting the year off strongly.
Australia’s transport cost inflation eased in the June quarter, falling below the consumer price index rate, according to the latest AAA Transport Affordability Index.
