Overview
Australia’s auto market is mature, with modest growth expected going forward. In 2022, Australia was the 16th largest market for total U.S. exports. For the automotive sector, it was the sixth largest U.S. export market for automotive parts, and the ninth largest export market for new light vehicles (by both value & units). Last year, the United States exported almost $1.4 billion worth of auto parts, and 27,494 new light vehicles to Australia, totaling $1.057 billion.
New vehicles must be sold in right-hand drive. Sixty vehicle brands and 380 vehicle models are sold in the Australian market. There are over 3,600 dealer locations.
New vehicle sales in Australia in 2022 totaled 1,081,429 units. Sales of SUV’s accounted for almost 53.1 percent of the market, light commercial vehicles accounted for 23.7 percent of the market, passenger cars were 18.8 percent, and heavy commercial vehicles were 4.4 percent. Toyota had the largest market share (21.4%), followed by Mazda (8.9%), Kia (7.2%), Mitsubishi (7.1%), and Hyundai (6.8%).
The market share of battery electric vehicles in Australia for 2022 was 3.1 percent.
Here are the top-selling brands and models for 2022 in Australia:
Top Passenger Vehicle Brands in 2022 Top Vehicle Models in 2022
Toyota (231,050) Toyota HiLux (64,391)
Mazda (95,718) Ford Ranger (47,479)
Kia (78,330) Toyota RAV4 (34,845)
Mitsubishi (77,991) Mitsubishi Triton (27,436)
Hyundai (73,345) Mazda CX-5 (27,062)
Ford (66,628) Toyota Corolla (25,284)
MG (49,582) Toyota Landcruiser (24,542)
Subaru (36,036) Isuzu Ute D-Max (24,336)
Isuzu Ute (35,323) MG ZS (22,466)
Volkswagen (30,946) Hyundai i30 (21,166)
Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
Other Vehicles of Note – 2022 Sales
Toyota Landcruiser Wagon (13,152)
Tesla (19,594)
GM Silverado (2,389 units)
GM Corvette (250 units)
Ram 1500 (6,095 units)
Ford Mustang (2,827 units -3% on 2020)
Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries; Australian Bureau of Statistics
Light Vehicles Sold in 2022 by fuel type
Petrol 551,556 (51% of market)
Diesel 361,366 (33.4%)
Hybrid 81,786 (7.6%)
Electric 33.410 (3.1%)
Plug in Hybrid (PHEV) 5,937 (0.5%)
Australia is the ninth largest destination for U.S. auto parts exports. The market has relatively few barriers for U.S. companies. All vehicles are imported.
The Australian aftermarket for replacement parts and accessories is estimated to be worth around US$8.8 billion and is split fairly evenly between local manufacturers and imports of aftermarket parts. Annual Australian exports of aftermarket parts are estimated by the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) to be US$1.3 billion.
U.S. auto parts exports to Australia were valued at US$1.4 billion in 2022. China is the largest source of imports of auto parts followed by the U.S, Japan, Thailand, Germany, and Korea.
Automotive Market Size, million USD
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 (Estimated) | |
| Total Local Production | 5,200 | 5,250 | 5,350 | 5,250 |
| Total Exports | 1,250 | 1,270 | 1,270 | 1,300 |
| Total Imports | 4,500 | 4,600 | 4,750 | 4,870 |
| Imports from the US | 1,300 | 1,320 | 1,400 | 1,403 |
| Total Market Size | 8,450 | 8,580 | 8,830 | 8,820 |
Unit: US$ Millions
(Total market size = (total local production + imports) - exports)
Data Sources:
Total Local Production: Industry estimates
Total Exports: Industry estimates
Total Imports: Industry estimates
Imports from U.S: Industry estimates
Leading Sub-Sectors
The performance market can be divided up into a number of sub-sectors with the first being performance and aftermarket parts for new vehicles. These vehicles include the Ford Mustang, European brands including Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, and Mercedes Benz, as well as Japanese manufacturers Toyota, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Mazda. Performance parts are also in demand for Australian-manufactured performance vehicles from Ford and GM Holden including the Commodore and the Falcon. The third part of the performance market is supplying parts to the very healthy local motorsport market which includes drag racing, circuit racing, off road racing, and powerboat racing.
Possibly the most promising sector is the off-road market. With its vast tracks of outback and a large unfolding market as witnessed by the numbers of Hilux/Rangers sold in the local market, consumers are keen to customize their light trucks. Popular accessories include upgraded suspension components, bull bars, roof racks, carrying racks, upgraded lighting, rims, bed liners, and shock absorbers. Popular brands in the local market include Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota Prado, Nissan Navara, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and Toyota Land Cruiser. VW is also making solid inroads with the Amarok. Jeep’s Gladiator was introduced into the market in mid-2020 but sales have been sluggish due to price rises.
Opportunities
U.S. manufacturers have a good reputation in Australia for making high-quality, well-engineered auto aftermarket and specialty products. The best segments for U.S. manufacturers in the local market include supplying aftermarket performance parts, off-road and light truck accessories, repair tools, and consumables.
U.S.-made pickups such as the Ford 150/250, GM Silverado, Toyota Tucson, and Dodge Ram are not imported into Australia by the major manufacturers. They are imported by private companies and converted locally to right-hand drive. Due to the high cost of conversion, there are relatively few of them on Australian roads. However, at a converted price point of sub AU$100,000, the Ram sells in higher numbers than its competitors. Ford is planning to offer the F150 in Australia through its dealer network. The trucks will be converted to right hand drive locally.
There are relatively few barriers to exporting automotive products to Australia. If products can be classified as automotive items of minimum 51% U.S. content, there are no customs tariffs under the Australia-U.S. Free Trade Agreement. Documentation stating the rules of origin should accompany the shipment of goods.
Vehicle compliance is handled by the Australian state in which the vehicle is to be registered. Compliance can sometimes be more onerous than in the United States. The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are the guiding principles in terms of compliance in Australia and sometimes small modifications can require a construction engineer’s report to ensure the vehicle complies with ADRs.
Resources
Automotive Organizations
- Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association
- Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts
- Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
Popular Magazines, Venues & Events