Australia’s new-car market softened slightly in November, but the latest VFACTS data have shown that plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are rapidly gaining ground as petrol models continue to fall.
While national sales dipped 2.1 per cent to 97,037 vehicles for the month, PHEVs posted the strongest momentum of any power train. Australians purchased 4,768 PHEVs in November, an 83.3 per cent jump on the same month last year.
The growth is even more pronounced across 2025. Year-to-date PHEV sales have risen 130.6 per cent, reaching 47,565 deliveries as more brands introduce models, and more buyers look for a low-emission option without range limitations.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) chief executive Tony Weber said the shift reflects changing buyer expectations.
“Plug-in hybrids continue to gain momentum because they give drivers the benefit of electric travel for daily use while removing range concerns. Consumers are looking for flexible, low-emission choices and brands that meet that demand,” Mr Weber explained.
Petrol continues its downward trend
Petrol vehicles fell sharply again, recording an 18.1 per cent decline in November and a 9.5 per cent drop year-to-date. Weber said this is part of a broader global realignment toward electrified options.
“Petrol’s decline is part of a long-term global market transition. We are seeing strong interest in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and this trend will only accelerate as more models arrive,” he said.
Battery electric vehicles maintain steady gains
Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) also recorded growth. BEVs accounted for 9.1 per cent of sales in November, up from 6.5 per cent a year earlier. Across 2025 so far, BEVs hold 8.2 per cent market share, rising from 7.4 per cent during the same period in 2024.
According to Weber, broader vehicle choice is playing a major role.
“The choice of BEVs provided by manufacturers is growing, with 110 models in the market in 2025,” he said.
He added that public investment will remain essential: “We encourage governments to continue to invest in recharging infrastructure to support growth in consumer confidence in this new technology.”
Changes across vehicle segments
Passenger cars continued their long-term decline, dropping 15.7 per cent in November and 23.2 per cent year-to-date, representing just 11.8 per cent of monthly sales. SUVs, meanwhile, grew 5.4 per cent over the year and now make up more than 60.5 per cent of the market.
Toyota remained in the top position with 19,787 sales, followed by Ford (7,407), Mazda (6,979), Hyundai (6,707) and Kia (6,510). The most popular models were the Toyota RAV4 (6,390), Ford Ranger (4,673), Toyota HiLux (3,418), Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (2,287) and Isuzu D-Max (2,119).
States performance
Most states recorded modest declines compared with November 2024. Notable results include:
New South Wales: down 1.4 per cent
Victoria: down 2.7 per cent
Queensland: down 3.5 per cent
South Australia: down 7.5 per cent
Northern Territory: down 7.8 per cent
ACT: down 2.3 per cent
Western Australia: up 1.9 per cent
Tasmania: up 14.7 per cent
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