Ruqayyah Snyder
Australia has a rich automotive history, with more than 56 car manufacturers selling vehicles in the country. While there are currently no cars being manufactured on Australian soil, the country's car market is a hot topic, with a new focus on electric vehicles. The Australian car market has seen a shift in preferences, with Aussies increasingly opting for imported SUVs and small cars with lower engine capacities from Japan, Korea and Thailand. Despite this, there are still a few iconic car brands that remain integral to Australia's history, even if they haven't been manufactured in decades, such as Holden, which ceased production in 2017, and Ford Australia, which stopped manufacturing vehicles in the country in 2016.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of car manufacturers in Australia | More than 56 |
| Top-selling car brand in Australia | Toyota |
| Number of marques competing in Australia | 49 |
| Number of cars made in Australia | 0 |
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What You'll Learn
Holden, Ford, and Toyota closed their Australian factories in 2016 and 2017
Australia has a rich history of car manufacturing, with over 56 car manufacturers currently selling vehicles in the country. However, in recent years, several notable carmakers have ceased local production, including Holden, Ford, and Toyota, which closed their factories in 2016 and 2017.
Holden, a subsidiary of General Motors (GM), was a stalwart of the Australian automotive industry. Holden produced its first Australian car in 1948 and went on to introduce numerous models that held a special place in the hearts of Aussie drivers. However, in October 2017, Holden ceased its manufacturing operations as part of GM's global restructuring efforts. The decision was influenced by rising labour and material costs, making it difficult to compete with cheaper imported cars. Additionally, consumer preferences shifted from sedans to SUVs, further weakening Holden's market share.
Ford, another iconic car brand in Australia, closed its manufacturing plants in 2016. The company faced similar challenges to Holden, including high production costs and competition from imported vehicles. Ford had been a significant player in the Australian market, producing popular models such as the Falcon XR6 Turbo.
Toyota, the world's largest automaker, followed suit by ending its manufacturing operations in Australia in 2017. Toyota cited the high cost of manufacturing, a strong Australian dollar, and a small domestic market as key reasons for its departure. The company had been producing vehicles in Australia for over 50 years, with the Toyota Camry being one of the most popular sedans in the country.
The closure of these three major car manufacturers marked a significant blow to the Australian automotive industry, resulting in thousands of job losses. It also signalled the end of an era, as Australia transitioned from a car manufacturing hub to an import-driven market, relying more heavily on foreign carmakers.
While Holden, Ford, and Toyota may have ended their local production, Australia still has a vibrant automotive industry, with various other car manufacturers continuing to sell vehicles in the country. Additionally, Australia remains one of only 13 countries with the capabilities to design and develop mass-market cars from scratch, showcasing the country's enduring expertise in the automotive sector.
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Toyota is the top-selling car brand in Australia
There are 56 different car manufacturers selling vehicles in Australia, from Audi to Volvo. However, Toyota is the top-selling car brand in Australia, with one in five vehicles sold across the country bearing the Toyota badge. In 2024, Toyota sold 241,296 cars, more than twice the number of the runner-up, Ford. Toyota's success is largely due to its RAV4 model, which sold 58,718 units, a 98.2% sales increase. The RAV4 was the top-selling SUV in Australia in 2021 and 2024. In addition, the Toyota HiLux was the top-selling vehicle in 2021, and the top-selling commercial vehicle in 2020 and 2021.
Toyota's model range in Australia includes everything from hatchbacks and sedans to SUVs, utes, and hybrid electric vehicles. The Camry, an ever-popular family sedan, has led the medium-car segment for an unbeaten run of 28 years. The Corolla is a safe and reliable small car that regularly features on Australia's top 10 sales charts and offers a hybrid engine option. The HiLux is a tough, rugged pickup truck that was the first-ever ute to be crowned Australia's most popular vehicle overall.
Toyota Australia (TA), a subsidiary of Toyota, first began in 1958 and markets Toyota products while managing motorsport, advertising, and business operations for the company in Australia. TA is also responsible for Lexus vehicles in Australia. In 2014, Toyota announced it would cease manufacturing vehicles and engines in Australia, but the brand continues to be the market leader, with a pledge to bring an even greater customer focus to its operations.
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Australian Motor Industries (AMI) assembled cars from 1952
There are more than 56 car manufacturers in Australia, including Audi, Volvo, Holden, and Ford Australia. Holden, founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer, switched to automotive manufacturing in 1908 and became a General Motors subsidiary in 1931. Ford Australia, on the other hand, launched its first Australian-built Ford, the Model T, in June 1925.
Among these manufacturers, Australian Motor Industries (AMI) stands out for its early role in the country's automotive industry. AMI was founded in 1926 when J.F. Crosby invested in Eclipse Motors Pty Ltd of Melbourne. In 1952, the Crosby family formed a holding company, Standard Motor Products, in partnership with England's Standard Motor Company, to assemble cars at a new plant in Port Melbourne. This plant was established to meet the post-war demand for vehicles.
The AMI subsidiary responsible for vehicle assembly was the Standard Motor Company (Australia) Limited. It produced cars such as the Standard Eight, Vanguard, Spacemaster, and Triumph Mayflower. The Port Melbourne assembly complex expanded rapidly, and by 1956, it employed over 1,600 workers.
In 1958, AMI negotiated with Daimler-Benz to assemble and distribute Mercedes-Benz vehicles in Australia, leading to the company being renamed Australian Motor Industries. This partnership significantly boosted Mercedes-Benz sales in Australia. AMI also assembled tractors through its subsidiary, British Farm Equipment, and produced unique models for the Australian market.
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There are 56 car manufacturers in Australia
Australia has a rich automotive history, with 56 car manufacturers selling vehicles in the country. While there are no longer any cars fully manufactured on Australian soil, the country continues to be an important market for the automotive industry.
Some of the well-known car manufacturers in Australia include Toyota, which is the top-selling brand in the country, followed by other global players like Mitsubishi, Ford, and GM Holden. These companies had a strong presence in Australia, with local production and assembly plants. However, due to various factors, they ceased their local manufacturing operations between 2004 and 2017.
There are also several iconic Australian car brands that hold a special place in the nation's history. Holden, for example, was founded in 1856 as a saddlery manufacturer and transitioned into automotive manufacturing in 1908. It became a General Motors subsidiary in 1931 and produced its first Australian car in 1948. Other notable Australian brands include Australian Motor Industries (AMI), Rootes Australia, Australian Six, and Birrana.
In recent years, the Australian car market has seen a shift towards electric vehicles. Local engineering companies have seized the opportunity to modify international vehicles to suit the Australian market and conditions, keeping the automotive industry alive and well in the country.
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Australian-designed cars are manufactured by Holden and Ford Australia
Australia has more than 56 different car manufacturers selling vehicles in the country. However, as of 2015, only two manufacturers produced Australian-designed cars: Holden and Ford Australia. Holden was an Australian automaker based in Elizabeth, South Australia, and a subsidiary of General Motors (GM). The company was founded in 1856 as a saddlery business in Adelaide, South Australia, and moved into the automotive field in 1908, becoming a GM subsidiary in 1931.
Holden's first Australian-designed car was launched in 1948, and the company went on to introduce countless models that hold a special place in the hearts of many Australian drivers. Holden's locally produced large six- and eight-cylinder cars remained Australia's top-selling vehicles, even with the arrival of serious competitors in the 1960s, including the Ford Falcon, Chrysler Valiant, and Japanese cars. Holden made history in 1966 by fitting every model they built with seat belts, a trend that the industry followed.
Ford Australia, on the other hand, has been in the country since 1925, with its headquarters in Geelong, Victoria. The first Australian-built Ford was a Model T launched in June 1925. Ford Australia also has a performance car division, Ford Performance Vehicles, with cars marketed under the FPV brand.
Both Holden and Ford Australia faced setbacks in the 2010s. Ford announced in May 2013 that it would end Australian production in October 2016, but it remains a competitor in the Australian marketplace with imported vehicles. Holden and Toyota Australia factories closed in late 2017, and Holden was shuttered in 2020 and is no longer sold as a GM brand. Despite these closures, Ford's design and development facilities remain in operation, leaving Australia as one of 13 countries with the capabilities to design and develop mass-market cars from scratch.
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Frequently asked questions
As of 2015, there were 56 car manufacturers in Australia. However, by 2017, many of the major car manufacturers in Australia, including Holden, Ford, and Toyota, had ceased local production.
Ford Australia closed its engine and vehicle plants in October 2016, followed by Holden and Toyota Australia in late 2017.
Yes, Corsa Specialised Vehicles (CSV) is a small-scale automaker established in 1994 and based in Mildura, Australia.
Some iconic Australian car brands that are no longer manufactured include Australian Motor Industries (AMI), Rootes Australia, Australian Six, Birrana, and Giocattolo.
As of 2023, Toyota remains the top-selling car brand in Australia, followed by Tesla, Cupra, Nissan, Volkswagen, and Ford.
