Car Brands In Australia: How Many Exist?

how many car brands are in australia

Australia's auto market is mature, with a wide range of car brands available to consumers. In 2021, 60 vehicle brands and 380 vehicle models were sold in the Australian market. Some of the most popular car brands in Australia include Ford, Holden, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Volkswagen, Isuzu, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Toyota, Nissan, Jeep, and Chevrolet.

Characteristics Values
Number of car brands in Australia 60
Number of vehicle models sold in Australia 380
Number of dealer locations in Australia 3,600
Number of new passenger cars, SUVs, and commercial vehicles sold in Australia in 2021 1,049,831
Percentage of the market made up by SUV sales in 2021 49.6%
Percentage of the market made up by passenger car sales in 2021 24.2%
Percentage of the market made up by light commercial vehicle sales in 2021 22.4%
Percentage of the market made up by heavy commercial vehicle sales in 2021 6.4%
Popular car brands in Australia Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, Nissan, Mazda, Volkswagen, Jeep, Holden, Chevrolet, Subaru, Hyundai, Kia, Lamborghini, Lexus, Renault, Alfa Romeo, Land Rover, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, Honda

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Australian-manufactured cars

Australia has a long history of automobile manufacturing, with several brands having emerged in the country over the years. While some Australian-manufactured car brands like Finlayson Bros & Co. Pty Ltd and Haines & Grut Motor Buggy Co. Pty Ltd operated in the early 1900s, others like Holden and Ford established themselves as iconic Australian car brands in the 20th century.

Holden, an Australian subsidiary, produced its first car in 1948 and went on to introduce numerous models that became beloved by Aussie drivers. The Holden Commodore, an iconic Aussie sedan, and the Holden Colorado, a versatile ute, are classic examples of their range. However, Holden ceased vehicle assembly in 2017 and stopped trading entirely in 2020.

Ford Australia, a subsidiary of Ford Motors, has also solidified its position as one of the top car brands in the country. Their Ford Rangers were the second most popular models sold in 2022, showcasing their enduring appeal.

Other notable Australian-manufactured car brands include Toyota, which remains the top-selling brand in Australia, and Mitsubishi, which sold over 75,000 cars in the Australian market in 2022. Toyota's Lexus brand, founded in 1989, offers luxury vehicles, including sedans, hatches, SUVs, and sports cars. Mitsubishi's Triton ute is particularly popular among Australians, contributing significantly to their sales.

In addition, several other international brands have gained a strong presence in Australia, including Hyundai, Mazda, Volkswagen, and Kia. Hyundai, the parent company of Kia, has a diverse range of vehicles, from sporty coupes to SUVs, and has become a household name in Australia. Mazda's CX-5, known for its style, affordability, and excellent fuel economy, has also made it one of the most popular car brands in the country.

While the Australian automotive market is diverse, with about 49 marques competing, the country's history of local manufacturing has left a lasting impact, shaping the automotive landscape and leaving a legacy of iconic Australian car brands.

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Imported cars

Australia has a wide range of imported car brands on its roads. While Ford Australia and Holden have traditionally been considered the classic Australian car brands, there are many other imported brands that have become popular in the country.

One of the newer car brands in Australia is Kia, which has seen rapid growth in both sales and reputation. The success of Kia is likely due to its parent company, Hyundai, which is one of the largest car manufacturers in the world and is itself a highly popular brand in Australia. Hyundai sold over 73,000 vehicles in Australia in 2022 alone, and its models such as the Kia Sportage have become some of the most bought cars in the country.

Mazda is another imported brand that has gained a strong foothold in the Australian market. Mazda's vehicles, such as the CX-5, offer stylish and affordable options with excellent fuel economy and high safety ratings. Mitsubishi is also a stalwart of the Australian car market, with over 75,000 cars sold in 2022, including the iconic Triton ute.

Other imported car brands that have found success in Australia include Volkswagen, with its iconic Golf GTI, and Isuzu, whose Ute D-Max has become a popular choice for tradies due to its affordable price and impressive towing power. Subaru is also a trusted brand in Australia, offering both reliable handling rally cars and safe family vehicles.

In addition to these mainstream brands, Australia has also seen imports from luxury car manufacturers such as Lamborghini, which produces sought-after supercars and sports cars, including the Aventador and the Urus SUV. The British brand Lotus Cars is another example, known for its stylish and lightweight sports cars like the Elise and Evora.

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Australia has a wide range of car brands available, from local manufacturers to international names. While individual preferences vary, sales figures and surveys provide an insight into the most popular car brands in the country.

Toyota has consistently been ranked as one of the most popular car brands in Australia. According to sales data, Toyota has been the top-selling car manufacturer for decades, topping the new car sales charts for over 27 consecutive years. In 2024, Toyota led the market with 241,296 vehicles sold, more than double that of its nearest competitor. Its success is attributed to models like the Toyota RAV4, which recorded 58,718 sales in 2024, and the HiLux, a leading ute in the light commercial vehicle segment. Toyota's reputation for reliability and good quality has earned the trust of Australian consumers, solidifying its position as a favourite car brand in the country.

Ford is another prominent car brand in Australia, securing the second-highest sales in 2024 with 100,170 vehicles sold. The Ford Ranger, a versatile performance car, has been a significant contributor to Ford's success, being named Australia's best-selling vehicle for two consecutive years. Ford's strong presence in the country extends beyond sales, with models like the Ford Everest also experiencing significant growth in popularity.

Mazda is also among the top-selling car brands in Australia, ranking third in sales figures. The Mazda CX-5, known for its style, affordability, and reliability, has been a favourite among Australians, with over 22,000 vehicles sold in 2024. Mazda's excellent fuel economy, sleek design, and high safety ratings have driven their popularity in the Australian market.

Other notable mentions include Kia, which has experienced rapid growth in sales and reputation, and Mitsubishi, which saw the biggest percentage sales increase in 2024 among the top five car brands. Hyundai, as the parent company of Kia, has also established itself as a household name in Australia, offering a range of reliable vehicles.

While sales figures provide a quantitative measure of popularity, it's worth noting that other factors, such as reliability, driving experience, and value for money, also contribute to a brand's overall popularity. Surveys, like the Roy Morgan's Most Trusted Brands survey, offer insights into how Australian consumers perceive and trust different car manufacturers.

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Luxury cars

Australia is home to a variety of luxury car brands, with models to suit different preferences and budgets. The definition of a luxury car is partly based on its price, with the Australian Tax Office (ATO) setting the threshold at $76,950 for the 2023-24 financial year. However, the line between mainstream and luxury cars is becoming blurred, as some luxury brands introduce smaller, more affordable models, and mainstream brands add more features.

Some of the most well-known luxury car brands in Australia include BMW and Mercedes-Benz, which have been competing for the title of the country's most popular luxury brand for decades. In 2023, BMW took the lead, albeit by a narrow margin. Both brands offer a range of models, including smaller, more affordable options such as the BMW 1-Series and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Other luxury carmakers in Australia include Audi, Volvo, Porsche, Jaguar, and Lexus. Lexus, Toyota's prestige brand, offers a range of refined vehicles, including sedans, hatches, SUVs, 4WD wagons, and sports cars. Volvo, known for its popular SUVs like the XC40, has also ventured into electric crossovers with the EX30. Porsche, another luxury sports car brand, has seen sales increases for its 911 and Boxster models, although its electric Taycan model has seen a decrease in demand.

In addition to these established luxury brands, Australia also has a market for ultra-luxury cars, such as Bentley and Rolls-Royce. Tesla, known for its electric vehicles, is another brand that has gained a foothold in the Australian market, with its Model 3 and Model Y competing with more affordable BMWs.

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Electric cars

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular in Australia, with several brands offering electric cars to Aussie drivers.

One of the most well-known electric car brands in Australia is Tesla. Tesla is often credited with kick-starting the EV movement globally, and its Model 3 is the brand's all-time best seller. The Model 3 is a relatively affordable electric car, and its popularity has made it a traditional three-box sedan. The Tesla Model Y, a mid-size SUV, is the world's best-selling vehicle.

Another prominent player in the Australian EV market is Hyundai, which has rapidly expanded its EV range. Hyundai's Ioniq 5 is a competitively priced, full-electric version of its successful small SUV. The Ioniq 6 showcases Hyundai's willingness to experiment with unusual body shapes, offering a large sedan with a unique design. Hyundai's luxury brand, Genesis, also offers the GV60 in two different all-wheel-drive variants, featuring impressive charging capabilities.

Chinese car manufacturers have also entered the Australian EV market. Chery, a state-owned corporation, launched an electric SUV, the Chery E5, which is positioned at the more affordable end of the market. Geely, another Chinese automotive giant, has launched the EX5, a mid-size SUV that competes with the Tesla Model Y. Deepal, a sub-brand of Changan, offers the S07, which is another electric SUV that competes with the Tesla Model Y in size.

Other notable electric car brands in Australia include Volvo, with its EX30 crossover and EX40 small SUV; Fiat, which has created an electric version of its iconic 500 city car, the 500e; and Ford, which introduced the Mustang Mach-E and the E-Transit light commercial vehicle to the Australian market.

While some brands are embracing electrification, others are lagging. Toyota, despite pioneering hybrid drivetrains, was slow to adopt fully electric models. However, the Toyota bZ4X mid-size SUV, developed in partnership with Subaru, marks the company's first mainstream dedicated electric model.

The Australian EV market is diverse, with options ranging from affordable to luxury, and from compact hatchbacks to large SUVs. With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles, Australians have a growing number of choices when it comes to embracing the electrification of their car fleets.

Frequently asked questions

There are 60 vehicle brands and 380 vehicle models sold in the Australian market.

Popular car brands in Australia include Toyota, Ford, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Holden, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Subaru, Hyundai, and Kia.

Best-selling car models in Australia include the Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda CX-5, and Kia Sportage.

Yes, luxury car brands such as Lexus, Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes Benz, and Lamborghini are available in the Australian market.

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