Damon Mcknight
Australia has a rich history of car manufacturing, dating back to the early days of the automotive industry. While the country is no longer a major player in the global car market, there are still some notable vehicles that are made in Australia or were historically produced there. From the early days of the Highland and the Phaeton steam car to more recent models like the Holden Commodore and the Mazda CX-5, Australia has contributed to the world of automotive design and innovation. Today, the focus has shifted towards electric vehicles, with Tesla leading the way in this category. As the Australian car market continues to evolve, there may be new opportunities for local manufacturing and the creation of vehicles that are made in Australia once again.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Vehicles currently made in Australia | None |
| First car made in Australia | The Phaeton, a steam car made in 1896 by Herbert Thomson and Edward Holmes of Armadale, Melbourne |
| First Australian-built Ford | Model T launched in June 1925 |
| Tyre manufacturing in Australia | Last tyre factory closed in April 2010 |
| Mainstream automotive manufacturers in Australia | Build heavy vehicles |
| Small-scale automakers in Australia | Corsa Specialised Vehicles (CSV) |
| Australian car brands that ceased production | Holden, Birrana, Giocattolo, Finlayson Bros & Co. Pty Ltd, Haines & Grut Motor Buggy Co. Pty Ltd, J.A.C. Ziegler, Knowles Automobile and Motor Power Co., Pioneer, Australian Horseless Carriage Syndicate, Renault (Australia) Pty Ltd, Rootes Australia |
| Top-selling vehicles in Australia | Ford Ranger, Toyota HiLux, Mazda CX-5, Kia Sportage, Hyundai i30, Tesla Model Y, MG ZS |
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What You'll Learn
Australia's most popular vehicles
Australia has a rich history of car manufacturing, although the sector has been in decline since 2007. Holden, for example, was an Australian company that manufactured cars on native soil until 2017 when it ceased production and switched to importing vehicles from plants in Germany, Canada, and the USA. Despite this, Holden models like the Commodore and the seven-seater Acadia SUV remain popular in Australia.
In 2023, the Ford Ranger topped the list as the best-selling vehicle in Australia. The Ford Ranger is a locally developed ute that overtook the Toyota Hilux as the number-one seller in 2023. The Toyota Hilux has been one of the best-selling cars in Australia for years, topping the list of car sales in Australia six times in 2023. The Hilux offers petrol and diesel options, as well as plenty of add-ons, and is known for its toughness and reliability.
Toyota is the most popular car brand in Australia, with the RAV4 and Corolla Cross also being top-selling models. The Toyota RAV4 is a medium-sized SUV that almost doubled its 2023 sales, moving from fourth place on the charts to the runner-up spot in 2024. The Corolla was named the best-selling car in the world in 2022 with 1.12 million total sales.
Mazda is the second most popular car brand in Australia, with the Mazda CX-5 being the most popular in its category. The Mazda CX-5 is a mid-size SUV that is affordable, stylish, and spacious, making it a popular family vehicle.
Other popular vehicles in Australia include the Hyundai i30, which is a favourite choice among Australians for hatchbacks, and the Kia Sportage, which is the top-selling vehicle in Australia for its brand. For electric vehicles, the Tesla Model Y is the most popular choice, with sales increasing by 230% and offering trusted all-wheel-drive capabilities.
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Australian-made electric vehicles
Australia's car manufacturing industry has been in decline since 2007, with factories closing and brands like Holden, a subsidiary of GM, choosing to import their cars instead. However, this doesn't mean that there aren't any Australian-made vehicles left on the roads. In fact, there are several electric vehicle (EV) companies that are stepping up to fill the gap.
One such company is the ACE EV Group, which manufactures fully electric, light commercial vehicles in Australia. ACE EV was established in Queensland in 2016 and is now based in Adelaide. They plan to launch multiple models, including the Cargo light commercial, the Yewt ute, and the Urban passenger car, with prices starting from under $40,000. The vehicles are designed around a modular carbon-fibre chassis that can be assembled in just 18 hours and will be built in Adelaide by Aldom Electric Vehicle Manufacturing. ACE EV hopes to eventually produce 20,000 vehicles annually and export them to right-hand drive markets like Japan and the UK.
Another Australian-made EV is the Tesla Model Y, which has seen a 230% increase in sales and has become one of the top-selling cars in Australia. Tesla remains ahead of the competition in the Australian EV market, offering value-for-money options that are trusted on the road.
The Good Car Company is also working to make EVs more accessible in Australia. They import affordable, high-quality EVs and work with communities to deliver bulk-buy options.
While the Australian automotive industry may not be what it once was, these companies are leading the way in the transition to sustainable electric vehicles.
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Australian vehicle manufacturing history
Australia has a rich history of vehicle manufacturing, with Australian constructors playing a very active role in the early development of cars and aircraft. Due to the country's isolation, it was often more practical for Australia to make their own cars. The Highland was one of the first types of automobiles offered for sale in Australia in 1894 as a primitive motorized tricycle, followed by a four-wheeled, two-seater vehicle in 1896.
The first true cars made in Australia were steam cars. The Phaeton, built in 1896 by Herbert Thomson and Edward Holmes of Armadale, Melbourne, was the first of its kind. It was exhibited in 1900 using the first pneumatic tyres made in Australia by Dunlop. This was followed by many improved designs, including the first fully enclosed car body made in Australia. Local production of components such as engines, gearboxes, and rear axles also began during this early period.
In 1903, the Australian Motoring Association was formed in New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria to protect motorists' interests. This was followed by the formation of the Australian Automobile Association in 1924. Ford entered the Australian market in 1925, establishing its headquarters in Geelong, Victoria, and launching the first Australian-built Ford, a Model T. Tyre manufacturing also existed in Australia, with Bridgestone being the last manufacturer to cease production in 2010.
Over the years, Australia has seen the rise and fall of many vehicle manufacturers. Small-scale producers like Corsa Specialised Vehicles (CSV) and iconic brands like Holden, a subsidiary of GM, have left their mark on the industry. Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), the performance vehicle partner of Holden, continues to expand and innovate, offering custom rides and conversions. However, large-scale production of light vehicles ended in 2017 with Holden's departure, marking a significant shift in the industry.
While car manufacturing in Australia has declined in recent years, with all vehicles currently sold in the country being imported, there is a new focus on electric vehicles (EVs) and a belief that the industry can be revived in an "environmentally and socially transformative" way. Australia's mineral resources are expected to play a crucial role in this transformation. Additionally, there has been a spike in demand for international vehicles to be locally modified, showcasing the ongoing evolution of Australia's automotive industry.
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Australian vehicles imported/exported
Australia's automotive industry has been in decline since 2007, with factories closing and car brands like Holden, a subsidiary of GM, choosing to import their vehicles from other countries. Despite this, Australia still has a rich history of car manufacturing, with classic Australian cars and contemporary models like the Elfin T5 and MS8 Streamliner.
Australian Vehicles Exported
If you want to export a car from Australia, there are several steps and requirements to follow. Firstly, you need to determine whether the vehicle is a road vehicle or a non-road vehicle, as the process differs. For a non-road vehicle such as a motorized wheelchair, quad bike, or golf cart, you are not required to obtain a road vehicle import approval. However, you can apply for an Advisory Notice from the department to help clear your non-road vehicle through customs.
For exporting a road vehicle from Australia, you must obtain an import approval. This can be done through ROVER, the department's online application and approval portal. There are different types of import approval applications, and you should select the one that suits your specific circumstances. It is essential to allow enough time for your application to be assessed, which can take up to 60 business days.
When exporting a car from Australia, there are certain requirements and preparations to be made. These include:
- Running down the fuel to a certain level, depending on the shipping method.
- Thoroughly cleaning the car, ensuring it is free from food, oil, grease, animal material, dirt, and plant material.
- Providing the necessary documents, such as a copy of the registered owner's passport or driver's license, copy of registration papers, copy of the bill of sale, photos of the car, and odometer reading (for certain countries).
- Checking with the destination country regarding any specific requirements or restrictions, such as the import of damaged vehicles or the shipping of personal effects.
Australian Vehicles Imported
While Australia once had a thriving automotive industry, with brands like Holden, Ford Australia's FPV, Birrana, Giocattolo, and Australian Six, the landscape has changed. Holden, for instance, ceased local production in 2017 and now imports its vehicles from Germany, Canada, and the USA. Despite this shift, Holden models like the Commodore and the seven-seater Acadia SUV remain popular.
The process of importing a vehicle into Australia involves multiple government agencies, and it is essential to familiarize yourself with each agency's requirements. Similar to exporting, the first step is to determine whether the vehicle is a road vehicle or a non-road vehicle, as the requirements differ. For road vehicles, the Register of Approved Vehicles (RAV) plays a crucial role. The RAV is a database of vehicles that have met the requirements of the RVS legislation and been approved for the Australian market. Obtaining an import approval is crucial, and it is an offence to import a road vehicle into Australia without this approval.
It is worth noting that certain circumstances may allow for non-RAV entry import approval, such as testing, market evaluation, or significantly modified vehicles. Additionally, a reimportation import approval exists for owners who have previously exported their vehicles and wish to bring them back into Australia. When importing a vehicle into Australia, it is important to be aware of the asbestos regulations, as the importation of asbestos is prohibited in almost all circumstances.
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Australian vehicles: past and future
The Australian car manufacturing industry has a rich history, with the country being very active in the early days of automobile development. However, in recent years, the industry has been in decline, with all vehicles sold in Australia now being imported. Despite this, there are still some notable Australian vehicles and manufacturers that have contributed to the country's automotive sector.
The Early Days
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Australia saw the emergence of early automobile manufacturers such as Finlayson Bros & Co. Pty Ltd (1900-1904), Haines & Grut Motor Buggy Co. Pty Ltd (1908-1909), and the Australian Horseless Carriage Syndicate (1897-?). The first automobiles offered for sale in Australia were primitive motorised tricycles, with the Highland being one of the first of its kind in 1894.
The Golden Years
The first true cars made in Australia were steam cars. The Phaeton, made in 1896 by Herbert Thomson and Edward Holmes of Armadale, Melbourne, was a notable example. Over time, designs improved, and locally produced components like engines, gearboxes, and rear axles were incorporated. The Australian Motoring Association was formed in 1903, followed by the Australian Automobile Association in 1924, to protect the interests of motorists.
Ford established its Australian headquarters in Geelong, Victoria, in 1925, and the first Australian-built Ford, a Model T, was launched the same year. Other notable Australian car brands from the past include Holden, which was an Australian company manufacturing cars locally until 2017, and Birrana, which left its mark on the country's racecar driving scene.
The Decline
The Australian car market has faced challenges in recent years, with high manufacturing and labour costs, rising inflation rates, and a shift in consumer preferences towards imported SUVs and small cars from other Asian countries. This led to the departure of major manufacturers like Mitsubishi, Ford, Toyota, and Holden between 2004 and 2017, marking the end of large-scale production of light vehicles in the country.
A Glimmer of Hope
While there are currently no cars being completely made in Australia, the focus on electric vehicles (EVs) presents an opportunity for the country to rebuild its automotive industry. Australia's rich mineral resources can be leveraged to locally produce electric vehicles, offering an "environmentally and socially transformative" approach, according to the Australia Institute's Carmichael Centre.
Additionally, there is still a presence of small-scale producers and modifiers of vehicles in Australia, such as Corsa Specialised Vehicles (CSV) and Holden Special Vehicles (HSV), the latter of which continues to expand its staff and production.
Current Favourites
As of 2023, Toyota remained the most popular car brand in Australia, with the HiLux being a top-selling model. Mazda's CX-5 was the second most popular, and the brand is expected to increase its sales with updated models. Other popular vehicles in Australia include the Kia Sportage, Hyundai i30, and the Tesla Model Y, showcasing a preference for SUVs and electric vehicles.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there are no cars being completely made in Australia at the moment. However, there are a few small-scale producers of cars in Australia, such as Corsa Specialised Vehicles (CSV), which was established in 1994 and manufactures high-performance cars.
Some vehicles that were previously manufactured in Australia include the Highland, the Phaeton, the first fully enclosed car body, the Ford Model T, and the Holden Commodore. Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) also used to manufacture cars in Australia but now focus on converting Camaro muscle cars and Silverado pickups from left-hand drive to right-hand drive.
Some popular vehicles in Australia include the Mazda CX-5, the Kia Sportage, the Toyota RAV4, and the Tesla Model Y.
