- Chinese automakers are forecast to capture 58% of Australia’s new-car market by 2035.
- BYD drove the surge with 18,881 June sales, up 131.5% year‑on‑year.
- Australian buyers now prioritize ownership costs, lifting EV consideration to 41%.
The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) has forecast that Chinese automotive brands could account for around 58% of Australia’s new vehicle market by 2035, exceeding previous estimates.
The projection is based on the continued growth of Chinese brands’ market share in Australia in recent years, as well as shifting priorities among local consumers considering electric vehicle purchases.
The survey showed that 45% of consumers interested in buying an EV cited lower ownership and charging costs as their primary purchase motivation.
This marks the first time in more than four years of AADA’s surveys that economic factors have overtaken environmental considerations.
Meanwhile, 55% of respondents said rising petrol and diesel prices have further increased the appeal of EVs.
The share of Australian consumers willing to consider purchasing an electric vehicle has now risen to 41%.
AADA said fluctuations in global energy markets and higher fuel prices have prompted Australian consumers to pay greater attention to total vehicle ownership costs.
This shift is creating new growth opportunities for Chinese automakers.
In recent years, Chinese brands have continued expanding their product offerings in Australia, moving beyond pure electric vehicles into plug-in hybrids and hybrid models, while gaining market share through competitive pricing, vehicle features and lower charging costs.
According to VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), China-made vehicles reached sales above 34,500 units in Australia in June.
This figure accounts for 25% of the country’s new vehicle market and maintaining China’s position as Australia’s largest source of imported vehicles.
Among them, BYD remained one of the fastest-growing brands.
The company sold 18,881 vehicles in June, up 131.5% year on year, ranking second among all brands in Australia for the third consecutive month.
Meanwhile, other Chinese brands including MG and Chery also maintained growth momentum, while newer entrants have gradually increased deliveries.
If Tesla and Polestar models produced in Chinese factories are also included, China-made vehicles accounted for around 35.5% of Australia’s market in June, approaching 40%.
AADA also noted that competition in Australia’s automotive market is continuing to intensify. The number of brands competing in the market is expected to reach 67 in 2026 and rise further to 75 by 2031.
As more brands enter the market, EV offerings expand and consumers place greater emphasis on ownership costs, Chinese automakers are expected to further strengthen their competitiveness in Australia.
The country is likely to remain a key growth market for Chinese automakers’ overseas expansion strategies.
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