China-Made Cars Capture 37% of Australia’s Auto Market in July

According to data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Australia recorded 103,656 new vehicle registrations in July 2026, up 0.5% year-on-year and marking the highest July total on record.

Including brands such as Tesla and Polestar, which are not covered by the VFACTS reporting system, total vehicle sales across all channels reached 108,577 units, up 4.2% from a year earlier.

New energy vehicles continued to drive market growth. Battery electric vehicle (BEV) sales reached 23,510 units in July, accounting for 21.7% of Australia’s new vehicle market.

Following a record-high share in June, BEVs accounted for more than one-fifth of new vehicle sales for the second consecutive month, underscoring the continued rise in electrification.

As the EV market expanded, Chinese brands further increased their presence in Australia.

Under the VFACTS reporting methodology, Chinese automotive brands sold 33,634 vehicles in July, representing approximately 31% of the Australian market.

China remained Australia’s largest source of imported vehicles for the sixth consecutive month.

During the same period, vehicle sales by country of origin totaled 26,292 units for Japan, 17,604 for Thailand, 11,622 for South Korea and 4,291 for Germany.

Among individual brands, BYD maintained strong momentum.

The automaker sold 7,857 vehicles in July, up 70.5% year-on-year, ranking as Australia’s second best-selling automotive brand for the fourth consecutive month.

The BYD Sealion 07 recorded 2,548 deliveries during the month, up 78.6% year-on-year, making it Australia’s fourth best-selling vehicle model.

During the first seven months of 2026, BYD’s cumulative sales reached 60,192 units, up 115% year-on-year.

This lifts its market share to 8.5% and reinforces its position as the leading Chinese automotive brand in Australia.

Other Chinese brands also posted solid growth. Chery sold 4,518 vehicles in July, up 49% year-on-year, with the Tiggo 4 contributing 2,156 units and ranking among Australia’s five best-selling vehicle models.

SAIC Motor’s MG delivered 3,685 vehicles during the month, up 28.1% year-on-year. Its cumulative sales for the first seven months reached 27,430 units.

Great Wall Motor sold 4,615 vehicles in July, down 19.3% year-on-year, making it the only Chinese brand among Australia’s top 10 best-selling brands to post a year-on-year decline.

Notably, when China-built vehicles from Tesla and Polestar are included, total sales of vehicles manufactured in China reached 38,555 units in July, accounting for 37% of Australia’s new vehicle market.

Among them, the Shanghai Gigafactory-built Tesla Model Y recorded 4,644 registrations, retaining its position as Australia’s best-selling battery electric vehicle.

Combined July sales of Tesla and Polestar reached 4,921 units, up 329% year-on-year.

Earlier, the Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) projected that Chinese brands could account for approximately 58% of Australia’s new vehicle market by 2035.

Current market performance suggests Chinese automakers continue to strengthen their presence in Australia, with new energy vehicles remaining the primary driver of that expansion.