Australian car sales records tumble as Tesla edges into Holden territory

A total of 140,058 new vehicles were delivered to Australian customers in June 2026, representing a new record for monthly vehicle sales locally.

Figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and Electric Vehicle Council (EVC) show last month far eclipsed the previous record of 134,171 new vehicle deliveries, set back in June 2017.

To date, three of the four biggest months in history have been June, largely driven by end of financial year sales in the industry, as well as businesses looking to get in purchases prior to July 1.

For the second straight month, the best-selling vehicle in Australia was the Tesla Model Y, with a total of 8072 deliveries – not only clearing its previous record set of 5605 set in May, but more than 2000 cars clear of the second-placed Ford Ranger.

It’s understood to be the first time since the heyday of the Holden Commodore in the mid-2000s that a vehicle has reached such heights, with the most recent peak being Ford’s 7767 Ranger deliveries in December 2023.

The monthly record for a single vehicle still stands with the VY Holden Commodore, which peaked at 9667 deliveries in October 2003.

Tesla’s Model Y led EVs to a new record market share of 23.3 per cent, with a total of 32,570 deliveries, becoming the second-most popular fuel source behind petrol vehicles (34,717), while surpassing diesels (31,789) for the first time.

Combined, EVs, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), and hybrids accounted for 69,379 deliveries, or 49.5 per cent of the market. When heavy commercial vehicles are taken out of the equation, electrified vehicles were 51.1 per cent of all passenger vehicle deliveries.

“The Australian automotive market has shifted on its axis during the first months of 2026. This year is likely to represent a significant turning point for the Australian automotive industry,” said Tony Weber, FCAI chief executive.

“Global uncertainty, including conflict in the Middle East and volatility in petrol prices, appears to have sharpened consumer interest in vehicles that reduce exposure to fuel prices. 

“While these factors have had a short-term impact, part of the EV growth would appear to be a permanent structural shift.”

With the Model Y leading the way amongst individual vehicles and BYD – as previously reported – coming within less than 250 deliveries of Toyota, China has well and truly established itself as the new top exporter of vehicles to Australia.

Last month, 55,516 new cars came from China, representing a market share of 39.6 per cent, eclipsing its May record of 37,229 vehicles and a 34.8 per cent market share. Japan was last the leader in January, and at this rate won’t recover its status for the foreseeable future.

Top 10 best-selling car brands in June 2026

Top 10 best-selling cars in June 2026