China has become Australia’s largest source of new vehicles for the first time in a single month, according to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.
In February 2026, 22,362 vehicles sourced from China were sold in Australia, surpassing Japan (21,671), Thailand (19,493) and South Korea (11,913). Japan had been Australia’s leading source of vehicles since 1998.
Australia’s new vehicle market recorded 90,712 sales in February, a decrease of 4,281 vehicles or 4.5 per cent compared with February last year.
“After 28 years, Japan has been overtaken by China as the largest source of vehicles for the Australian market in a single month,” Mr Weber said.
Since 2020, 10 new brands have entered the Australian market. Six of these launched in the past two years, while nine of the 10 new entrants are made in China.
“The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world. New brands can enter, establish dealer networks and compete on price, technology and design. Consumers are the beneficiaries of that competition,” Mr Weber said.
Battery electric vehicles accounted for 11.8 per cent of total sales from all sources in February, representing a record high monthly share.
Toyota was the market leader in February with sales of 13,606 during February, followed by Mazda (7,042), Ford (6,907), Kia (6,710) and Hyundai (6,266). The top models were the Ford Ranger (4,325) Toyota HiLux (3,625), Chery Tiggo 4 Pro (2,315) Mazda CX-5 (2,099) and Isuzu Ute D-Max (2,092).
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory fell 18.7 per cent to 1,187; New South Wales declined 7.6 per cent to 27,524; the Northern Territory decreased 15.8 per cent to 727; Queensland fell 2.8 per cent to 19,644; South Australia declined 8.7 per cent to 5,673; Tasmania fell 6.4 per cent to 1,384; Victoria remained steady at 24,732; and Western Australia declined 3.9 per cent to 9,841.
VFACTS FEBRUARY 2026
Summary by Class:
Key Points:
- The February 2026 market of 90,712 shows a decrease in new vehicle sales of 4,281 (-4.5%) compared to February 2025 (94,993). There were 24 selling days in both February 2025 and February 2026 resulting in a decrease of 178.4 vehicle sales per day in February 2026.
- The Passenger Vehicle Market is down by 145 vehicle sales (-1.1%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is down by 3,545 vehicle sales (6.2%); the Light Commercial Market is down by 146 vehicle sales (-0.7%) and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is down by 445 vehicle sales (-12.9%) versus February 2025.
- Toyota was market leader in February, followed by Mazda and Ford. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 6,564 vehicle sales and 7.2 market share points.by Mazda and Kia. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 6,618 vehicle sales and 7.6 market share points.
SALES RESULTS:
Top 10 Models (by sales volume): State/Territory results (by sales volume):
Total Vehicle Sales – Year to Date:
