Three years, three records. Once again, Australians have broken the annual car sales record. But this time, the pace feels different \u2014 less like a boom, more like a quiet push over the line. A record\u2019s a record, sure, but behind the headline, the market seems to be shifting gear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 2025, new-car sales in Australia reached 1,241,037 vehicles, according to official data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. That\u2019s a new all-time high, nudging just 0.3% above the previous year\u2019s total, reports Drive<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many had predicted a downturn, given the combination of rising interest rates, stretched household budgets and a cooling post-COVID market. But December came in strong, with over 101,000 deliveries, lifting the annual figure just enough to set a fresh record. And since these figures reflect cars delivered \u2014 not just ordered \u2014 they offer a solid snapshot of actual buyer behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n