Thinking about buying a new car, EV or caravan this year? Understanding what’s happening in the Australian car market can help you make a smarter financial decision — especially when it comes to getting the right loan.
At MOVE Bank, we’ve pulled together the latest stats and insights to help you stay ahead.
🚗 New Car Sales: Slight Dip, But Plenty of Choice
Despite some early-year slowdowns, Aussies are still buying cars in big numbers.
- In March 2025, Australians purchased 108,606 new vehicles, just 0.9% lower than the same time last year (FCAI).
- In February, sales were down 9.6% year-on-year, reflecting broader economic conditions (Savings.com.au).
- However, 2024 ended strong, with more than 1.22 million new cars sold across the year — slightly more than in 2023.
With the market stabilising after supply shortages, many brands are now offering more stock, faster delivery, and bigger discounts, giving buyers more power to negotiate.
⚡ Electric and Low-Emission Vehicles: A Mixed Start
Electric vehicle (EV) sales have cooled slightly in early 2025:
- Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made up just 4.4% of new car sales in January — their lowest share since 2022 (Driving Enthusiast).
- However, plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) saw a boost in March as buyers rushed to beat the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption deadline (WhichCar).
Chinese brands like BYD are also shaking up the market. In 2024, BYD made up nearly a quarter of all EV sales, and it’s tipped to overtake Tesla by the end of 2025 (Washington Post).
💸 Good News for Buyers: Prices Are More Competitive
After years of tight supply and long waitlists, the balance has shifted.
There’s now a growing oversupply of vehicles, which means better deals, more incentives, and quicker delivery times for Australian buyers (Fleet Auto News).
With manufacturers keen to maintain momentum, it’s a good time to:
- Negotiate on price
- Take advantage of dealer offers
- Compare finance options, like MOVE Bank’s low-rate car loans and green car loan for eligible low-emission vehicles
🏆 Most Popular Vehicles So Far in 2025
If you're wondering what cars are topping the charts:
- The Toyota RAV4 led the pack in January 2025, followed by the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux (CarSauce).
These models reflect continued demand for SUVs and dual-cab utes — perfect for both city driving and regional road trips.
🚘 Planning to Buy in 2025?
Whether you're upgrading your car, going electric, or setting off in a caravan, MOVE Bank offers:
- ✅ Competitive fixed-rate car loans
- ✅ Special rates for eligible green vehicles
- ✅ No monthly fees
- ✅ Flexible repayments and redraw
We’re member-owned and here to help you finance your next move — without the stress.
Ready to Apply?
Start your application online or contact us to learn more. Apply Now or talk to a Lending Specialist here!
This article is for general information purposes only and is not intended as financial or professional advice. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product or other professional advice. You should seek your own independent financial, legal and taxation advice before making any decision about any action in relation to the material in this article.
Sources:
- Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries – March 2025
- Savings.com.au – Car Loan Statistics
- Driving Enthusiast – January 2025 VFACTS
- WhichCar – EV and PHEV Sales March 2025
- Washington Post – China’s BYD in Australia
- Fleet Auto News – Market Trends 2025
- CarSauce – Top Selling Vehicles Jan 2025
