In April 2025, Australia’s automotive market experienced significant changes in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid segments. The removal of the Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption for plug-in hybrids led to a sharp decline in their sales, while traditional hybrids saw a modest decrease. This report delves into the top-selling models and the factors influencing these trends.
List of top 10 combined hybrid vehicles by volume (HEVs + PHEVs)
| Rank | Model | Volume |
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 3801 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | 1630 |
| 3 | BYD Shark 6 | 1293 |
| 4 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 1202 |
| 5 | Toyota Camry | 841 |
| 6 | Hyundai Tucson | 699 |
| 7 | Hyundai Kona | 615 |
| 8 | Toyota Yaris Cross | 574 |
| 9 | Hyundai Santa Fe | 363 |
| 10 | Lexus NX | 347 |
Hybrid Vehicle Sales
Hybrid vehicles accounted for 14,288 sales in April 2025, marking a 6% decrease compared to April 2024. Toyota continued to dominate this segment, with several models leading the sales charts.
List of Top 10 Hybrid Vehicles by volume in April 2025
| Rank | Model | Volume |
| 1 | Toyota RAV4 | 3801 |
| 2 | Toyota Corolla | 1630 |
| 3 | Toyota Corolla Cross | 1202 |
| 4 | Toyota Camry | 841 |
| 5 | Hyundai Tucson | 699 |
| 6 | Hyundai Kona | 615 |
| 7 | Toyota Yaris Cross | 574 |
| 8 | Hyundai Santa Fe | 363 |
| 9 | Lexus NX | 347 |
| 10 | Kia Sportage | 340 |
Toyota’s strong presence is evident, with five models in the top ten. Hyundai also made significant inroads, particularly with the Tucson and Kona.
Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Sales
Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) sales experienced a substantial decline in April 2025, totalling 2,601 units—a 62.5% drop from March’s 6,944 units. This downturn is largely attributed to the cessation of the FBT exemption on March 31.
List of top 10 Plug-In hybrids by volume
| Rank | Model | Volume |
| 1 | BYD Shark 6 | 1293 |
| 2 | BYD Sealion 6 | 275 |
| 3 | GWM Haval H6 | 179 |
| 4 | Mitsubishi Outlander | 114 |
| 5 | MG BMW X3 | 92 |
| 6 | Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross | 51 |
| 7 | Mazda CX-60 | 49 |
| 8 | Lexus RX | 46 |
| 9 | BMW X5 | 44 |
| 10 | Ford Ranger 4X4 | 42 |
Market insights
The removal of the FBT exemption has had a pronounced effect on PHEV sales, highlighting the sensitivity of this market segment to government incentives. While traditional hybrids have also seen a slight decline, their sales remain robust, indicating sustained consumer interest. Manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai continue to lead in hybrid offerings, while BYD’s presence in the PHEV market is notable despite recent challenges.
Conclusion
April 2025’s sales data reflects the dynamic nature of Australia’s automotive market, particularly in the hybrid and plug-in hybrid segments. Policy changes have immediate and significant impacts on consumer behavior, as evidenced by the sharp decline in PHEV sales following the end of the FBT exemption. As manufacturers and policymakers navigate this evolving landscape, understanding these trends will be crucial for future planning and strategy.
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