The VFACTS April 2026 car sales data for Australia is out now, and it shows one clear observation: Aussies aren’t just buying cars anymore, they’re making smarter, more calculated decisions. And right now, the winners are affordable, efficient, and electrified cars.
The most sold car brand in Australia is still (see March 2026 data), Toyota, followed now by BYD, Kia, Hyundai, and Ford in the top 5 automakers by sales. The electric car lineup of BYD has surprised everyone with a 8.3% market share in April 2026. China remains the top source of new cars Down Under since February 2026, now.
Top 10 car brands sold in April 2026 in Australia
| Brand | April 2026 sales | Market share | MoM change vs March 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota | 15,185 | 16.4% | -8.4% |
| BYD | 7,702 | 8.3% | +6.72% |
| Kia | 6,450 | 7.0% | -11.9% |
| Hyundai | 6,002 | 6.5% | -14% |
| Ford | 5,748 | 6.2% | -19.6% |
| Mazda | 5,636 | 6.1% | -21.2% |
| GWM | 4,717 | 5.1% | -23.9% |
| Chery | 4,322 | 4.7% | +7.56% |
| MG | 3,678 | 4.0% | -12.8% |
| Isuzu Ute | 3,447 | 3.7% | -2.21% |
Key observations for April 2026 sales
The overall vehicle sales (93,816) have gone down by 13.57% MoM since March 2026, but the market share of electrified (EV, Hybrid, PHEVs) vehicles has actually increased (+7.3%) MoM vs. March 2026.
1. Chinese brands driving growth of new car sales
28,041 Chinese cars were sold in Australia in the month of April 2026, the highest by any country of origin. BYD showed explosive growth by jumping up to the number two spot for the highest-selling car brand. BYD has strong demand across its EV lineup, with Atto 1 (533) and Dolphin (445) recording the most sales. It could not, still, beat Toyota, which topped the charts, led by the Toyota RAV 4 (3,729).
Chery and GWM have also kept up in the top ten with strong sales, and MG is still relevant in the value space. Chinese cars typically offer lower upfront cost, strong EV/PHEV portfolios and more features per Australian dollar.
2. Fuel crisis has influenced buying psychology
Petrol/diesel car demand has declined since last month (March 2026) and YoY. Australians are no longer asking “Should I go electric?” They’re asking “How much will I save if I don’t?” People are buying smaller and more efficient cars, as suggested by the rise in the sales of small cars and small and medium SUVs. Toyota RAV4 was the top-selling (3,729) SUV in the medium and overall SUV category in April 2026.
3. Isuzu ute outsells Mitsubishi
Isuzu Ute D-Max 4X4 sales push the brand to sell more than Mitsubishi (3,242) while still recording a -2.21% Month-on-Month decline since March 2026. This shows that even with falling diesel demand overall, utes still matter for tradies.
Isuzu outsold Mitsubishi despite Outlander & Triton doing well, and the discontinuation of models like Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport, and the old ASX.
4. Only two brands posted a positive MoM change
Only BYD (+6.72%) and Chery (+7.56%), both Chinese auto makers, showed a positive Month-on-Month growth in April 2026 since March 2026. GWM declined the most (-23.9% MoM), due to rising competition from other brands (BYD, Kia, Hyundai), EVs, hybrid cars, and PHEVs. But the demand for electrified vehicles kept GWM in the top 10. Even the outgoing GWM Ora EV sold 197 units.
5. Ford and Mazda have lost some ground
Both brands slipped in place and gave way to rising Kia, Hyundai, and BYD. Ford F-150 and Mustang Mach-E were the bright spots for Ford. Mazda saw drops across core models while recording significant sales for MX-5 and new SUVs (CX-60, CX-80, CX-90). Both are strong brands, but right now they’re playing catch-up in the EV and efficiency game.
See the top-selling car models and best-selling SUVs in Australia for April 2026.
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