Australian Truck Market Exhibits Signs of Recovery in Third Quarter of 2025

According to the Truck Industry Council (TIC), a total of 33,727 heavy vehicles were sold by the end of September 2025. While this represents a decrease from 2024's record figures, the market remains on track for its third-best year on record, indicating underlying resilience.

Breaking down the figures by segment:

• Heavy Duty (HD) Trucks: This category experienced the most significant decline, with 3,416 units delivered in Q3, marking a 16.3% drop from the same period in 2024. September sales were particularly affected, down 20.2% year-on-year.
• Medium Duty (MD) Trucks: The segment saw a 28.4% decrease in September sales, with 507 units delivered. The quarterly total stood at 1,578 units, down 20.6% from Q3 2024.
• Light Duty (LD) Trucks: Demonstrating relative strength, this segment delivered 3,691 units in Q3, achieving the second-best Q3 result on record and a 1.0% increase over the same period last year.
• Light Duty Vans (LDV): Despite a 12.8% decline from Q3 2024, the segment recorded the second-best Q3 result on record, with 2,460 units delivered.

TIC CEO Tony McMullan commented on the market's trajectory, stating, "The new heavy vehicle sales market was down 6.9 percent at the end of quarter one, dropping further to be down by 12.1 percent at the end of quarter two. Hence, the slight improvement that we saw in the market year-to-date at the end of quarter three, down 11.8 per cent, suggests that sales have steadied. Hopefully, quarter two was the low point and that we will now witness stabilised, or increasing, sales for the last part of 2025 and into 2026."

For industry stakeholders, these figures indicate a cautious optimism. The stabilisation suggests that the market may have found its floor, and the potential for growth in the coming quarters is plausible. However, operators should remain vigilant, considering factors such as economic conditions, fuel prices, and regulatory changes that could influence future sales.

In conclusion, while the Australian truck market has faced challenges in 2025, the signs of stabilisation in Q3 offer a positive outlook. Industry participants should continue to monitor market trends and adapt their strategies accordingly to navigate the evolving landscape.