Australian Truck Market Demonstrates Resilience with Strong Year-End Performance

The fourth quarter of 2025 was particularly noteworthy, delivering 14,890 trucks and vans—a 6.4% decrease from the same period in 2024. December stood out with 5,549 units sold, representing only a 1.8% decline year-on-year, the strongest monthly comparison of the entire year. This suggests a positive momentum heading into 2026.

TIC CEO Tony McMullan commented on the market's performance, noting that while 2025 saw a noticeable downturn in new truck and van sales compared to the record year of 2024, the industry still delivered its third-best sales year. He highlighted the improving trend as the year progressed, culminating in December's strong result, which provides genuine optimism for 2026.

Breaking down the performance by segments:

• Heavy Duty (HD): The segment showed signs of recovery in the final quarter, with December sales reaching 1,713 units, down just 4.8% year-on-year. This was the segment's strongest monthly comparison since early in the year.
• Medium Duty (MD): December contributed 789 medium-duty trucks, down 4.7% year-on-year, indicating a cautious return of buyers to the market.
• Light Duty (LD): Demonstrated relative strength with December sales totaling 1,534 units, up 1.3% year-on-year, marking one of the few positive monthly comparisons across any segment during 2025.

The improving trend through the second half of 2025, culminating in December's strong performance, provides grounds for cautious optimism about 2026. Businesses that deferred truck purchases during the year's uncertainty may return to the market, particularly if economic conditions stabilize.

For fleet operators and business owners, this resilience in the truck market indicates a steady demand for commercial vehicles. It also suggests that the industry is adapting to economic challenges and is poised for potential recovery in the coming year.