Report Tuesday 20th October 2026

Recalculating Route: Australian Automotive Retail Speedometer 2026

Inside the report

This report is informed by

2,000

surveyed Australian consumers

EVs and new OEMs now represent

~17 - 25%

of sales respectively

70%

of consumers still prefer to purchase their car at a branded or independent dealership

57%

of consumers expect to use AI to research their next car

1 in 10

consumers intend to make AI their main research tool

of

Australia’s automotive retail market has entered a new era. Electric vehicle adoption is accelerating, Chinese automotive brands are gaining ground, and AI is changing how consumers research and purchase their next car.

Drawing on insights from more than 8,000 consumers globally, including 2,000 Australians, OC&C’s Australian Automotive Retail Speedometer 2026 explores the changing dynamics of the market and the implications for manufacturers, dealerships and service providers.

The report examines the forces driving EV adoption, the growing acceptance of new automotive brands, the influence of AI on the buying journey, and the opportunities emerging beyond the point of sale.

As affordability, reliability and convenience become increasingly important, automotive businesses must look beyond immediate sales to build lasting customer relationships and capture lifetime value.

Download the report to explore the findings and what they mean for the future of Australian automotive retail.

Key Contacts

Maurice Violani

Maurice Violani

Partner

Oliver Jones

Oliver Jones

Associate Partner

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