Ever wondered how many car manufacturers actually call Australia home? Whether you’re a car enthusiast, thinking about buying local, or just curious about the industry, the answer might surprise you.
Understanding the landscape of car manufacturing in Australia is more relevant than ever, with shifts in local production and a growing appetite for homegrown innovation.
In this article, we’ll break down how many manufacturers operate here, explore their specialties, and offer insights into Australia’s unique automotive scene.
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How Many Car Manufacturers Are There in Australia?
When you think about Australia’s car industry, you might imagine assembly lines buzzing with activity and local brands driving innovation. Yet, the answer to “how many car manufacturers are in Australia?” is more complex than it first appears. Over the years, Australia’s car manufacturing landscape has evolved, transitioning from a thriving local industry to a market dominated by global imports, specialist manufacturers, and a handful of niche builders.
Let’s take a closer look at the car manufacturing scene in Australia today, including its history, current active players, industry changes, and what it means if you’re interested in cars or contemplating buying one in Australia.
The Current State of Australian Car Manufacturing
The Short Answer
Australia no longer has major mass-production car manufacturers. The last of the big three—Ford, Holden, and Toyota—closed their local factories between 2016 and 2017.
However, Australia still has:
- A small number of boutique car manufacturers producing specialty, custom, or limited-edition vehicles.
- Dozens of car brands from overseas selling a full range of imported cars.
Depending on how you define a “car manufacturer,” the number operating in the country varies:
– Only a handful design and build vehicles locally.
– Over 50 car brands sell vehicles in the Australian market.
A Brief History: From Boom to Bust
Australia was once a powerhouse of car manufacturing. For decades, brands like Holden, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, and Mitsubishi produced vehicles locally designed for Aussie roads.
Timeline:
- Early Years
- Ford began assembling cars in 1925.
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Other brands, like Holden, quickly followed, tailoring unique models to local tastes.
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Golden Era
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By the 1970s and 1980s, Australia had multiple local and international manufacturers operating assembly plants.
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Decline
- Global competition, high production costs, and a relatively small domestic market began to take a toll.
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Gradual plant closures occurred over several decades.
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End of Mass Production
- Ford closed its Broadmeadows and Geelong plants in 2016.
- Toyota and Holden ended local manufacturing in 2017.
Today, Australia imports nearly all of its mass-market vehicles.
Who Makes Cars in Australia Now?
Local Manufacturers
While large-scale manufacturing is no more, Australia has a passionate community of automotive innovators and specialists. Noteworthy local manufacturers include:
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Brabham Automotive
Focuses on high-performance sports cars for both the track and road. -
Bolwell
A boutique maker famous for the Nagari sports car, offering limited, made-in-Australia vehicles. -
ELFIN Sports Cars
Known for lightweight, race-inspired cars. -
Ioniq (Hyundai’s EV tech centre)
Based in Australia, developing tech and limited runs for electric vehicles.
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ACE EV
Specializes in electric utility and light commercial vehicles. -
Tomcar Australia
Manufactures all-terrain utility vehicles, mainly for agricultural, military, and mining sectors.
These manufacturers typically produce in small quantities and cater to niche markets, unlike the giants of the past.
International Brands Selling in Australia
While few vehicles are made locally, Australia enjoys a wide choice of cars from global brands, including:
- Toyota
- Mazda
- Hyundai
- Kia
- Ford
- Volkswagen
- Nissan
- Subaru
- Honda
- Mercedes-Benz
- BMW
…and many more. Over 50 different brands are available, bringing a broad selection from around the world. Most of these vehicles are imported from Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Germany, the United States, and China.
Benefits of the Current Landscape
Australia’s shift from manufacturing to importing has changed the dynamics in several ways:
Wider Choice
- Over 50 brands to choose from gives buyers more options than ever.
- Exotic, luxury, performance, and electric vehicles from around the world are now easily accessible.
Competitive Pricing
- Without the high costs of local production, imported vehicles can be more affordable.
- Sellers compete fiercely, often leading to better deals for consumers.
High-Quality Imports
- Many global brands bring their latest models to Australia, often featuring cutting-edge safety and tech.
Challenges Facing the Industry
While increased variety and competition benefit consumers, there are also some clear challenges:
Job Losses and Economic Impact
- The closure of local factories led to significant job losses across automotive and related industries.
- Skills and training in automotive manufacturing have diminished.
Loss of Local Identity
- Iconic cars tailored for Australia—like the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon—are no longer made.
Support Infrastructure
- While global brands bring in new models, certain vehicle parts for older Australian-made cars become harder to source.
- Enthusiast communities help keep local classics alive, but official support is waning.
Key Aspects to Understand
1. What Counts as an Australian Car Manufacturer?
A “car manufacturer” in Australia today is often one of three things:
- An importer or assembler (bringing in cars from overseas, sometimes customizing or adapting them for local regulations).
- A specialist low-volume producer (designing and building unique vehicles, often sports or utility vehicles).
- An automotive engineering or technology firm (developing specific components, platforms, or electric vehicle conversions).
2. What Happened to the Major Local Brands?
- Holden: Ceased all local manufacturing in 2017. Ceased selling new cars in Australia in 2020.
- Ford and Toyota: Ended Australian manufacturing in 2016-2017 but continue to sell imported cars.
3. Is There Still Innovation in Australia?
Absolutely! Australia is a leader in automotive engineering, motorsports technology, and remote-area vehicle solutions.
Best Practices When Buying a Car in Australia
If you’re considering buying a car—new or used—in Australia, keep these tips in mind:
1. Compare the Brands
- Research the wide range of available brands and models.
- Consider reliability, after-sales support, and the availability of parts.
2. Check Warranty and Servicing
- Opt for brands with strong warranty and service packages.
- Imported cars may have varying parts supply; verify accessibility for the model you choose.
3. Think About Resale Value
- Some imported cars maintain value better than others.
- Consider the popularity of the brand and model in the used market.
4. Look Into Electric Vehicles
- Australia’s EV market is growing, with both global and local manufacturers offering new options.
- Explore government incentives or rebates for EV purchases in your state.
5. For Enthusiasts: Explore Aussie-Made
- If you want something truly unique, investigate locally made specialist vehicles. You’ll be supporting Aussie ingenuity and getting a rare piece of automotive art.
The Future of Car Manufacturing in Australia
While mass production may be a thing of the past, Australia’s car industry is far from gone. Local makers are focusing on:
- Niche high-performance models
- Electric and alternative-fuel vehicles
- Design, testing, and development for the global market
Australia’s history of automotive innovation remains strong, particularly in engineering, motorsport, and adaptation for harsh environments.
Summary
- Mass-market car manufacturing in Australia ended in 2017.
- Today, there are only a handful of boutique and specialist manufacturers in Australia producing niche vehicles.
- More than 50 car brands are available in the Australian market as imports.
- While consumers benefit from more choice and competitive prices, the country faces challenges such as job losses and the fading of locally tailored cars.
- If you love cars, Australia is still a great place to find global variety, support innovative local makers, and be part of a passionate car culture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many car brands are sold in Australia today?
More than 50 car brands are currently available in Australia, though almost all are imported from overseas manufacturers.
Are any cars still made in Australia?
Yes, but only in very limited numbers. Some boutique manufacturers make specialty vehicles—mainly sports, electric, or utility cars—on a small scale.
Which was the last mass-produced car built in Australia?
The last mass-produced car was the Holden Commodore, with final assembly ending in 2017 when Holden closed its last factory.
Why did Australia stop making cars locally?
A combination of high production costs, strong international competition, a small domestic market, and changing consumer preferences led to the closure of local factories by 2017.
Can I still buy parts or service for old Australian-made cars?
Yes, many specialist suppliers and enthusiast clubs still support older Australian-made cars. However, some parts are becoming harder to find as local manufacturing support dwindles.
If you’re passionate about cars, Australia continues to offer something for everyone—whether you’re hunting for the latest imported model or a unique, handcrafted local car. The landscape has changed, but the country’s automotive spirit lives on!
