The Australian truck and heavy van market continued its downward trend in August, with sales falling 11.7% compared to August 2024, according to the latest T-Mark data from the Truck Industry Council (TIC).
While the decline looks sharp, it comes off the back of record sales in 2024, which set a high benchmark. So far in 2025, 29,849 new trucks and vans have been delivered, 3,859 fewer than at the same point last year.
Heavy Duty trucks hardest hit
The Heavy Duty truck sector bore the brunt of the slowdown, with just 1,081 deliveries in August, down 17.4% year-on-year. Year-to-date, sales are tracking 17.5% lower, with nearly 2,000 fewer units sold compared to 2024.
Medium Duty under pressure
Medium Duty sales also slumped, falling 18.0% in August to 539 units. This was the sharpest monthly decline of any segment. Year-to-date, the segment is down 10.3%, with 4,768 trucks sold so far.
Light Duty holds steady
A brighter spot came in the Light Duty truck market, which matched its August 2024 result of 1,190 sales. Despite this stability, the segment remains 9.2% behind on a year-to-date basis, with 8,630 sales so far in 2025.
Van sales slide further
Light Duty vans recorded a 13.8% drop in August, with 827 units sold. That’s a steeper fall than the year-to-date average decline of 6%, with 7,109 vans delivered so far this year.
Industry outlook
TIC CEO Tony McMullan said the results reflected broader economic conditions.
“The August result continues the downward trend that we have witnessed for the majority of 2025, though strong sales in the Light Duty truck segment in August were pleasing to witness. Economic conditions across most business sectors in Australia remain weak and we see this lack of business confidence reflected in new truck and van sales,” Mr McMullan said.
Despite the slowdown, McMullan noted that the market remains historically strong:
“Australian heavy vehicle sales have a noted cyclic history and with record, or near record, sales growth recorded over the past four years, it is not entirely surprising to see sales cool this year. Further, sales are tracking at a rate that would result in a year end 2025 tally of around 45,000 new truck and van sales. If that number is realised, it would be the third best ever sales result recorded for the heavy vehicle market in Australia.”
Sales by Segment – August 2025 vs 2024
| Segment | August 2025 Sales | Change vs Aug 2024 | YTD 2025 Sales | YTD Change vs 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heavy Duty Trucks | 1,081 | -17.4% (-227) | 9,342 | -17.5% (-1,985) |
| Medium Duty Trucks | 539 | -18.0% (-118) | 4,768 | -10.3% (-548) |
| Light Duty Trucks | 1,190 | 0.0% (equal) | 8,630 | -9.2% (-470) |
| Light Duty Vans | 827 | -13.8% (-132) | 7,109 | -6.0% (-456) |
| Total | 3,637 | -11.7% | 29,849 | -11.5% |
