Market Insight: Two-wheel drive fails to thrive

AutoExec Summary
The Australian new-vehicle market has seen a significant decline in the sales of two-wheel drive utility models since the end of local vehicle manufacturing. With the demise of the Ford Falcon and Holden Ute, buyers have shifted their preferences to larger, four-wheel drive models, leading to a 37.7% decrease in two-wheel drive utility sales over the past eight years. On the other hand, sales of four-wheel drive models have flourished, with some importers reducing the number of two-wheel drive variants offered or removing their 4×2 option entirely. The market has adjusted to this trend, with newcomers offering four-wheel drive models exclusively.

Brands mentioned: Ford, Holden, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Mazda, Nissan, Isuzu, Volkswagen, Stellantis, BMW