Australian truck sales stabilise in February

Following a quieter January, the commercial vehicle market picked back up with a total of 3003 new trucks and vans delivered during the month, marking a significant step up from the previous month’s figures, according to the latest sales data from the Truck Industry Council (TIC).

While January was impacted by holiday disruptions and economic caution, February’s results suggest operators are re-entering the market with greater confidence as 2026 gathers pace.

However, compared with the same period last year, the overall market remains down 12.9 per cent from the 3446 units recorded in February 2025. This aligns with broader industry commentary that the market is settling into a “new normal” following several record-breaking years.

Isuzu continued its historic dominance at the top of the overall leaderboard, while shifts within the heavy and medium segments highlight a changing landscape for fleet renewals and transport demand.

The heavy-duty segment recorded 977 sales for the month, down 12.7 per cent (142 units) from the 1119 deliveries in February 2025, but well up on January’s 788 units.

Kenworth retained the top spot among heavy-duty brands with 183 sales, while Isuzu secured second place with 157 deliveries. Volvo rounded out the top three with 141 units sold.

Scania and DAF also posted solid results as they continue to compete for market share in the premium European prime mover segment.

Kenworth: 183
Isuzu: 157
Volvo: 141
Scania: 93
DAF: 71
Mack: 59
UD Trucks: 57
Fuso: 55
Hino: 45
Mercedes-Benz: 39
Iveco: 25
MAN: 21
Freightliner: 16
Western Star: 13
Dennis Eagle: 2

The medium-duty segment recorded 364 sales in February, a modest increase from January’s volumes but a significant 36.0 per cent drop from the 569 units sold in February last year.

This shrinking middle remains the most challenged sector of the market as buyers increasingly shift toward either smaller light-duty vehicles or heavier prime movers. There is little evidence to suggest this trend will reverse anytime soon.

Isuzu remains the dominant force, capturing nearly 60 per cent of the segment with 213 sales. Fuso and Hino followed with 61 and 47 units respectively, continuing the strong hold Japanese brands have on the medium-duty category.

Isuzu: 21
Fuso: 61
Hino: 47
Iveco: 16
Mercedes-Benz: 9
Hyundai: 4
MAN: 4
Volvo: 3
Ford: 3
UD Trucks: 2
Kenworth: 1
DAF: 1

The light-duty truck segment recorded 796 sales in February, down 22.2 per cent (227 units) compared with the 1023 units sold in February 2025, but up from 703 units delivered in January.

Isuzu led the category with 304 deliveries, while Hino and Fuso claimed second and third with 212 and 145 units respectively.

Demand in this segment continues to be supported by the growing last-mile freight task and the popularity of car-licence compatible trucks, keeping this segment buoyant despite the broader market slowdown.

Isuzu: 304
Hino: 212
Fuso: 145
Iveco: 46
FIAT: 37
Mercedes-Benz: 30
Hyundai: 11
LDV: 5
Renault: 3
Ford: 3

Bucking the broader market trend, the light-duty van segment (3.5-tonne GVM and above) recorded 866 sales in February, representing a strong 17.8 per cent increase over the 735 units sold in February last year.

Like the light-duty truck segment, vans appear to be benefiting from the growing demand for last-mile and urban delivery vehicles, with volumes showing no signs of slowing.

In a reversal of recent trends, LDV edged past Mercedes-Benz to claim the top spot with 238 deliveries. Mercedes-Benz followed closely with 217 units, while Ford posted a notable jump with 153 Transit sales.

LDV: 238
Mercedes-Benz: 217
Ford: 153
Renault: 92
Volkswagen: 70
Iveco: 56
FIAT: 37
Peugeot: 3