Truck sales rise in March

The Australian truck market continued its seasonal upswing in March, with 3665 new deliveries recorded across the month. However, year-on-year figures confirm a continued softening of the broader market, according to the latest T-Mark data from the Truck Industry Council (TIC).

The result marks an increase from February’s 3003 sales and a significant lift from January’s quieter 2464-unit start, bringing the year-to-date total to 9132 trucks sold across the first quarter.

Compared with the same period last year, March deliveries were down 11.2 per cent from the 4125 units recorded in March 2025. The decline aligns with year-on-year drops seen in January (11.5 per cent) and February (12.9 per cent), reinforcing industry commentary that the market is settling into a ‘new normal’ following several record-breaking years.

The ongoing transition to ADR 80/04 (Euro 6) emissions standards, continued economic pressure, and the availability of late-model used trucks from high-profile operator closures in 2025 continue to weigh on new vehicle demand.

Isuzu again dominated the overall leaderboard with 781 deliveries, while Hino posted a particularly strong month with 428 units to secure second place outright.

The heavy-duty segment delivered its best monthly result for the year so far, recording 1240 sales in March — well up on February’s 977 units and January’s 788.

Year-on-year, the segment was down 9.0 per cent from the 1363 units delivered in March 2025. This represents a more modest decline than the broader market and suggests fleet renewal activity in the heavy-duty space remains relatively robust.

Kenworth maintained its commanding lead with 240 deliveries, while Volvo posted 221 sales to secure second place and close the gap. Isuzu rounded out the top three with 174 units.

Scania continued to perform strongly among the European manufacturers with 99 sales, while Mercedes-Benz (78), Hino (75) and Fuso (63) all posted solid results. DAF’s momentum also continued with 59 units, keeping it in touch with the established players after more than doubling its January result.

Dennis Eagle recorded 30 deliveries for the month, reflecting continued uptake of its refuse collection vehicles.

Kenworth: 240
Volvo: 221
Isuzu: 174
Scania: 99
Mercedes-Benz: 78
Hino: 75
Fuso: 63
Mack: 60
DAF: 59
UD Trucks: 53
Iveco: 46
Dennis Eagle: 30
Freightliner: 18
Western Star: 14
MAN: 10

The medium-duty segment remains the most challenged part of the market, recording 419 sales in March — a 32.7 per cent decline from the 623 units delivered in the same month last year.

While the result is an improvement on January’s 292 units, the steep year-on-year drop highlights a longer-term structural shift, as operators increasingly favour heavy-duty trucks for higher-capacity work or light-duty vehicles for urban applications.

Isuzu’s dominance was again emphatic, with 228 deliveries accounting for more than 54 per cent of all medium-duty sales. Hino followed with 88 units, while Fuso recorded 61 to round out the top three.

Isuzu: 22
Hino: 88
Fuso: 61
Iveco: 15
Volvo: 10
Hyundai: 6
Mercedes-Benz: 3
MAN: 2
UD Trucks: 2
DAF: 2
Foton: 1
Foton Mobility: 1

The light-duty truck segment posted its strongest month of the year so far, with 1131 units delivered — up from 796 in February and 703 in January.

Year-on-year, the segment dipped just 3.9 per cent from March 2025’s 1177 units, highlighting ongoing resilience. Demand for urban delivery and last-mile logistics continues to underpin the segment, with operators still investing in smaller commercial vehicles despite broader economic uncertainty.

Isuzu led with 379 sales, although its share eased from 49.2 per cent in March last year to 33.5 per cent, as rivals gained ground. Hino recorded a strong 265 deliveries for second, while Fuso took third with 170 units.

Iveco (117) and Fiat (114) also performed well, capitalising on growing demand in the light commercial space.

Isuzu: 379
Hino: 265
Fuso: 170
Iveco: 117
Fiat: 114
Mercedes-Benz: 34
Foton Mobility: 25
Hyundai: 13
LDV: 10
Renault: 2
Volkswagen: 1
Ford: 1

The van segment (3.5-tonne GVM and above) recorded 875 sales in March, down 9.0 per cent from the 962 units delivered in the same month last year, but well up on the first two months of 2026.

LDV topped the category with 233 sales, unseating Mercedes-Benz, which had held the top spot for much of 2025. Mercedes-Benz followed with 207 units, while Renault (128), Ford (105) and Fiat (101) rounded out the top five.

Peugeot made a modest return with five deliveries, as the brand continues to rebuild its presence in the Australian van market.

LDV: 233
Mercedes-Benz: 207
Renault: 128
Ford: 105
Fiat: 101
Volkswagen: 65
Iveco: 31
Peugeot: 5