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Market Scan – Issue 34 | March 2026

CHINA – NO.1 SOURCE MARKET IN FEBRUARY

China has become Australia’s largest source of new vehicles for the first time in a single month, according to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

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AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT RELAXES FUEL STANDARDS FOR THE NEXT 60 DAYS

Lower sulphur limits were enforced in December last year as part of the government’s directive to clean up Australia’s fuel supply, but now higher sulphur fuel will be allowed for the next two months in an effort to ease supply issues.

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PETROL PRICES TOO HIGH? HERE’S HOW QUICKLY AN EV COULD SAVE YOU MONEY

Petrol prices began rising even before the conflict in Iran drove oil prices higher. Australia imports around 80% of its fuel, which means prices can spike when geopolitical shocks ripple through supply chains.

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AUSTRALIA’S EV MARKET SHARE CLIMBS TO 11.8%

Battery electric vehicle (EV) sales accounted for 11.8 per cent of Australia’s new car market in February 2026, with 7,715 EVs sold during the month.

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FIVE STEPS TO BETTER FLEET MANAGEMENT

Managing a fleet is about more than choosing the right vehicles. Strong fleet performance comes from a combination of planning, maintenance, driver behaviour and operational support.

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AUSTRALIAN SCIENTISTS DEVELOP WORLD-FIRST QUANTUM BATTERY

The CSIRO says quantum EV batteries could one day charge more quickly than the time it takes to refuel a petrol or diesel car.

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AUSSIES SPEND MORE THAN A WEEK IN THEIR CARS COMMUTING ANNUALLY

New research shows how much time Australians spend driving to work each year and why many don’t mind the daily commute.

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VICTORIAN CAR THEFTS: KEY CLONING RESPONSIBLE FOR UP TO ONE-THIRD OF OFFENCES

New police intelligence estimates that up to one-in-three cars stolen involve key cloning, with 800 devices seized last year.

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GRAND PRIX EVENT PUTS WOMEN IN STEM CENTRE STAGE

Monash University helped shine a spotlight on gender equity in motorsport and STEM during In Her Corner, an event presented in partnership with the Australian Grand Prix Corporation and Engineers Australia.

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FLEET INSURANCE COSTS ARE RISING – HERE’S THE METRIC THAT WILL DECIDE YOUR RENEWAL

Fleet insurance conditions across Australia have shifted. Premium increases, tighter underwriting, and reduced insurer appetite mean one number now carries more weight than ever.

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NATROAD CALLS FOR FUEL TAX CUT AS TRUCKING COSTS SURGE

The National Road Transport Association (NatRoad) is urging the Federal Government to introduce temporary relief measures for heavy vehicle operators, warning that rising costs across the industry will soon flow through to consumers.

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FROM TRACKING TO FLEET ADVISORY: WHY TELEMATICS IS ENTERING A NEW PHASE

Telematics has long been associated with track-and-trace, driver behaviour monitoring and compliance reporting. But as fleet operations become more complex and margin pressure intensifies, the value proposition is shifting.

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MITSUBISHI TRITON RAIDER TOUGH TRUCK CONFIRMED

Rugged Aussie-developed dual-cab ute will be unveiled in weeks.

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2026 TOYOTA COROLLA CROSS PRICE AND SPECS

It lives in the shadow of the hot-selling Toyota RAV4, but the recently refreshed Corolla Cross is better equipped than before and can be had in GR Sport trim.

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MARKET INSIGHT: SUZUKI SALES SLIDE CONTINUES

Once-dominant Japanese small car brand suffers sales slide at hands of Chinese rivals.

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