The gradual stagnation of the Australian truck sales market has continued into 2026, with the January numbers seeing the industry slip behind last year’s pace to start.
The January Truck Industry Council (TIC) T-Mark truck sales data recorded 2,464 sales in January, down from the 3,733 sales made in December, as well as the 2,786 recorded in January, 2025.
Total trucks
In the total truck sales market, Isuzu may have had a slow start to the year, but it did enough to top the charts yet again with 537 sales. It more than doubled the next best, with Hino’s 257 sales seeing it grab second place ahead of Fuso with 243. Kenworth (196) fell just short of the double ton while Volvo recorded the 149 sales. From there, Mercedes-Benz had 84 sales, Scania recorded 63 and DAF (46) kept ahead of Mack (41) and Fiat (31). In a tight finish, UD Trucks had the 25 sales and IVECO the 21, while MAN and Hyundai couldn’t be separated on 18 sales apiece.
Heavy duty
The heavy duty sector reflected the overall market decline, with only 788 sales made in the segment for January. This is down from the 861 recorded in December and the 898 sales made in January last year. When it came to last month, Kenworth started 2026 on the right foot with 196 sales, finishing ahead of Volvo (147) and Isuzu (124). Scania came in a clear fourth with 63 sales, while DAF (44) finished narrowly in front of Fuso (42), Mack (41) and Mercedes-Benz (34). UD Trucks (24) came in one ahead of Hino with the 23 sales, while MAN (15), Western Star (13), Freightliner (11), IVECO (nine) and Dennis Eagle (two) rounded out the market.
Medium duty
The sales pinch was felt the most in the medium duty market, finishing with just the 292 sales in January. This is down from the 445 sales made in December and the 472 sales made in January last year. Isuzu accounted for more than half of the monthly sales with 148, more than doubling its closest competitors in Fuso (63) and Hino (51). Outside of the top three, only Hyundai recorded double figures with 12 sales, with six brands sharing the final 18 sales for the month.
Light duty
The light duty market was one of two segments to stay relatively consistent to start 2026, with 703 sales made in January. While it’s well down on the 1,183 sales made the month prior, it stacks up closer to the 728 sales made in January, 2025. In this market, there’s no surprises that Isuzu led the way with 265 sales. However, not too far behind was Hino with 183 sales, while Fuso was the only other brand to reach triple figures with 138 sales made. Outside of the top three, Mercedes-Benz was the next best on the horizon, finishing ahead of Fiat (31), while Volkswagen (13), LDV (12) and IVCO (10) were all tight. The final nine sales were split between three brands.
Vans
The van segment also maintained parity to other months, finishing with 681 sales for January. While it’s down on the 840 sales made in December, it’s only seven behind the 688 sales recorded in January the year prior. In this market, Mercedes-Benz took out the title with 233 sales, finishing ahead of LDV (159) and Renault (103). In a healthy sector, Volkswagen was next best with 63, finishing ahead of Ford (48), Fiat (41) and IVECO (34).