Uncovering the Decline: The Unique Status of Your Rare Holden

According to recent government data, there are still more than a million Holden passenger vehicles on Australian roads. However, this number is expected to drop below that mark next year, marking seven years since the closure of the brand. The latest figures from the Bureau of Infrastructure and Transport Research Economics (BITRE) show that as of January 2026, there were 1,000,292 Holden passenger vehicles in Australia. This places Holden as the fourth most common brand on Australian roads, behind Toyota, Mazda, and Hyundai.

The data from BITRE specifically focuses on passenger vehicles, including SUVs, but excluding light commercial vehicles like utes. The report excludes vehicles registered for consular and defense force use, as well as vintage and veteran vehicles registered for restricted use.

The number of Holden cars on the road has decreased over the years, with 94,936 fewer vehicles in 2026 compared to 2025. This represents a 15.7% reduction in Holden passenger vehicles on Australian roads since 2024. This decline is not uncommon, as many owners choose to replace their vehicles when the cost of maintenance exceeds the value of the vehicle, or due to damage from accidents.

Apart from Holden, other brands have also experienced declines in registered vehicles since 2024. For instance, the number of registered Ford passenger vehicles decreased by 7.1%, while Honda, Jeep, Nissan, Renault, and Peugeot also saw decreases in their registered vehicle numbers.

In terms of alternative fuel vehicles, there has been a significant increase in the registration of electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles (FCEVs). The number of EVs and FCEVs registered in 2026 increased by 42.3% compared to the previous year. Tesla leads the EV market in Australia, followed by BYD and MG.

Hybrids have also seen growth, with a 31.7% increase in the number of hybrid vehicles registered in 2026. Plug-in hybrids also saw a significant increase of 101.9% year-on-year.

Overall, the average age of registered motor vehicles in Australia has slightly increased from 11.55 years in 2025 to 11.67 years in 2026. Tasmania has the oldest average fleet age at 13.8 years, while the Northern Territory has the youngest at 10.81 years.

The total number of registered motor vehicles in Australia has increased by 2.1% compared to the previous year, with 16.4 million of these being passenger vehicles. Petrol-powered vehicles account for 63.7% of all registered vehicles, while diesel vehicles make up 29.9%.

In conclusion, the automotive landscape in Australia continues to evolve, with shifts towards alternative fuel vehicles and changes in the popularity of different car brands. For more detailed information, the full report can be accessed on the BITRE website. Explore the Holden showroom for more insights.