What Cars Are Australian-Made? A Look at Australia’s Automotive Legacy
The recent history which Auto Heavy has on this question of what cars in Australia are Australian made is really interesting. See How Australia’s Automotive Legacy Came to Engulf Us All In recent years the automotive manufacturing landscape in Australia has changed considerably, but Australia has a long history of automotive manufacturing. Australia was once a bustling center of car production and manufacturing, offering the manufacturing for some of the worlds most well known brands and models, tailored to the specific requirements of Australian driving conditions. Australian made cars have made an important contribution to Australia’s automotive culture, from the outback to city streets. While domestic manufacturing has almost been killed off, the legacy of Australian made cars has a special place in the hearts of any car buff. Here we reveal the history of Australian made cars, the brands that were once kings of the market, and the models that are forever associated with Aussie motoring.
The history of Australian Car Manufacturing has been a brief one.
Australia’s car manufacturing industry originated in the early 20th century, and expanded post World War II. From the 1950s through the late 1980s the automotive industry flourished with Australia becoming a key player in both domestic and international markets. However, this golden era of car manufacturing gave birth to many iconic brands and models. Yet, Australian automotive industry started to change in 2000s with the rise of the global competition, consumer preference changes and increasing production costs. All major car manufacturers fulfilled production in Australia by 2017 symbolizing the end of an era for Australian made cars. The list of Australian made car brands and models will be discussed here. Not all new cars are made in Australia any more, but plenty of brands and models were once proudly manufactured here. However, let’s have a quick look at some of the most popular Australian made cars that were produced in this beautiful country.
1. Holden
Like anyone who grew up Australian, Holden would have to be among the most iconic Australian car brands, with a heritage going back over 150 years. The Holden story began as a saddlery business in 1856, which eventually made it Australia’s very own car manufacturer … and a national icon! For decades Holden produced some of Australia’s most loved cars. The company had designed Holdens to be rugged and durable, as you’d expect for Australian conditions. Some of Holden’s most iconic Australian-made cars include:
Holden Commodore: The Holden Commodore, introduced from 1978, was a mainstay of Australian motoring, with the large sedan occupying 11 of the top 20 places in this category. Utility sedan / station wagon and High Performance (Commodore SS) versions were available and these went to USA as contract cars.
Holden Kingswood: Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, the road was cluttered with the Kingswood (a rugged and reliable family car).
Holden Ute: Australian’s couldn’t live without Holden Ute (utility vehicle) if you will. The Ute was the go to vehicle of any tradesperson and farmer with the comfort of a sedan but the practicality of a pickup truck.
While Holden ceased car production in Australia in 2017, the brand is still an iconic part of Australian car history and prices for them are going up big time!
2. Ford Australia
For over 90 years across all but a few years, Ford Australia was a foundational player for the Australian car manufacturing industry. Ford is an American company, but Ford Australia operated as a subsidiary and made cars that would be specially tailored to the Australian market. Models that blended performance, practicality and affordability built the company a strong base. Some of Ford Australia’s most iconic models included
Ford Falcon: The Falcon was produced in Australia between 1960 and 2016, and became one of Australia’s longest running nameplates. The Falcon came in several body styles, from sedans through to wagons, and the Falcon Ute. Car enthusiasts that loved cars knew all to well that the much cherished Falcon GT and the XR6 Turbo high performance variants were known for their ripping engines and exhilarating drives.
Ford Territory: Ford Territory was an Australian designed and built SUV introduced in 2004 that aimed at families. Australia loved its spacious interior, its rugged build and its optional all‐wheel drive. The Australian made Falcon and Territory would be the last to roll off local production lines when Ford ceased local production in 2016.
3. Toyota Australia
For decades, Toyota has had a huge presence in the global automotive industry and its Australian division contributed to that history via local manufacturing. In the 1960s, Toyota Australia began assembling vehicles, with local production of vehicles increasing in number into the 1990s. Some of Toyota Australia’s most significant contributions include: Toyota Camry: The midsize sedan Camry was one of Australia’s best sellers. An Australian made Camry was reliable, fuel efficient and practical, earning popularity among families and business alike. Toyota Aurion: Toyota wanted a piece of the large sedan market and nakedly copied the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon in the attempt. The Toyota shared much of it’s platform with the Camry, but had more powerful engine as a V6. Since ending local manufacturing in 2017, all Toyota vehicles sold after that date in Australia have been imported.
4. Mitsubishi Motors Australia
Mitsubishi Motors Australia Ltd was another giant of the Australian local automotive manufacturing sector. Of course, Mitsubishi is obviously a Japanese car, but if you think about it, they actually have a fairly large presence in manufacturing in Australia, particularly between the 80s and 90s. Mitsubishi Magna: The Magna was also made in Australia and was made available from 1985 85 while being a very popular midsize car that was designed to compete with the likes of Ford Falcon and Holden commodore. The Magna was noted for its elegant, silent ride, and for comfortable family car that it was. Mitsubishi 380: Being the last car built in the country by Mitsubishi Australia, 380 was a large sedan that Holden introduced in 2005 with intention of competing with the Falcon and Commodore models. Unfortunately, the 380 hasn’t sold well, production of the 380 ended in 2008. Production of the brand’s vehicles stopped in 2008 in Australia, but the brand remains in the Australian market with imported vehicles.
5. Chrysler Australia
In 1960s and 1970s, Chrysler Australia enjoyed a strong hold in the country’s automotive industry. Produced in sedans, wagons, and Utes, the Valiant was one of the most iconic Australian-made Chrysler cars, although not many know that Chrysler Australia was forced to buy out General Motors’ 50 per cent stake in 1965, partly because of the unpopularity of the new Valiant. Chrysler Valiant: The sturdy car was proven to be a powerful vehicle that could handle the Australian rough environment. The engines were large and it was solid construction. Local production ceased in 1981 by Chrysler Australia, but the Valiant will always be a classic with the car enthusiasts.
The End of Australian Car Manufacturing
By 2017, Australia had seen the manufacturing of cars finished, with the closure of Holden, Ford and Toyota production. A combination of cost factors, including high manufacturing prices, the increased challenge from overseas markets along with a drift toward the less powerful, more fuel efficient car has led to local car production dwindling. Conclusion: They were the Legacy of Australian made Cars. That might be true, but despite manufacturing no cars in Australia there is residual heritage for Australian made vehicles. Some of these cars were made to handle the rough driving conditions you could find in the country the long stretches of highway the rugged and off road environments. Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon and Toyota Camry will always be counterpoints of Australian motoring history. All cars sold in Australia today are imports, although affection for Australian made cars is strong. The Classic Australian cars still remain much treasured by collectors and enthusiasts as well as Utes, sedans, and performance models are part of the automotive scene of the country.
Read more about what car brands are available in Australia here
