Australia used to be a country that bought Fords and Holdens but after Government regulation opened the floodgates for international brands to enter Australia, we now have one of the most competitive landscapes in the world.
As new tech-first automotive brands make more affordable products, Australian’s are stretching financially to access that technology.
The best example of that is the Tesla Model 3. Thanks to the Tesla Model 3 Australia Facebook group (go join if you haven’t already), we have some great new data about the vehicles people are upgrading from.
ArrayWhat’s amazing to see is that some of these vehicles are in the $20-30,000 price range, which makes the cost of the Model 3 as much as 3 or 4 times the cost of their previous vehicle. This reflecting similar international data that shows people are embracing the Tesla stretch.
2012 BMW 320D | Honda CR-V |
1973 HQ Holden | Hyundai Tucson |
2005 Mitsubishi Lancer | Mazda 2 |
2006 Subaru Forester XT | Mazda 3 |
2007 Alfa Romeo Bera | Mercedes-AMG GLA45 |
2007 Subaru Outback | Mercedes-Benz E250 |
2008 Subaru Liberty | Mitsubishi i-Miev |
2009 VW Passat | Mitsubishi Lancer |
20098 Mazda 6 | Model S 85 |
2012 Ford FPV GT | Model X 75D & Model X P100D |
2012 Kia Rondo | Nissan Dualis |
2012 Nissan Leaf | Nissan LEAF and Hyundai Ioniq |
2013 Honda Civic Hatch | Porsche 911 |
2014 Camry Hybrid | Proton Jumbuck |
2016 Hyundai Tucson | Range Rover |
2016 VW Golf 110TDI | Suzuki Grand Vitara |
2017 Mazda 2 | Suzuki Swift |
2018 Hyundai i30 SR | Tesla Model S |
2018 Kia Sorento GTLine | Tesla Model S 75D |
2018 Model X 75D | Toyota Aurion |
Audi A1 | Toyota Prius C |
Audi A4 | Toyota Prius V |
BMW 320i | Toyota Rav 4 |
Chysler 300C | Volkswagon Polo |
Ford Falcon | Volvo V40 |
Holden Barina | VW Eos |
Holden Cruise SRiV | VW Passat Wagon 206tsi |
Holden Statesman | 2015 BMW 535d |
That’s the full list as it stands today, showcasing an impressive range of vehicles. This gives us a window into the vehicle types that people are leaving behind by selling or trading in, in favour of a fully electric vehicle.
What’s surprising to me is just how many people are upgrading from Tesla Model S or Model X. This suggests those people who’ve owned a Tesla are not moving away from the brand, but instead after a smaller car, possibly influenced by the updated interior design with its minimal dash. Selling the more expensive X or S and buying the cheaper 3 may also be a way of retrieving some equity, or simply achieving longer range and faster-charging capabilities.
If you are buying a Model 3, leave a comment below with the vehicle you are leaving behind.