Big changes. Big wins. Big debates.
August was packed with car news that caught the attention of drivers, buyers, and fans alike.
Here are the highlights.
Formula 1: A Month of Milestones
It’s been a huge month for Formula 1 and Aussie fans:
- A brand-new “Piastri Grandstand” will debut at Albert Park for the 2026 Australian GP, honouring Australia’s rising star Oscar Piastri.
- On track, Piastri is locked in a tight battle with teammate Lando Norris, with just nine points between them as McLaren fights for both the driver and constructor championships.
- Looking ahead, Formula 1 continues to expand. Cadillac will make its debut at the 2026 Australian GP, bringing Sergio Pérez and Valtteri Bottas to the grid.
- Off the track, McLaren announced a $100 million-per-year sponsorship with MasterCard, rebranding the team as the McLaren MasterCard Formula 1 Team from 2026.
For Aussie motorsport fans, it’s a reminder that the next few years will be some of the most exciting in F1 history, both on home soil and around the globe.
EV Sales, Incentives and Charging
It was a big month for electric vehicles:
- The BYD Sealion 7 became Australia’s top-selling EV, overtaking the Tesla Model Y. This milestone highlights how quickly new brands are capturing the market with strong value and features.
- Tesla launched fresh incentives on the Model Y, offering discounts and bonus perks. These campaigns help keep EVs within reach for more drivers.
- Tesla also opened Australia’s largest charging site in Campbellfield, Victoria, with 20 bays designed to reduce wait times and support the growing EV community.
With EVs firmly in the spotlight, the conversation is shifting to what ownership looks like beyond the showroom floor. Policymakers are debating a road-user charge, which could add around $300–$400 a year for the average driver. While this adds to the conversation on costs, EVs still offer big savings through reduced fuel, servicing, and tax benefits making them one of the smartest options on the road today.
NVES Impact: SUVs Under Pressure
Australia’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is already reshaping the market. Popular models like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X are among the first to feel the impact, with brands adjusting line-ups and raising prices to meet stricter emissions targets.
For everyday drivers, this may mean higher upfront prices for some large SUVs. But long-term, NVES encourages manufacturers to deliver cleaner, more efficient vehicles. That means lower running costs for owners, and a market better aligned with the shift toward more sustainable driving.
Used EVs Hit the Spotlight
The second-hand EV market is heating up. For the first time, used Teslas outsold new Teslas, showing that drivers are increasingly looking for pre-owned options. Prices are becoming more attractive too, with Australia’s cheapest Tesla now available for just over $25,000.
This growth in the used EV market opens the door for more Australians to make the switch. Combined with novated leasing benefits, like the electric car discount and predictable running costs, used EVs can be an affordable way to drive electric without compromising on technology or performance.
Canberra Festival of Speed Announced
Car lovers should mark their calendars. The 2026 Canberra Festival of Speed has been confirmed for 20–22 March, with tickets currently on sale.
The festival will showcase high-performance cars, live motorsport demonstrations, and plenty of entertainment for families. It’s shaping up as one of Australia’s premier car events, giving enthusiasts another reason to get excited about the future of motoring culture.