EF Auto defends title as Southern Hemisphere’s premier auto hub tops $1b in sales

Essendon Fields Auto has solidified its status as the largest single-site collection of car dealerships in the Southern Hemisphere, recording over 21,000 vehicle sales for the fourth consecutive year in 2025.

In a year where the national automotive market saw a slight cooling in overall volume, Essendon Fields Auto defied broader trends to record 21,665 total sales in 2025, valued at more than $1b.
Most significantly, while national new car sales growth remained flat, Essendon Fields recorded a 7% year-on-year increase in new car sales, underscoring the precinct’s unique “power in the collective” and its massive drawing power for Victorian buyers.

The 2025 results highlight a strategic shift toward next-generation mobility. As the precinct prepares for a “soaring” 2026, the focus has shifted toward the EV and hybrid categories, bolstered by the late-2025 opening of three major new dealership facilities: Audi, CUPRA, and a massively expanded Airport Toyota flagship.

“The vision for Essendon Fields Auto was always a ‘build it and they will come’ scenario and the data proves it has worked beyond our expectations,” said Essendon Fields CEO, Brendan Pihan.

“Even as the broader market finds its level, Essendon Fields Auto continues to outperform. By having 20+ brands in one central location – where more than 4.5m people can get to Essendon Fields within 45 minutes thanks to its excellent freeway connectivity – we’ve created a destination that saves customers time and offers unparalleled choice,” he finished.

2025 Performance Highlights:

  • Fourth consecutive year of unit sales exceeding 21,000 vehicles, valued at more than $1B.
  • New car outperformance: 7% rise in new car sales at EF Auto, significantly outpacing the national average.
  • The “Top 10” Hub: Nine of the top 10 selling brands in Australia maintain a major presence at the precinct, including Toyota, Ford, Mazda, Kia, Hyundai, Mitsubishi, BYD, Nissan, and Isuzu.
  • EV Expansion: The opening of new Audio and Cupra dealerships for Zagame Automotive and the expansion of Airport Toyota positions Essendon Fields Auto as the primary hub for Melbourne’s surging hybrid and EV demand.

With the full integration of the new Zagame Automotive and Toyota facilities, and a catchment of 1.1 million people within a 15-minute drive, unit sales at Essendon Fields Auto are projected to reach new heights in 2026. The precinct continues to serve as the benchmark for the “Auto Mall” concept, blending convenience with a massive scale that remains unmatched across the Southern Hemisphere.

Additional media quotes attributable to Bobby Zagame, Managing Director – Zagame Automotive:

“Opening our new Audi and CUPRA dealerships at Essendon Fields is a natural extension of our commitment to Melbourne’s growth. This area has become a powerhouse for automotive retail and by creating a dual-brand site that is also fully set up for an electric future – complete with on-site fast charging, we are ensuring that our customers in the north and west have world-class service right on their doorstep.”

“While the transition to full EVs continues to grow, we are seeing a massive surge in demand for hybrids. In the Australian market, hybrids offer that perfect bridge providing the ‘instant torque’ experience of an electric motor with the long-range security our clients still value. It’s about giving the customer the best of both worlds.”