Australia and New Zealand combined have around 25 million vehicles, or about 80 vehicles for every 100 people, whereas Europe has around 50 cars for every 100. This fact points to perhaps the biggest difference between the two regions - Australia holds on twentieth of the people that europe holds in a roughly similar area. Long distances and poor public transport has created a culture very similar to the American west coast where the car is king.
Europe also continues to play a role as one of the worlds largest manufacturers while the last vehicle manufacturer closed its doors in 2017. The subsequent lifting of all tariffs and protections in Australia and New Zealand has created a market place spoiled for choice in new vehicles. Like their US cousins, Australians have also adopted a preference for pick-ups (known as 'utes' down under) with Toyota Hilux and Ford Ranger being the two top selling models.
In Europe the best selling models tend to be small to mid-size sedans, with the VW Golf and Renault Clio holding top spot last year.
Perhaps the most significant difference between the two regions is in environmental standards. EU standards have led the way both literally and figuratively for Australia, generally being introduced earlier and maintaining stricter standards. Australia also has a ways to go in developing a regulatory and tax environment that rewards low emissions.
Main thing though is that Europeans are lousy at cricket. Except for the Brits and they're about to leave anyway!
Shane Curran | Director Connector APAC
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