Australia Car Rack Market By Type (Roof Rack, Roof Box, Bike Car Rack, Ski Rack, Watersport Carrier), By Material (Aluminum Alloy, Composite Plastic, Stainless Steel, Others), By Vehicle Type (Hatchback, Sedan, SUV/MPV), By Region, By Competition, Opportunities & Forecast, 2020-2030F

Market Overview:

Australia Car Rack Market was valued at USD 29.74 Million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 42.66 Million by 2030 with a CAGR of 6.20% during the forecast period. The Australia car rack market is witnessing steady growth driven by evolving consumer lifestyles and a rising preference for adventure-based travel. As more individuals and families embrace outdoor activities like cycling, surfing, skiing, and camping, the need for secure, durable, and vehicle-compatible racks is growing. This shift in recreational habits is influencing purchasing patterns, with consumers opting for car racks that offer versatility, safety, and easy installation. The market is also benefiting from the expanding SUV and crossover segment, which are commonly outfitted with roof rails or towing capabilities that support car rack systems. For instance, in 2022, vehicle demand outpaced supply, a total of 1,081,429 vehicles were delivered in Australia, with Toyota leading the market at a 21.4% share and the Toyota Hi-Lux topping sales at 64,391 units. SUVs and light commercial vehicles dominated the market, making up 76.8% of total sales and representing eight of the top ten best-selling models. Battery electric vehicles gained traction, accounting for 3.1% of overall vehicle sales. Car owners are investing in multipurpose racks that can carry bikes, kayaks, and storage boxes without compromising fuel efficiency or aesthetics. This shift toward multifunctional utility vehicles is significantly shaping demand for car racks across urban and suburban markets.

Market Drivers

Rising Participation in Outdoor Recreational Activities

The increasing focus on health and wellness, especially among younger generations, has spurred a surge in outdoor recreational activities. Fitness enthusiasts are more likely to engage in activities that allow them to connect with nature, such as hiking, camping, cycling, and water sports. These activities often require additional gear, which leads to the growing popularity of car racks as essential accessories for carrying bulky equipment. The rising interest in solo and family outdoor adventures further fuels demand for car racks, which offer a convenient way to transport outdoor equipment without overcrowding the vehicle’s interior. For instance, Australia is seeing a rise in recreational activity, with 761,050 short-term trips recorded in March 2024 up by 147,710 from the previous year. New South Wales and Queensland led the surge, with visitor arrivals increasing by 48,310 and 47,580 respectively. This growth highlights a strong national trend toward leisure and outdoor travel. This increased participation in outdoor activities ensures that the car rack market will continue to thrive, as these products become integral to the experience of enjoying outdoor hobbies and adventures. In addition to recreational use, outdoor sports have evolved into lifestyle choices for many people, meaning that car racks are now seen as a functional necessity rather than a luxury item. The broader cultural shift towards sustainability and spending more time outdoors also supports sustained demand for these products, positioning them as important tools in the active lifestyle sector.

Expansion of SUV and Crossover Vehicle Segment

The growing popularity of SUVs and crossovers is reshaping the automotive market and driving the demand for car racks. For instance, in April 2025, despite an overall 6.8% decline in new vehicle registrations across Australia, SUV sales stood out as the only growing segment, registering a marginal but telling increase of 0.1% with 54,179 units sold. These vehicles are not only more spacious, but also more versatile, catering to a wide range of consumer needs. As automakers continue to focus on increasing cargo space, towing capacity, and overall functionality, SUVs and crossovers are becoming the go-to choice for families, adventurers, and those seeking practicality in their vehicles. As a result, car racks have become an essential accessory for these types of vehicles, allowing owners to carry more equipment, luggage, or sports gear without compromising on passenger space. The demand for specialized racks that fit various roof designs and configurations is also increasing. Whether it's for transporting bikes, skis, or kayaks, SUV and crossover owners seek racks that are tailored to their vehicles' needs. This trend is expected to grow as consumers continue to opt for vehicles that offer greater functionality, leading to sustained demand for accessories such as car racks.

Growth of Online Retail and Direct-to-Consumer Models

The shift towards e-commerce has significantly impacted the car rack market, providing manufacturers with a direct path to a broader customer base. Online platforms allow for easy access to a wide range of products, offering customers the ability to compare different models, read reviews, and even watch product demonstrations. As more consumers make purchases from the comfort of their homes, the demand for online retail options continues to grow. The direct-to-consumer (DTC) model also benefits both consumers and manufacturers by eliminating intermediaries and offering competitive pricing. This model allows consumers to bypass traditional retail channels and access better deals, while manufacturers can engage directly with their customers, providing personalized experiences and more tailored support. Online platforms also allow for more detailed product information, enabling consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. As more people become accustomed to buying products online, the growth of e-commerce is expected to continue driving demand for car racks, with customers appreciating the convenience of home delivery and the ease of comparing options from different brands. For instance, In 2024, Australia’s eCommerce market rebounded strongly, reaching a record-high online spend of USD 69 billion a 12% year-on-year increase after three years of stagnation.

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Key Market Challenges

High Initial Cost of Premium Car Racks

While premium car racks offer advanced features and greater durability, their higher price point can be a barrier for many consumers. High-quality racks with features such as aerodynamic designs, enhanced security mechanisms, or modular systems often come at a significant cost. For price-sensitive consumers, this can lead to hesitation or the decision to purchase less expensive alternatives that may not offer the same level of performance. The initial investment can be seen as a drawback, particularly for those who use the racks only occasionally. To address this challenge, manufacturers are exploring ways to reduce production costs without compromising on quality, allowing them to offer premium features at more competitive prices. Additionally, marketing strategies that emphasize the long-term value and durability of these racks can help justify the initial cost to consumers, making them more likely to see the value in investing in a higher-quality product.

Vehicle Compatibility and Design Constraints

As the design of vehicles evolves, ensuring that car racks remain compatible with new models has become a major challenge. Roof shapes, sizes, and structural features can vary significantly across different vehicles, which makes creating universal car racks more difficult. While custom-fit racks are available, they come with the downside of higher production costs and limited compatibility, making them less accessible to the average consumer. Furthermore, the growing number of vehicle types and designs adds complexity to the development of car racks that can be easily used across multiple models. Manufacturers must strike a balance between offering universal solutions that fit a wide range of vehicles while also providing options that meet the specific needs of certain models. This challenge requires ongoing innovation in product design and manufacturing techniques to ensure that car racks remain versatile and functional.

Key Market Trends

Integration of Aerodynamic and Noise-Reduction Features

The integration of aerodynamic features into car racks is becoming increasingly popular as consumers demand products that reduce wind resistance and noise. These innovations help improve fuel efficiency by minimizing drag, which in turn reduces the vehicle's fuel consumption. The reduction of noise, especially at high speeds, is another significant benefit, enhancing the driving experience during long trips. As environmental concerns rise, eco-conscious consumers are prioritizing products that offer both practicality and sustainability. Car racks with aerodynamic designs not only enhance the functionality of the product but also contribute to the broader trend of reducing carbon footprints. This growing emphasis on sustainability and fuel efficiency is expected to continue shaping product development in the car rack market.

Adoption of Smart and Connected Features

The growing trend of smart technology in automotive accessories has extended to car racks, with manufacturers integrating connected features such as remote locking, tracking, and load sensors. These innovations allow users to monitor the status of their racks and the equipment they are transporting through mobile apps or smartphones. GPS-enabled racks help track their location in case of theft, while smart security features can send alerts if the rack is tampered with or damaged. These connected features provide consumers with enhanced security, convenience, and peace of mind during their travels. As the Internet of Things (IoT) continues to gain traction, smart car racks are likely to become a standard offering, further driving consumer demand for these advanced products.

Segmental Insights

Type Insights

In 2024, the roof rack segment was the dominant category within the Australia car rack market. Roof racks are widely favored due to their versatility and ease of installation, making them an ideal choice for a variety of consumer needs. These racks are designed to securely carry large and bulky items, such as luggage, sports equipment, and outdoor gear, without compromising interior space. The popularity of roof racks is driven by their ability to cater to a wide range of vehicles, including SUVs, crossovers, and even smaller cars, further enhancing their appeal. As outdoor recreational activities, such as hiking, camping, and road trips, continue to rise in popularity, the demand for roof racks has been growing steadily. They offer significant convenience for transporting bulky gear like kayaks, surfboards, and bicycles, which might otherwise be difficult to carry inside the vehicle.

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Region Insights

New South Wales (NSW) stands out as the leading region in Australia’s car rack market in 2024, driven by its large population, high vehicle ownership, and a strong culture of outdoor recreation. Sydney, in particular, plays a central role with its access to beaches, mountains, and national parks, encouraging residents to invest in roof racks, bike carriers, and watersport accessories. The availability of both retail and online channels, paired with a lifestyle that values adventure and travel, sustains strong demand for car racks. NSW’s economic stability and love for road trips further support the market’s expansion.

Recent Developments

• In 2024, Rhino-Rack expanded its presence in the overlanding market by acquiring U.S.-based bike rack maker RockyMounts, strengthening its product range for outdoor and biking enthusiasts.
• In 2023, Mazda Australia launched 28 official accessories for the CX-60, including 18- and 20-inch alloy wheels, a tow bar, electric brake controller, and trailer wiring harness to boost SUV customization and towing utility.
• In 2024, Front Runner unveiled its Pro Bed Rack system for utes like the Hilux, Ranger, and RAM 1500, offering steel construction, accessory channels, and lifetime warranty to support rugged overlanding storage needs. 
• In April 2025, Jaecoo launched the J7 SUV in Australia, offering AWD and plug-in hybrid versions designed for adventure. The AWD model features a 1.6L turbo engine with four terrain modes, while the hybrid pairs a 1.5L turbo with an electric motor for up to 1,200 km range.

Key Market Players

• ACPS Automotive GmbH
• Allen Sports USA
• Roof Racks Galore (RRGQ) Pty Ltd
• Roof Carrier Systems
• Cequent Group (Rola)
• Thule Group
• Yakima Australia Pty Ltd.
• Clarus Corporation
• Mont Blanc Group AB   
• Shingleback Off Road

Report Scope:

In this report, the Australia Car Rack Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

·         Australia Car Rack Market, By Type:

o    Roof Rack

o    Roof Box

o    Bike Car Rack

o    Ski Rack

o    Watersport Carrier

·         Australia Car Rack Market, By Material:

o    Aluminum Alloy

o    Composite Plastic

o    Stainless Steel

o    Others

·         Australia Car Rack Market, By Vehicle Type:

o    Hatchback

o    Sedan

o    SUV/MPV

·         Australia Car Rack Market, By Region:

o    Victoria & Tasmania

o    Queensland

o    Western Australia

o    Northern Territory & Southern Australia

o    Australia Capital Territory & New South Wales

Competitive Landscape

Company Profiles: Detailed analysis of the major companies presents in the Australia Car Rack Market.

Available Customizations:

Australia Car Rack Market report with the given market data, TechSci Research offers customizations according to the company’s specific needs. The following customization options are available for the report:

Company Information

• Detailed analysis and profiling of additional market players (up to five).

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