(27 June 2025 – Australia) Australian enterprises are slowly resuming investment in vehicles and machinery, encouraged by easing economic uncertainty and improved cash-flow prospects.
New research by East & Partners has found more than 1 in 2 businesses directly interviewed delayed vehicle purchases by 6 to 12 months. Streamlined financing for business vehicles and equipment will be the key to unlocking faster approvals and meeting growing demand.
Improved cash-flow outlook (56.5 percent) and a more favourable economic outlook (37 percent) were cited as significant factors influencing businesses to proceed with investment plans. Speed of approval and settlement is critical, according to 94.4 percent of business decision-makers interviewed by East & Partners. CBA’s enhancements include conditional pre-approvals for qualifying small business customers seeking finance up to A$500,000, requiring no additional documentation.
“Earlier economic uncertainties have caused many businesses to delay investment decisions, particularly regarding vehicle and machinery purchases. At the start of the year, there was a cohort of business owners who delayed decisions to invest in a vehicle or a new piece of machinery for their business because of concerns about the economy, geopolitical uncertainty, and continued cost-of-living pressures” commented CBA General Manager Asset Finance, Renee Theodor.
“However, we have seen momentum tick up over the past month, and I expect this to continue post the Federal Election, particularly with the end of financial year approaching and the extension of the Government’s A$20,000 Instant Asset Write Off for another 12 months.”
“While many businesses remain cautious, inflation is moderating, and CommBank economists maintain the base case view of more rate cuts this year,” Theodor said. “The combination of easing inflation, clarity around the domestic political landscape, and tax-planning decisions before the financial year ends will likely encourage investment.”
Same-day approvals are available for eligible small businesses financing vehicles, vans, light trucks, and a wide range of machinery via CommBank’s small business platform, BizExpress.
“Another improvement is instant, digital documentation for standard assets valued up to A$1 million. This allows our bankers to generate documentation immediately after approval, enabling customers to complete financing documents digitally on the same day. We’re investing in automation to reduce our turnaround times, ensuring faster approvals and funding for our customers,” Theodor added.