HERE AT seniordriveraus WE DON’T usually spend much time analysing sales figures, but the latest numbers have even our eyebrows raising. Initially, we thought it was just the market catching up after the Covid-enforced lack of supply, but the trend to every increasing sales is starting to look like it will continue.
We wonder where all these new vehicles are going, and what’s happening to the used cars that they replace.
A total of 111,099 vehicles were sold in May, an all-time record surpassing last year’s figure of 105,694 which itself was the previous best May result on record.
The year-to-date sales now stand at 512,753 marking an increase of over 55,920 vehicles compared to the same period last year (456,833).
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber remarked that another record-breaking month underscores the ongoing strength of the industry.
“The continued growth highlights consumer confidence and the industry’s ability to meet diverse needs of Australian motorists despite current economic challenges,” Mr Weber said.
“The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world which supply consumers with a wide choice of vehicle across all segments and price categories.”
Monthly sales of Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles saw a notable increase, capturing 15.8 percent of the market compared to 7.9 percent in the previous year. Battery Electric Vehicles saw a slight increase in sales accounting for 8.1 percent of new sales, up from 7.7 percent at the same month last year.
Toyota was the market leader with sales of 23,389, followed by Ford (8806), Mazda (8002), Kia (7504) and Hyundai (6495).
The Ford Ranger was Australia’s top selling vehicle with sales 5912, followed by the Toyota HiLux (5702), Toyota RAV4 (5517) Isuzu Ute D-Max (2612) and Toyota Landcruiser (2578).
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were up by 10.6 percent (1673); New South Wales increased by 5.3 percent (33,145); Queensland increased by 5.5 percent (23,534); South Australia increased by 11.3 percent (7501); Victoria increased by 3.2 percent (30,095); Western Australia increased by 5.4 percent (12,334), Tasmania increased by 7.1 percent (1818) and Northern Territory decreased by 8.8 percent (999).