For the first time in over two and a half years, Australia’s new vehicle sales have revealed a positive result.

Figures released from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that sales for the month of November 2020 totalled 95,205, a 12.4 per cent increase from the same period last year, when 84,708 sales were recorded.

Tony Weber, Chief Executive of the FCAI, said the industry welcomes the first sign of recovery.

“Recent Australian new vehicles sales have seen 31 months of straight decline. This has been caused by a number of well-recognised factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and environmental and financial issues,” reports Mr Weber.

“With the Australian economy showing improvement, it’s good news to see new vehicle sales trending in a more positive direction.”

Selling a total of 5,038 cars, the Hi Lux has retained its position as the top selling vehicle for the month, followed closely by the Ford Ranger (4,260). The Toyota RAV4 and Landcruiser have maintained their third and fourth positions respectively, with the Corolla overtaking the Prado for fifth place.

Toyota has extended its unassailable lead of the market, selling a total of 23,204 vehicles, an increase of 36.9 per cent from November 2019.  Four of the five top brands experienced sales increases, with Mitsubishi being hit with a 20 per cent decline compared to last year.

SUV’s continue to grow in popularity, claiming a majority (52.5 per cent) of the market with a total of 50,016 sales.

A notable increase has also been seen in Light Commercial vehicles, holding 22.3 per cent of the market with a total of 21,252 sales (up 11.5 per cent from last year).

The demand for Passenger Vehicles has decreased, representing 21.8 per cent of the market with 20,711 vehicles sold (down 10.1 per cent).

“…Given our inability to travel internationally, many Australians are choosing to purchase a new vehicle and holiday at home this year – and we fully expect to see a notable increase in family driving trips over the Christmas season,” reports Mr Weber.

“With this in mind, the FCAI would like to remind all drivers to visit their dealers and ensure their vehicles are in first class condition prior to departing on a road-based family holiday.”

Despite these positive signs, the industry remains cautious about the market’s recovery.

Year-to-date, 831,316 new vehicles were reported as sold, down by 16.1 per cent from 2019, however, this tally is dragged down by monthly sales declines of up to 48.5 per cent at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the road to recovery may be challenging, these figures offer hope of an impending recovery for the industry.

Top 5 models sold, November 2020:

1. Toyota Hi Lux – 5,038 (up 33.0 per cent compared to November 2019)
2. Ford Ranger – 4,260 (up 22.0 per cent)
3. Toyota RAV4 – 3,800 (up 64.1 per cent)
4. Toyota Landcruiser – 2,947 (up 116 per cent)
5. Toyota Corolla – 2,774 (up 24.5 per cent)

Top 5 brands, November 2020:

1. Toyota – 23,204 sales (up 36.9 per cent)
2. Mazda – 9,053 sales (up 46.8 per cent)
3. Hyundai – 6,903 sales (up 1.2 per cent)
4. Ford – 6,613 sales (up 33.2 per cent)
5. Mitsubishi – 5,488 sales (down 20.0 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

3 December 2020