Australian new car sales showed positive growth for the fifth month in a row, according to the latest figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

A total of 100,005 vehicles were sold in the month, up 22.4 per cent on March 2020, when 81,690 vehicles were purchased. This positive result was reflected across all states and territories other than the Australian Capital Territory, which was down 43.8 per cent.

The Northern Territory (43.4 per cent), Queensland (32.7 per cent), Western Australia (30.5 per cent) and Tasmania (30 per cent) all experienced an increase above 30 per cent for March 2021.

“This is the strongest March result in two years with private buyers representing the largest proportion of new vehicle purchases,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.

“It is possible that the result could have been even stronger if some brands had not been impacted by delivery constraints in global factory supply chains. It is our expectation that these delivery issues will continue to be resolved during the coming months.”

Year-to-date, a total of 263,648 new cars were reported as sold, up 13 per cent compared to the same period last year. However, this is 4.2 per cent below the pre-pandemic five year average of 280,500.

The Toyota Hilux was once again crowned the best-selling vehicle for the month, with a total of 5,319 sales, followed by the Ford Ranger (3,983) and the Toyota RAV4 (3,522).

Toyota was the leading brand in March, with sales of 21,319 (21.3 per cent of the market, followed by Mazda with 10,785 (10.8 per cent) and Hyundai with 6,852 (6.8 per cent).

Eight of the top ten selling vehicles for the month were SUVs or Light Commercial Vehicles, driven by increasing demand from private buyers. SUV sales were up by 32 per cent, and light commercial vehicles were up by 28 per cent.

The heavy commercial vehicle market was up 42.8 per cent in comparison to March 2020; the sports utility market was up by 32 per cent, and only the passenger vehicle market was down by 1.9 per cent over the same month last year.

Electric vehicle sales reached a total of 411 for the month, an increase of 248 compared to March 2020.

Top 5 models sold, March 2021:

1. Toyota Hilux – 5,319 sales (up 49.6 per cent from March 2020)
2. Ford Ranger – 3,983 sales (up 28.2 per cent)
3. Toyota RAV4 – 3,522 sales (up 17.8 per cent)
4. Toyota Landcruiser – 3,392 sales (up 66 per cent)
5. Mazda CX-5 – 3,022 sales (up 74.3 per cent)

Top 5 brands, February 2021:

1. Toyota – 21,319 sales (up 21.2 per cent from March 2020)
2. Mazda – 10,785 sales (up 58.2 per cent)
3. Hyundai – 6,852 sales (up 29.1 per cent)
4. Mitsubishi – 6,430 sales (up 7.1 per cent)
5. Ford – 5,977 sales (up 23.1 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

8 April 2021