Yet another strong month for the new vehicle market, with a total of 100,809 new vehicles sold in May, the highest result for 2021 so far.

The result surpasses the March 2021 figure of 100,005 and has left the industry on track to return to sales of more than one million new vehicles for the year.

Latest figures released from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows an increase of 68.3 per cent on the corresponding month for 2020, when COVID-19 lockdowns were imposed across the country, significantly impacting the market. The result is also an 8.9 per cent increase from May 2019, when 92,561 vehicles were sold.

The Toyota HiLux has regained its crown, once again being named the highest-selling vehicle for the month, with a total of 4,402 sales. Last month’s favourites, the Ford Ranger and Toyota RAV4 have claimed third and second place, with 4,254 and 4,014 sales respectively.

Toyota was the market leader for the month, recording sales of 21,156. This was followed by Mazda (10,554) and Kia (7,124). Toyota led the market with a margin of 10,602 vehicle sales and 10.5 market share points.

All vehicle classes experienced an increase, with Passenger Vehicle, Heavy Commercial Vehicle and Light Commercial Market all witnessing an increase of over 45 per cent for the month. Sports Utility Market was up 87.1 per cent over May’s 2020 result.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the result once again showed that confidence in the national economy and pent-up demand across all sectors were strong enough to counter issues related to COVID-19 uncertainties and supply chain issues.

“While we cannot be certain about the future economic impacts of the COVID-19 situation, businesses and households are showing their confidence by purchasing new vehicles.

“I expect the situation will continue to improve in the second half of this calendar year as confidence continues to grow, coupled with incentives such as the extension of the depreciation allowance for business which was announced in the Federal Budget during the month.”

The Rental segment has also continued to grow with the year-to-date result being up 69.4 per cent, while Private sales were up 50.3 per cent year-to-date.

Top 5 models sold, May 2021:

1. Toyota HiLux – 4,402 sales (up 24.8 per cent from May 2020)
2. Ford Ranger – 4,254 sales (up 59.7 per cent)
3. Toyota RAV4 – 4,014 sales (up 71.2 per cent)
4. Toyota Landcruiser – 3,399 sales (up 59.4 per cent)
5. Isuzu Ute D-Max – 3,058 sales (up 202.8 per cent)

Top 5 brands, May 2021:

1. Toyota – 21,156 sales (up 46.2 per cent from May 2020).
2. Mazda – 10,554 sales (up 86.4 per cent)
3. Kia – 7,124 sales (up 158.1 per cent)
4. Ford – 6,493 sales (up 66.7 per cent)
5. Mitsubishi – 6,478 (up 115.2 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

3 June 2021