Australia’s new car market has continued to show resilience amidst the pandemic, with sales up 33 per cent for the month of August.

The latest figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show a total of 81,199 vehicles sold for the month, despite Covid-19 restricting access to vehicle showrooms in many States and Territories.

Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all recorded growth greater than 30 per cent compared to 2020’s result. Victorian sales have rebounded resulting in an increase of over 150 per cent, while New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory experienced declines.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that uncertainty around lockdowns meant manufacturers were having to remain agile in the ways they engage with customers.

“The bounce of 33 per cent on last year’s figure demonstrates the resolve of car manufacturers to engage with customers and drive up new vehicle ownership,” said Weber.

Toyota was the market leader in August with 24.6 per cent of overall sales. This was followed by Mazda (9.4 per cent), and then Kia, Ford and Hyundai who all recorded around 6.2 per cent of the market.

The Toyota Hilux was the highest-selling model with 4,770 sold. The Ford Ranger and Toyota Corolla have taken second and third place respectively.

Strong sales of electric SUVs amidst a global shortage of microprocessor parts are a result of manufacturers working with their suppliers to match vehicles with market demand.

“We know that the car industry is suffering the global impacts of Covid-19 on supply chains. An increase of 635 per cent on the sale of electric-powered SUVs shows just how diligently manufacturers are working with suppliers to deliver vehicles to market.”

The Passenger Utility Market is up 17.5 per cent over the same month last year, an increase of 2,581 vehicles. The Sports Utility is up by 26.6 per cent (+8,603 vehicles). The Light Commercial Market is up by 71.2 per cent (+8,002 vehicles). And the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 39.3 per cent, an increase of 1,027.

Top 5 models sold, August 2021:

1. Toyota Hilux – 4,770 (up 267.3 per cent from August 2020).
2. Ford Ranger – 3,959 (up 34. per cent)
3. Toyota Corolla – 3,563 (up 143.4 per cent)
4. Toyota RAV4 – 3,169 (down 34.3 per cent)
5. Toyota Prado – 2,731 (up 452.8 per cent)

Top 5 brands sold, August 2021:

1. Toyota – 19,959 (up 60.3 per cent from August 2020)
2. Mazda – 7,645 (up 10.5 per cent)
3. Kia – 5,065 (up 12 per cent)
4. Ford – 5,058 (up 29.8 per cent)
5. Hyundai – 5,016 (up 10.9 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

6 September 2021