New vehicle sales remained strong in October, with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reporting 87,299 new vehicles sold during the month, a 16.9 per cent increase over last year. This brings the year-to-date (YTD) sales to 898,429 for 2022.

Australia’s preference for SUV and Light Commercial Vehicles has continued to grow, making up 80.1 per cent of the total cars sold in the month. The Passenger vehicle segment accounted was 15.3 per cent, and the residual sales were Heavy Commercials at 4.7 per cent.

From these figures, electric vehicles accounted for 2.4 per cent of total sales, or 2.7 per cent since the start of the year.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said this monthly result was an indication that car companies were making progress on overcoming logistical challenges.

“Globally, car manufacturers have been heavily impacted by the Covid 19 pandemic. This October figure is a positive sign that supply chains are recovering and consistency is returning to the marketplace, but we still have some way to go before it returns to normal,” Mr. Weber said.

“It is important to note the continuing, strong preference for SUV and Light Commercial vehicles in Australia.  Consumer preference for these vehicles needs to be considered when charting any policy designed to increase the uptake of zero-emission vehicles.  This is particularly critical given the low availability and high price points of zero and low emission models in these segments.”

“We look forward to working with governments to provide practical guidance on how emissions from light vehicles can be reduced within this context,” Mr. Weber added.

Sales across all States and Territories were up.  The ACT increased by 17.3 per cent with 1,305 vehicles sold; New South Wales, 10.2 per cent (26,869); Victoria, 24.5 per cent (23,283); Queensland, 16.7 per cent (18,850); the NT, 13.1 per cent (726); South Australia, 12.4 per cent (5,564); Tasmania, 25.1 per cent (1,652); and Western Australia, 22.5% (9,050).

Toyota led the market with a total of 18,259 vehicles sold. Ford was next with 7,823, followed by Kia (6,380), Mitsubishi (5,982), and Hyundai (5,289).

The Ford Ranger Ranger claimed this month’s highest-selling model with 5,628 sales reported. The Toyota Hi-Lux was next with 4,890, followed by Toyota’s RAV4 (3,222), Mazda’s CX-5 (2,,352), and MG’s ZS (2,293).

Top 5 Brands, October 2022:

1. Toyota – 18,259 sales (up 18.6 per cent from October 2021)
2. Ford – 7, 823 (up 43.2 per cent)
3. Kia – 6,380 (up 31.5 per cent)
4. Mitsubishi – 5,982 (up 42.3 per cent)
5. Hyundai – 5,289 (down 13.5 per cent)

Top 5 Models, October 2022:

1. Ford Ranger – 5,628 sales (up 36.1 per cent)
2. Toyota Hi-Lux – 4,884 (up 23.3 per cent)
3. Toyota Rav4 – 3,222 (up 92.9 per cent)
4. Mazda CX-5 – 2,352 (up 237.4 per cent)
5. MG ZS – 2,293 (up 103.5 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

4 November 2022