Australia’s automotive industry delivered 86,878 vehicles during February 2023 – a 1.8 per cent increase on the same period in 2022, according to data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and VFACTS.

That growth was not reflected everywhere, however, with sales in Queensland falling by 2.8 per cent (18,427); South Australia, 4.5 per cent (5,549); Tasmania 9.4 percent (1,414); and Victoria 1.3 percent (21,894).

Sales in the ACT increased by 7.2 per cent with 1,454 vehicles sold; NSW, 4.7 per cent (27,600); Northern Territory, 2.8 percent (725) and Western Australia BY 16.7 percent (9,815).

Toyota led the market with a total of 14,332 vehicles sold. Mazda was second (7,667), followed by Ford (6,022), Kia (6,000) and Hyundai (5,504).

The Ford Ranger was the highest-selling model with 4,473 sales reported. Toyota’s Hi-Lux followed with 3,939. Tesla’s Model 3 was third with 2,671, an indication of the growing popularity of electric vehicles.

According to the data, battery-electric vehicles accounted for 6.8 per cent of sales with 5,932 sold in February. Add in hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and electrified vehicles accounted for 13.9 per cent (12,102) of sales. Tesla continues to be the one to beat in the all-electric sector, with the American manufacturer having already sold over 6,800 vehicles this year and looking set to beat its sales of 19,594 recorded for 2022.

“Growing sales of electric vehicles proves that where a battery-electric product exists which suits the driving habits, needs and finances of Australian motorists, they will purchase these vehicles,” said Tony Weber, CEO of the FCAI.

Overall, the Passenger Vehicle Market was up by 750 vehicle sales (4.8 per cent) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market was up by 2,953 vehicle sales (6.6 per cent); the Light Commercial Market was down by 2,959 vehicle sales (-13.6 per cent) and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market was up by 794 vehicle sales (26.4 per cent) versus February 2022.

Top 5 Brands, February 2023:

1. Toyota – 14,332 sales (down 31.4 per cent from 2022)
2. Mazda – 7,667 (down 12.7 per cent)
3. Ford – 6,022 (up 30.6 per cent)
4. Kia – 6,000 (up 2.0 per cent)
5. Hyundai – 5,504 (down 2.6 per cent)

Top 5 Models, February 2023:

1. Ford Ranger – 4,473 sales (up 29.5 per cent from 2022)
2. Toyota Hi-Lux – 3,939 (down 18 per cent)
3. Tesla Model 3 – 2,671 (comparison N/A)
4. Mazda CX-5 – 2,600 (up 105.5 per cent)
5. Mitsubishi Outlander – 2,166 (up 29.5 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

7 March 2023