Figures released from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reveal another positive result for the new car market, with sales totalling 83,977 for the month, a 5.1 per cent increase from last year (79,940).

This positive result was reflected across all states and territories except for Victoria (down 8.7 per cent), Tasmania (down 3.9 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (down 38.3 per cent).

Toyota comfortably maintained its position as the leading brand for the month, with a margin of 10,053 vehicles and 12.0 market share points. Toyota sold a total of 18,375 vehicles, followed by Mazda with 8,322 sales (9.9 per cent of the market) and Hyundai with 6,252 (7.4 per cent).

The Toyota Hilux was the best-selling vehicle for the period with sales of 4,808 vehicles, followed by the Ford Ranger (2,900), the Toyota RAV4 (2,750), the Toyota Landcruiser (2,521) and the Toyota Corolla (2,427).

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the result showed that confidence was continuing to grow in the market.

“During the past four months, we have seen an increase of 10.6 per cent in new vehicles and this been reflected with strong growth in New Sale Wales, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory in February 2021. The sales reduction in Victoria can be attributed to the COVID19 restrictions that were put in place during the month.”

“We remain confident that this trend of growth will continue in an environment where business operating conditions continue to normalise,” Weber continued.

SUVs dominated the market in February with a market share of 50.8 per cent and a total of 42,651 vehicles sold. Light commercial vehicles represented 23 per cent (19,326) and passenger vehicles claimed 22.9 per cent (19,194).

Sales of passenger vehicles fell 15.3 per cent in February 2020, reflecting the continued shift in preference by consumers away from the segment.

SUV sales experienced an 8.6 per cent increase for the month, and sales of light commercial vehicles rose by 24.3 per cent.

Top 5 models sold, February 2021:

1. Toyota Hilux – 4,808 sales (up 40.5 per cent from Feb 2020)
2. Ford Ranger – 2,900 (down 9.4 per cent)
3. Toyota RAV4 – 2,750 (down 18.5 per cent)
4. Toyota Landcruiser – 2,521 (up 37.1 per cent)
5. Toyota Corolla – 2,427 (down 3.7 per cent)

Top 5 brands, February 2021:

1. Toyota – 18,375 sales (up 3.9 per cent from Feb 2020)
2. Mazda – 8,322 (up 15.1 per cent)
3. Hyundai – 6,252 (up 5.2 per cent)
4. Mitsubishi – 6,202 (up 12.5 per cent)
5. Kia – 5,871 (up 14.7 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

3 March 2021