Supply shortages continue to disrupt the Australian new car market, with sales for January showing a 4.8 per cent decline on 2021 figures.

Data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries record a total of 75,863 vehicles sold for the month, a decrease of 3,803 vehicles from last year’s result (79,666).

Sales in Western Australia were down by 7.8 per cent with 7,578 vehicles sold. Queensland saw a decline of 1.3 per cent with 16,423. Victoria decreased by 1.6 per cent with 20,397. South Australia saw a decrease of 2.2 per cent with 5,170. The Northern Territory was down 13 per cent with 617. Finally, the ACT was down 9.7 per cent with 1,175.

Tasmania was the only state to witness a sales increase, up by 15.4 per cent with 1,468.

“The microprocessor shortage and the pandemic’s impact on supply chains continues into 2022. This is an issue impacting markets all over the globe. Despite this, consumer interest, inquiry, and the fundamental demand for new cars in Australia remains strong,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.

“Manufacturers are continuing to work hard to address supply chain and production issues. We are also experiencing bottlenecks in having vehicles processed from some Australian ports. We will continue to work with all parties involved to resolve the issue.”

The Passenger Vehicle market is down by 15.3 per cent (2,853 vehicles) over the same month last year, as well as the Sports Utility Market which is down by 4.7 per cent (1,947 vehicles). Both the Light Commercial Market and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market experienced an increase of 4.4 per cent and 10.9 per cent respectively.

Toyota was the market leader for the month with 15,333 vehicles sold. Mazda followed with 9,805 and Mitsubishi with 6,533. Toyota led with a margin of 5,528 vehicles sales and 7.3 market share points.

Toyota’s Hilux was the best-selling model with 3,591 units sold. Ford’s Ranger came in second with 3,245, followed by the Mazda CX-5 with 3,213.

Top 5 Brands, January 2022:

1. Toyota – 15,333 (down 8.8 per cent from January 2021)
2. Mazda – 9,805 (up 15.2 per cent)
3. Mitsubishi – 6,533 (up 26.1 per cent)
4. Kia – 5,520 (up 0.4 per cent)
5. Hyundai – 5,128 (down 13.8 per cent)

Top 5 Models, January 2022:

1. Toyota Hi-Lux – 3,591 (down 8.2 per cent from January 2021)
2. Ford Ranger – 3,245 (up 4.0 per cent)
3. Mazda CX-5 – 3,213 (up 54.4 per cent)
4. Mitsubishi Triton – 2,876 (up 50.7 per cent)
5. Toyota Prado – 2,566 (up 88.8 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

3 February 2022