Demand for new vehicles in Australia has maintained traction during July in spite of the challenges presented by COVID-19, with sales for the month showing an increase of 16.1 per cent on last year.

The latest figures released from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show a total of 84,161 vehicles sold for the month, an increase of 11,656 vehicles from July 2020, when 72,505 sales were recorded.

Queensland, Victoria, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all recorded growth greater than 20 per cent, while New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory recorded a decline.

The Toyota Hilux was once again named the highest-selling vehicle for the month, with a total of 4,610 sales. This was followed closely by the Ford Ranger (4,064) and Toyota Corolla (2,535).

Toyota was the market leader for the month, recording 17,643 sales. This was followed by Mazda (8,919) and Ford (5,569).

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that the market remained strong, despite the impacts of lockdowns on major retail locations.

“The growth of 16.1 per cent shows the underlying strength, confidence and resilience in the market in spite of challenges being presented due to lockdowns and ongoing delivery issues caused by microprocessor shortages and shipping delays,” he said.

The Light Commercial segment increased by 40.9 per cent from last years result, while SUV sales are up by 15 per cent. The rental segment is also seeing a re-stocking trend, with a growth of 231.4 per cent reflecting the increasing demand for local tourism and travel.

The sports utility market was also up by 15 per cent, the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market was up by 21.7 per cent, and only the Passenger Vehicle market was down by 3 per cent.

Strong demand was seen for Electric (EV) and Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), especially in Victoria and NSW where the State Governments have introduced a road user charge offset by consumer grants and continuing infrastructure investment.

EV sales in Victoria were up 191.1 per cent and PHEV was up 161.3 per cent compared to July 2020. In NSW, EV sales increased by 260 per cent and PHEV by 84.9 per cent.

Top 5 models sold, July 2021:

1. Toyota Hilux – 4,610 (up 56.4 per cent from July 2020)
2. Ford Ranger – 4,064 (up 30.9 per cent)
3. Toyota Corolla – 2,535 (up 15.6 per cent)
4. Isuzu Ute D-Max – 2,427 (up 244.0 per cent)
5. Mazda CX-5 – 2,389 (up 38.3 per cent)

Top 5 brands sold, July 2021:

1. Toyota – 17,643 sales (up 13.8 per cent from July 2020)
2. Mazda – 8,919 sales (up 14.3 per cent)
3. Ford – 5,569 sales (up 21.8 per cent)
4. Mitsubishi – 5,302 sales (up 13.2 per cent)
5. Kia – 5,202 (up 12.5 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

4 August 2021