Australia’s new car market experienced a small but important lift in July, with sales for the month showing a 0.4 per cent increase from 2021 despite ongoing stock shortages and wait times.

Official VFACTS figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries saw a total of 84,461 vehicles sold during the month, bringing the year-to-date total to 622,319.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the relatively flat result compared to this time last year has shown the market has not normalised since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Vehicle and component manufacturing operations remain affected by plant shutdowns caused by Covid-19.  Logistics, including shipping, remain unpredictable.  While small growth on the same month in 2021 is encouraging, we do not expect the supply of vehicles to Australia to stabilise in the near future. Once again Australia is following the global trend of demand for new vehicles exceeding supply,” Mr Weber said.

Sales in South Australia increased by 13.3 per cent with 5,649 vehicles sold.  Sales were also up in New South Wales by 10.9 per cent with 26,519 vehicles sold.  All other States and Territories recorded declines in sales.  The ACT down 16.4 per cent (1,175); the Northern Territory down 16.6 per cent (756); Queensland down 1.1 per cent (18,900); Tasmania down 13.2 per cent (1,327); Victoria down 5.8 per cent (22,076); and Western Australia down 9.0 per cent (8,059).

Japanese giant Toyota retained its position as Australia’s top-selling brand, reporting 19,565 vehicles sold – taking a commanding lead of 11,686 vehicles between itself and the next in line. Mazda claimed second place with 7,879 vehicles, and Hyundai placed third with 6,792.

Not only did Toyota once again dominate, but the HiLux ute also held its spot on the top-model charts and is on track to claim its seventh annual victory in the new-car sales race. The Ford Ranger has regained its historical second place spot after the first examples of the new-generation model were delivered to customers in mid-July. The Toyota RAV4 took third place with 2,437 vehicles.

Sales of electric vehicles only grew by 18.3 per cent for the month with a total of 609 vehicles sold. Tesla was one again on the sideline with only four vehicles reported as sold. However, the first shipment of Tesla Cars since June docked on Australian shores over the week – containing both a batch of Model 3 sedans and the first customer examples of the Model Y.

Top 5 Brands, July 2022: 

1. Toyota – 19,565 sales (up 10.9 per cent from 2021)
2. Mazda – 7,879 (down 11.7 per cent)
3. Hyundai – 6,792 (up 34.2 per cent)
4. Kia – 6,711 (up 29 per cent)
5. Mitsubishi – 5,611 (up 5.8 per cent)

Top 5 Models, July 2022:

1. Toyota HiLux – 6,441 sales (up 39.7 per cent from 2021)
2. Ford Ranger – 2,934 (down 27.8 per cent)
3. Toyota RAV4 – 2,437 (up 3.9 per cent)
4. Mazda CX-5 – 2,346 (down 1.8 per cent)
5. Hyundai Tucson – 2,186 (up 72.8 per cent)

Source: FCAI

3 August 2022