Supply shortages continue to wreak havoc on the industry with sales in Australia’s new car sector dropping 15.3 per cent for the month of November 2021.

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) saw 80,639 new vehicles sold for the period, a decrease of 14,566 sales from the November 2020 result (95,205).

Sales in Western Australia were down by 19.8 per cent. Queensland recorded a decrease of 19.5 per cent, followed by Victoria with 19.4 per cent.  Tasmania saw a 12.8 per cent decline and South Australia saw a 10.6 per cent drp[. The Northern Territory was down by 8.5 per cent and the Australian Capital Territory saw a 3.1 per cent decrease.

“Demand across the sector remains strong with the drop in sales reflecting well recognised international supply chain issues,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.

“Carmakers are competing with many other sectors, such as white goods manufacturers, for microprocessors across the globe. Some new vehicles in the Australian market can require up to 3,000 of these parts, so this shortage is definitely being felt by the industry.”

Toyota was the market leader for the month followed by Hyundai and Ford. Toyota led Hyundai with a margin of 8,385 vehicle sales and 10.4 market share points.

The Ford Ranger claimed the highest-selling model with 4,429 vehicles sold. The Hi-Lux came second with 4,228 and third place went to the Hyundai i30 with 2,254.

The Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 19.4 per cent for the month, while most other sectors experienced a decline. The Passenger Vehicle Market is down by 3,879 vehicles, the Sports Utility Market by 10,283 vehicles, and the Light Commercial Vehicle Market by 1,030 vehicle sales.

Sales of rental and hire fleets continued to grow as travel restrictions continue to ease. Year to date, they have witnessed an increase of 90.7 per cent on 2020 figures.

“Challenges aside, we are less than 29,000 vehicles away from one million new cars being put into the hands of Australian motorists in 2021,” Mr Weber continued.

Top 5 models sold, November 2021:

1. Ford Ranger – 4,429 (up 4 per cent from November 2020)
2. Toyota Hi-Lux – 4,228 (down 16.1 per cent)
3. Hyundai i30 – 2,254 (up 10.1 per cent)
4. Toyota Corolla – 2,104 (down 24.2 per cent)
5. Toyota RAV4 – 1,820 (down 52.1 per cent)

Top 5 brands sold, November 2021:

1. Toyota – 15,239 (down 34.3 per cent from November 2020)
2. Hyundai – 6,854 (down 0.7 per cent)
3. Ford – 6,215 (down 6.0 per cent)
4. Mitsubishi – 5,720 (up 4.2 per cent)
5. Mazda – 5,295 (down 41.5 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

3 December 2021