The ongoing microprocessor shortage was reflected in the new car market sales result for October 2021, which saw the first monthly decline in almost a year.

Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show a total of 74,650 new vehicles sold for the month, down 8.1 per cent from October 2020.

Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were down 22.3 per cent from October 2020. Western Australia recorded a decrease in sales of 15.4 per cent, followed by the Northern Territory with a decline of 12.4 per cent. New South Wales recorded a fall of 12.2 per cent. South Australia figures were down 11.9 per cent. Queensland recorded a 10.3 per cent decline and Tasmania recorded a decrease of 1.6 per cent. Only Victoria saw an increase of 6.3 per cent.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said it was clear manufacturers were experiencing supply chain challenges.

“Automotive manufacturers like all those in the global manufacturing sector are dealing with a microprocessor shortage which is leading to longer wait times to get products to market. Australians are continuing to purchase vehicles, and carmakers are working to deliver products to our shores,” Mr Weber said.

The Passenger Vehicle Market is down by 10.4 per cent (1,842 vehicles) over the same month last year and the Sports Utility Market is down by 14.3 per cent (5,877 vehicles). The Light Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 1.0 per cent (192 vehicles) and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 31.3 per cent (957) compared to October 2020.

Despite a challenging month, the new car market remains positive year-to-date with 890,790 total sales. The market is expected to stabilise in 2022 as supply chain constraints ease.

Further to this, the number of electric vehicles drives continues to rise, aided by state and territory incentives.

“We have seen Victoria and NSW release comprehensive legislation to support electric vehicles which were followed just last week by South Australia.

“All of these jurisdictions worked proactively with industry to provide infrastructure investment and consumer incentives. We look forward to working with Governments at all levels to form nationally consistent policies which will make electric vehicles more accessible to the Australian motorist,” Mr Weber continued.

Toyota was the market leader in October with 15,395 vehicles sold. This was followed by Hyundai with 6,115 and Ford with 5,462.

The Ford Ranger continued last month’s trend taking the crown as the highest-selling model with 4,135 sales. The Toyota Hi-Lux came in second with 3,961 and the Toyota Landcruiser was third with 2,031 vehicles.

Top 5 models sold, October 2021:

1. Ford Ranger – 4,135 (down 1.9 per cent from October 2020)
2. Toyota Hi-Lux – 3,961 (down 10.9 per cent)
3. Toyota Landcruiser – 2,031 (down 16.4 per cent)
4. Toyota Corolla – 1,989 (up 2.4 per cent)
5. Hyundai i30 – 1,946 (up 36 per cent)

Top 5 brands sold, October 2021:

1. Toyota – 15,395 (down 21.1 per cent from October 2020)
2. Hyundai – 6,115 (up 2.8 per cent)
3. Ford – 5,462 (down 4.9 per cent)
4. Mazda – 5,181 (down 30.5 per cent)
5. Kia – 4,853 (down 8.5 per cent)

Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries

5 November 2021