The Australian new car market has delivered a monumental month in August, with built-up consumer demand and an influx of vehicle availability sending vehicle sales soaring to a record monthly high.
A total of 109,966 vehicles were sold across the month, 15.4 per cent better than the August 2022 result, and 13.8 per cent up on the previous record mark, set back in 2017, according to the latest data released from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
In Queensland, 23,049 vehicles were delivered, up 7.8 per cent, bringing the year-to-date total to 170,728.
The record sales figure was driven by the electric vehicle sector, which accounted for 6.4 per cent of sales for the month, led by the Tesla Model Y, which recorded 2,314 sales (up 127.5 per cent), to be the market’s eighth highest-selling vehicle.
Toyota once again stood firm as the nation’s top-selling manufacturer, selling 22,321 vehicles for a 20.3 per cent market share. Mazda (8,458 sales) and Ford (7,898) rounded out the top 3, while Hyundai beat Kia to fourth place by just 3 sales, 6,513 to 6,510 sales.
The Toyota HiLux extended its lead as the most popular vehicle in the country, outselling the Ranger by two units. 5,762 to 5,760, to claim the top spot, while increased availability of the RAV4 saw the popular model finish in third spot with 3,317 sales (up 34 per cent).
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said, “The Australian automotive sector continues to demonstrate its strength, with August recording unprecedented sales figures, reflecting both a high level of demand from Australians and improved supply of vehicles.
“Year-to-date sales have increased 9.9 per cent, which is a better indicator of the underlying strength of the market.”
Top 5 models
- Toyota HiLux – 5,762 (down 7.3 per cent on August 2022)
- Ford Ranger – 5,760 (up 28 per cent)
- Toyota RAV4 – 3,317 (up 34 per cent)
- Isuzu D-Max – 3,281 (up 70 per cent)
- MG ZS – 3,193 (up 118 per cent)
Top 5 manufacturers
- Toyota – 22,321 (up 8.3 per cent)
- Mazda – 8,458 (down 4.1 per cent)
- Ford – 7,898 (up 35.3 per cent)
- Hyundai – 6,513 (down 2 per cent)
- Kia – 6,510 (down 4 per cent)
Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
5 September 2023