Australia’s new car market experienced strong sales growth in June, with figures up 25 per cent on the same period last year.
Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show a total of 124,926 vehicles were sold during the month, the highest June result since 2018.
“The end of the financial year has traditionally been a strong month for vehicle sales,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber. “Indications from our members are that demand for new vehicles remains solid, but the supply is not yet at a point to meet this demand.”
Sales of zero and low-emission vehicles continued to grow with 16.6 per cent being battery electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid models. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 8.8 per cent of June sales and make up 7.4 per cent of new vehicle sales during the first half of 2023. The Tesla Model Y recorded 5,560 sales, making it the second-highest-selling vehicle behind the Toyota Hi-Lux (6,142).
“The early adopters of the new powertrain technology continue to push up the sales of electric vehicles across the country,” Mr Weber said.
“The steady introduction of new battery electric models across all model segments at more competitive price points is critically important as we deal with the challenges of supplying electric vehicles that meet business and personal consumer needs at prices the mainstream buyers can afford.”
Sales across every State and Territory increased apart from the Northern Territory which recorded 1,085 sales, a reduction of 2.7 per cent compared with June 2022. Sales in the Australian Capital Territory increased by 24.9 per cent (1,856); New South Wales 15.6 per cent (37,020); Queensland 27.5 per cent (28,029); South Australia 28.3 per cent (7,974); Tasmania 22.3 per cent (1,923); Victoria 31.8 per cent (33,966); and Western Australia 33.2 per cent (13,073).
Toyota led the market with a total of 20,948 vehicles sold, followed by Mazda with 9,706 sales and Hyundai with 8,215.
The Toyota Hi-Lux was the highest-selling model with 6,142 sales, with Tesla’s Model Y (5,560) and Ford’s Ranger (5,334) shortly behind.
Top 5 models, June 2023:
- Toyota Hi-Lux – 6,142 sales (down 19.0 per cent from June 2022)
- Tesla Model Y – 5,560 (comparable sales not available)
- Ford Ranger – 5,334 (up 90.4 per cent)
- MG ZS – 3,756 (up 167.9 per cent)
- Toyota RAV4 – 2,858 (up 10.5 per cent)
Top 5 brands, June 2023:
- Toyota – 20,948 vehicle sales (down 7.1 per cent from June 2022)
- Mazda – 9,706 (up 55.4 per cent)
- Hyundai – 8,215 (down 0.5 per cent)
- Ford – 7,753 (up 55.9 per cent)
- Kia – 7,551 (down 11.0 per cent)
Source: Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries
5 July 2023