Community
27 June, 2024
Record car sales again as buyers swoop on hybrids
A RECORD number of new vehicles were sold in May, with hybrid and plug-in hybrids leading the charge.
A total of 111,099 vehicles were sold in May, surpassing last year’s figure of 105,694 which previously was the best May result on record.
The year-to-date sales now stand at 512,753 marking an increase of over 55,920 vehicles compared to the same period last year (456,833).
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said that another record-breaking month underscored the ongoing strength of the industry.
“The continued growth highlights consumer confidence and the industry’s ability to meet diverse needs of Australian motorists despite current economic challenges,” he said.
“The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world which supplies consumers with a wide choice of vehicles across all segments and price categories.”
Monthly sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles saw a notable increase, capturing 15.8 per cent of the market compared to 7.9 per cent in the previous year. Battery electric vehicles saw a slight increase in sales accounting for 8.1 per cent of new sales, up from 7.7 per cent at the same month last year.
Toyota was the market leader with sales of 23,389, with Ford (8806) beating Mazda (8002) to second, followed by Kia (7504) and Hyundai (6495).
Rounding out the top 10 were Mitsubishi sixth (6409), Isuzu Ute (4401), MG (4159), Tesla (3567) and Nissan (3425).
Year-to-date Toyota is well in front (100,398), followed by Ford (40,129) and Mazda (39,064).
The Ford Ranger was Australia’s top selling vehicle with sales of 5912, followed by the Toyota HiLux (5702), Toyota RAV4 (5517) Isuzu Ute D-Max (2612) and Toyota Landcruiser (2578).
In sixth was Mitsubishi Outlander (2500), Toyota Camry (2468), Toyota Corolla (2439), Ford Everest (211) and Mazda CX-5 (2108).
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were up by 10.6 per cent (1673), New South Wales increased by 5.3 per cent (33,145), Queensland was up by 5.5 per cent (23,534), South Australia increased by 11.3 per cent (7501), Victoria rose by 3.2 per cent (30,095), Western Australia was up by 5.4 per cent (12,334), Tasmania increased by 7.1 per cent (1818) but the Northern Territory decreased by 8.8 per cent (999).
