New cars sales last month delivered the best February result since 2019. It could have been higher if the cars stuck in quarantine were cleaned and released.
“This is the best February result since 2019. It is particularly pleasing given global and domestic supply constraints,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.
Battery electric vehicles accounted for 6.8 per cent of sales with 5,932 sold in February.
“Growing sales of electric vehicles proves that where a battery electric product exists which suits the driving habits, needs and finances of Australian motorists, they will purchase these vehicles,” Mr Weber said.
Zero and low emission vehicle sales, which includes battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 13.9 per cent (12,102).
“The number of low emission vehicle sales demonstrates that there is an appetite among Australians for environmentally friendly vehicles. However, if we wish to accelerate this transition to a broader range of consumers in all parts of the country, Australia needs to adopt a fuel efficiency standard,” Mr Weber added.
A total of 13,625 vehicles were sourced from China, making it the third highest country of origin for new vehicles in February. Japan remains the largest source of new vehicles in the Australian market (24,805), followed by Thailand (18,557). Korea is the fourth highest country of origin (12,246).
Sales in the ACT increased by 7.2 per cent with 1,454 vehicles sold; New South Wales, 4.7 per cent (27,600); Northern Territory, 2.8 percent (725) and Western Australia, 16.7 percent (9,815).
Sales in Queensland decreased by 2.8 per cent (18,427); South Australia, 4.5 per cent (5,549); Tasmania 9.4 percent (1,414); and Victoria 1.3 percent (21,894).
Toyota led the market with a total of 14,332 vehicles sold. Mazda was second (7,667), followed by Ford (6,022), Kia (6,000) and Hyundai (5,504).
Top 5 new cars in February 2023
- Ford Ranger – 4,473 (Produces an estimated 2.63 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, per annum**)
- Toyota Hi-Lux – 3,939 (Produces an estimated 2.73 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, per annum**)
- Tesla Model 3 – 2,671 (Produces an estimated 0 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, per annum**)
- Mazda CX-5 – 2,600 (Produces an estimated 2.21 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, per annum**)
- Mitsubishi Outlander – 2,166 (4WD petrol model produces an estimated 2.59 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, per annum. 4WD PHEV model produces an estimated 0.49 tonnes of CO2 per vehicle, per annum**)
** The CO2 information is from the Green Vehicle Guide.
