Sales of vehicles in Australia are up 33 per cent on the same month last year, demonstrating the resilience of Australia’s car market despite the impacts of lock downs and microprocessor shortages.
The top 10 selling cars in August were:
- Toyota Hilux
- Ford Ranger
- Toyota Corolla
- Toyota RAV4
- Toyota Landcruiser Prado
- Mazda CX-5
- Hyundai i30
- Isuzu Ute D-MAX
- MG ZS
- Mitsubishi Outlander
Consumers purchased a total of 81,199 new vehicles during the month of August, despite Covid-19 restricting access to vehicle showrooms in many States and Territories. Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory all recorded growth greater than 30 per cent compared to August 2020. Victorian sales have rebounded resulting in an increase of over 150 per cent, while the ACT and NSW recorded declines.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries Chief Executive Tony Weber said that uncertainty around lockdowns meant manufacturers were having to remain agile in the ways they engage with customers.
“The bounce of 33 per cent on last year’s figure demonstrates the resolve of car manufacturers to engage with customers and drive-up new vehicle ownership.
“With access to showrooms limited, vehicle makers are working to engage customers in their homes and other places of isolation.”
Strong sales of electric SUVs amidst a global shortage of microprocessor parts are a result of manufacturers working with their suppliers to match vehicles with market demand.
“We know that the car industry is suffering the global impacts of Covid-19 on supply chains. An increase of 635 per cent on the sale of electric-powered SUVs shows just how diligently manufacturers are working with suppliers to deliver vehicles to market.”
Toyota was market leader in August with 24.6 per cent of overall sales. This was followed by Mazda (9.4 per cent), and then Kia, Ford and Hyundai who all recorded around 6.2 per cent of market share.
