The big news in new car sales this month is the 5,969 Tesla electric vehicles that were delivered taking the annual total to 14,023. Supporters of EVs are saying, “I told you so” to the non-believers, claiming that these record numbers confirm the demand and market acceptance of electric vehicles.
Overall, a total of 93,555 vehicles were sold in September bringing the year-to-date total to 811,130 which is still slightly behind the result in 2021. Though with three months to go in 2022, and order banks continuing to increase, if they can build them, the market will take more.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that the number of battery electric vehicles sold in September signalled that a growing number of Australians were committed to decarbonising their transport choices.
“During September 2022, 7,247 battery electric vehicles were sold, more than hybrid and plug-in-hybrid combined (5,141). Year to date, 21,771 battery electric vehicles have been sold. While the overall market share of battery electric vehicles remains low (2.7 per cent), there is a clear market trend towards zero emission technology,” Mr Weber said.
The release of these figures follows the Federal Government’s call for submissions on an Electric Vehicle Discussion Paper.
“Car makers are encouraged by the release of this discussion paper. Australia’s pathway to decarbonising light transport is complex and requires an holistic policy framework. This paper addresses many of the issues that will need to be resolved.
“Any future policy and regulation needs to be developed within the context of vehicle price, model availability, and battery supply, and supported through the roll out of charging infrastructure and consumer incentives. The policy objective is to lower emissions, and we look forward to offering practical guidance to Government on how to navigate this pathway,” Mr Weber said.
Significantly, China was the third largest supplier of vehicles to the Australian market in September with 14,889 vehicles. Japan (23,880) and Thailand (20,363) remain Australia’s largest source of vehicles.
While supplies of new cars to the Australian market are showing signs of improvement, Mr Weber cautioned that logistical and supply chain issues remained problematic as the global automotive market recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Sales across the ACT increased by 67.7 per cent with 1,498 vehicles sold. Sales were also up in New South Wales 20.8 per cent (28,945); Victoria 23.8 per cent (25,367) and Queensland 2.9 per cent (20,634). All other States and Territories recorded declines in sales. The NT 9.8 per cent (832); South Australia 2.2 per cent (6,005); Tasmania 0.9 per cent (1,630); and Western Australia; 6 per cent (8,644).
Toyota led the market with a total of 14,852 vehicles sold. Kia was next with 7,290 followed by Mazda (7,259), Mitsubishi (6,784) and Ford (6,635).
Top 5 models sold in September 2022 were:
- Toyota Hi-Lux – 5,170 units
- Ford Ranger – 4,890 units
- Tesla Model Y – 4,359 units
- Mazda CX-5 – 2,439 units
- Mitsubishi Triton – 2,319 units
