Feebates impact sales totals

MIA describes last month’s registrations as “solid but down on March 2022” ahead of the CCD’s launch.

Posted on 04 April, 2023

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) reports registrations of new vehicles decreased by 23.8 per cent – and 5,007 units – compared to March 2022 when they were the highest on record due to pending fees for light commercials under the clean car discount (CCD).

Monthly registrations of 4,371 commercials were down by 55.5 per cent and 5,451 units, while passenger and SUVs climbed by four per cent and 444 units to 11,626.

Mark Stockdale, pictured, the MIA’s principal technical adviser, says the year-on-year comparisons illustrate the effect government policy can have on changing purchaser behaviour.

“March 2022’s light-commercial sales were the strongest ever, but have since struggled to regain strong performance with the impact of the CCD fees most of these vehicles now attract,” he adds.

“Registrations of new battery electric vehicles [BEVs] were strong, led by the Tesla Model Y and BYD Atto 3. Registrations of non-plug-in hybrids remain strong.

“The trend to the smaller end of vehicle size continues with 60 per cent of vehicles registered for the month being medium or smaller.”

Toyota retained the overall market lead for the month of March with a share of 17 per cent and 2,650 units. It was followed by Ford with 11 per cent and 1,714 units, and Hyundai with eight per cent and 1,256 units. Kia came fourth one unit behind Hyundai.

There were 2,637 light-passenger BEVs, and 18 light commercial plus one heavy commercial BEVs registered last month. The top models were the Tesla Model Y on 761, BYD’s Atto 3 on 617 and MG’s ZS with 307.

There were 515 plug-in hybrids registered, led by the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross on 176, Kia Sorento with 131 and MG HS on 31.

Registrations of hybrids were “strong” with 2,503 registrations in March. Toyota RAV4 topped the ladder on 455 units. It was followed by Honda’s Jazz on 245 and the Suzuki Swift with 211.

As for market segmentation, last month’s top spot was claimed by medium-sized SUVs with a market share of 31 per cent. Next up were compact SUVs on 10 per cent and the pick-up/chassis 4x4 segment with 13 per cent.