Record-breaking sales continue

There were 112,141 registrations of new vehicles in Australia last month, a new November record and up 17.9 per cent from 95,080 a year ago.

It took the year-to-date total to 1.1 million units and six of the past seven months have been record-breakers, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

The Ford Ranger, pictured, held onto its spot as the top-selling vehicle last month with 6,301 sales, followed by the Toyota Hilux on 5,901.

Completing the top five was Isuzu’s Ute D-Max on 3,692 registrations, Tesla’s Model Y with 3,151 and the Toyota Prado on 3,090.

Toyota emerged as the best-selling marque in November after completing 21,002 sales. Next was Mazda with 8,707, Ford on 8,165, Hyundai with 6,718 and Mitsubishi on 6,268.

The FCAI notes year-to-date sales of battery electric vehicles have now reached 80,446, up from 28,326 at the same time in 2022.

It says the growth highlights the increasing interest in low and zero-emissions vehicles among Australian consumers. 

Electric vehicles represented 7.7 per cent of the monthly sales in November and 7.2 per cent of registrations year to date.

Tony Weber, chief executive, describes November’s overall figures as an “extraordinary result in what is now likely to be an extraordinary, record-breaking year”. 

“As the challenges of the past year's supply chain disruptions recede, consumers have greater access to a broad range of choices and increased accessibility in the market,” he adds.

“The automotive sector remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both industry players and consumers alike. 

“However, as cost-of-living pressures hit we may see a market cooling in the coming months, and we anticipate a more challenging 2024.”