‘Remarkable’ sales across ditch
New-vehicle sales in Australia are continuing to climb after a record-breaking March also helped produce the sector’s best first-quarter results, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries. (FCAI).
There were 109,647 registrations across the ditch last month, surpassing the previous March best of 106,988 that was achieved in 2018.
It took the January to March total to 304,452 sales, which was an increase of 13.2 per cent on the first quarter in 2023.
Ford’s Ranger was Australia’s top-selling model in Australia last month with sales of 5,661, followed by the Toyota RAV4 on 5,070 and Tesla’s Model Y with 4,379.
The Toyota Hilux and Mitsubishi Outlander completed the top five on 3,995 and 2,764 units respectively.
Toyota was the leading marque in March with sales of 18,961. Next in the standings was Ford on 8,776 units, Mazda with 8,246, Mitsubishi on 7,866 and Kia with 7,070.
SUVs accounted for 58.9 per cent of registrations, light commercials 21 per cent and the passenger segment 16.1 per cent, with the latter two both slightly down from the some month a year ago
Battery electric vehicles made up 9.5 per cent of new-vehicle sales, which was up from 6.8 per cent in March 2023.
Hybrid and plug-in hybrid sales increased their market share over the same timeframe from six per cent to 14 per cent.
Tony Weber, FCAI chief executive, says it is remarkable that nine of the past 12 months had produced record sales results. Since April 2023, the industry has delivered 1,252,230 new vehicles to the market.
“This is a terrific result for the sector however, all car brands are well aware that these results cannot be taken for granted,” adds Weber, pictured.
“We need to factor in the ongoing cost of living pressures and the challenges for industry and consumers that will emerge with the introduction of the new vehicle efficiency standard in less than nine months.
“A fuel efficiency standard is long overdue. However, we remain concerned at the speed and magnitude of the change for both manufacturers and more importantly, consumers.
“The car makers will respond, however it will take time to develop new products, especially in the large SUV and light commercial segments, that meet expectations in terms of price, performance and emissions, noting these vehicles make up more than one-third of new vehicle sales in Australia.”
