Sales increase across Tasman

There were 85,340 new vehicles sold in Australia last month for a 1.6 per cent increase when compared to February last year.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), says the statistics are positive given supply chains are still not fully stabilised from the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic. 

“Global supply chains for microprocessor units are still some distance from full recovery, so we’re pleased to see this small increase on 2021 figures,” he adds.

“Demand for new cars in Australia remains strong and manufacturers are continuing to work hard to get vehicles into the hands of motorists.”

The Toyota Hilux, pictured, was last month’s highest-selling model across the ditch with 4,803 registrations. The marque’s RAV4 came second with 4,454 sold and Mitsubishi’s Triton was in third place on 3,811. Next up were Ford’s Ranger on 3,455 and Toyota’s Prado on 2,778.

Toyota was the top marque with 20,886 registrations. It was followed by Mazda with 8,782, Mitsubishi on 7,813, Kia with 5,881 and Hyundai on 5,649.

The FCAI notes Australia’s passenger-vehicle market is down by 3,509 units, or 18.3 per cent, compared to the same month of 2021, while the sports utility market is up by 2,284 units and 5.4 per cent.

Sales of light commercials are up by 2,383 and 12.3 per cent, while heavy commercials have climbed by 205 units and 7.3 per cent.