Registrations rampant across ditch

Another record for new-vehicle sales has been broken in Australia after the 111,099 registrations last month beat May’s previous high of 105,694 units set in 2023.

The year-to-date total now stands at 512,753, which is 55,920 vehicles more than at the same stage of last year, according to figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Ford’s Ranger, pictured, was the top-selling vehicle with 5,912 sales, followed by the Toyota Hilux on 5,702 and the Toyota RAV4 with 5,517.

Completing the top five in May was the Isuzu Ute D-Max on 2,612 registrations and Toyota’s Landcruiser with 2,578.

Toyota was number one on the marques’ ladder after completing 23,389 registrations, with Ford next on 8,806. 

Next up was Mazda on 8,002 units, Kia with 7,504 and Hyundai on 6,495.

The FCAI says a feature of last month’s figures was a notable increase in sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles, which captured 15.8 per cent of the market compared with 7.9 per cent in the same month a year ago. 

Registrations of battery electric vehicles rose slightly in May and had an 8.1 per cent market share, up from 7.7 per cent over the same timeframe.

Tony Weber, FCAI’s chief executive, says another record-breaking month underscores the ongoing strength of the new-vehicle industry in Australia.

“The continued growth highlights consumer confidence and the industry’s ability to meet diverse needs of Australian motorists despite current economic challenges,” he explains.

“The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world, which supplies consumers with a wide choice of vehicles across all segments and price categories.”