‘Solid’ sales across ditch
Registrations of new vehicles in Australia came in at 97,020 last month, which was down 12.4 per cent or 13,682 units when compared with September 2023.
However, the September 2024 total was enough to mark the first time the industry has achieved more than 900,000 sales by the end of the third quarter, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Toyota’s RAV4 was the top-selling vehicle last month with 5,182 registrations. Next on the sales ladder was the Ford Ranger on 4,485, the Toyota Hilux with 4,313, the Ford Everest, pictured, on 2,902 and Isuzu’s Ute D-Max with 2,612.
The leading marque was Toyota after completing 18,110 sales in September, followed by Ford with 8,303, Mazda on 8,201, Kia with 7,650 and Mitsubishi on 6,130.
Tony Weber, FCAI chief executive, says while the result to the end of September was solid, the easing in sales compared with the same month a year ago was a sign of challenging economic times.
“During the early part of the year we witnessed record numbers,” he adds. “However, the September result shows that the state of the economy is impacting purchasing intentions.”
He notes three trends have emerged so far in 2024 with regard to consumer preferences.
“First, SUVs and utes remain the vehicle of choice for around 80 per cent of new car buyers,” he explains.
“Nine of the top 10 vehicles sold during September were in the medium or large SUV or light commercial segments. By contrast, the passenger segment was less than 15 per cent of the market.
“Second, across the board customers are showing a willingness to take steps towards lower emission vehicles with sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid continuing to increase.
“Third, recorded sales of battery electric vehicles are again disappointing this month. This is in spite of a strong supply of EVs and the addition of a number of new brands and models being introduced into the Australian market.”
Weber says EVs are currently concentrated in limited market segments such as passenger medium and small and medium SUVs.
“This trend in lower EV sales and increased hybrid and plug-in hybrids is reflected in markets across the world as production and purchase incentives are being wound back.”
