Australia recorded 97,020 new vehicle sales in September 2024, marking the first time the industry had exceeded 900,000 sales by the end of the third quarter.
However, the September 2024 total represents a 12.4% reduction in sales compared to the same month in 2023.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says that while the sales result to the end of September was solid, the easing in sales compared to the same month last year indicated challenging economic times.
“During the early part of the year, we witnessed record numbers,” he says.
“However, the September result shows that the state of the economy is impacting purchasing intentions.
Weber says three clear trends in consumer preferences emerged, with one quarter remaining in the sales year.
“First, SUVs and utes remain the vehicle of choice for around 80% of new car buyers,” Weber says
“Nine of the top ten vehicles sold during September were in the medium or large SUV or light commercial segments. By contrast, the passenger segment was less than 15% of the market.
“Second, across the board, customers are willing to take steps towards lower emission vehicles, with sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars continuing to increase.
“Third, recorded sales of battery electric vehicles are again disappointing this month.
“This is despite a substantial supply of EVs, and several new brands and models being introduced into the Australian market. It is important to note that 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 worldwide as production and purchase incentives are being rewound,” he says.
Toyota was the market leader with sales of 18,110 in September, followed by Ford (8303), Mazda (8201), Kia (7650) and Mitsubishi (6130).
The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s top-selling vehicle, with 5182 sales, followed by the Ford Ranger (4485), Toyota Hilux (4313), Ford Everest (2902), and Isuzu Ute D-Max (2612).
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were down 23.1% on September 2023 to 1388; New South Wales was down 16.8% to 29,943; Northern Territory was up 5.6% to 910; Queensland decreased by 8.3% to 21,481; South Australia decreased by 3.8% to 6420; Tasmania had a decrease of 11.1% to 1,754; Victoria decreased 16.5% to 24,573 and Western Australia decreased 0.2% to 10,551.
