Australia’s automotive industry continues its unprecedented growth trajectory, setting a record for April and achieving the highest-ever year-to-date new vehicle sales result.
Figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 97,202 vehicles were sold in April 2024, propelling the year-to-date sales to 401,654.
This is a substantial increase of more than 50,515 vehicles compared with the same year-to-date point in 2023.
The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s top-selling vehicle with sales of 5857, followed by the Ford Ranger (5569), Toyota Hilux (4693), Ford Everest (2400) and Isuzu Ute D-Max (2380).
Toyota was the market leader with sales of 20,771, followed by Ford (8648), Mazda (7301), Kia (6653) and Mitsubishi (5314).
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says the continued growth in the market has seen the industry break ten record monthly sales results in the past year.
“April’s result highlights strong consumer confidence in purchasing new vehicles, surpassing our expectations and is a testament to consumer choice and the industry’s resilience in a challenging economic landscape,” Weber says.
The demand for new vehicles has been buoyed by a strong market appetite for SUVs and Light Commercial Vehicles, consistent with trends observed in the year’s first quarter.
The SUV category continues to dominate sales, representing 55.7% of the total market share in April.
Light Commercials held steady, claiming 22% of sales, reflecting ongoing demand for vehicles that meet Australians’ work and lifestyle requirements. Passenger vehicles accounted for 17.8% of sales.
Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles saw an increase, capturing 18.3% of the market compared to 7.5% in the previous year. However, Battery Electric Vehicles saw a slight decrease to 6.4% of new car sales, a decrease from 7.9% at the same time last year.
“We are witnessing a shift in consumer preferences towards more sustainable and efficient vehicles,” Weber says.
Sales across every State and Territory increased compared with April 2023.
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were up by 14.5% (1444); New South Wales 16.9% (29,263); Queensland 14.8% (20,872); South Australia 33.5% (6789); Victoria 19.2% (26,492); Western Australia 18.% (9806), Tasmania 31.9% (1677) and Northern Territory 12.9% (859).
