Despite inflation Australia’s automotive industry continues its streak of record-breaking new vehicle sales, setting an all-time record for May.
A total of 111,099 vehicles were sold in May, smashing last year's figure of 105,694 which previously was the best May result on record.
The year-to-date sales now stand at 512,753 marking an increase of over 55,920 vehicles compared to the same period last year (456,833).
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber remarked that another record-breaking month underscores the ongoing strength of the industry.
“The continued growth highlights consumer confidence and the industry’s ability to meet diverse needs of Australian motorists despite current economic challenges,” Weber said. “The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world which supply consumers with a wide choice of vehicle across all segments and price categories.”
Monthly sales of Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid vehicles saw a notable increase, capturing 15.8 per cent of the market compared to 7.9 per cent in the previous year. Battery Electric Vehicles saw a slight increase in sales accounting for 8.1 per cent of new sales, up from 7.7 per cent at the same month last year.
Toyota was the market leader with sales of 23,389, followed by Ford (8,806), Mazda (8,002), Kia (7,504) and Hyundai (6,495).
The Ford Ranger was Australia’s top selling vehicle with sales 5,912, followed by the Toyota HiLux (5,702), Toyota RAV4 (5,517) Isuzu Ute D-Max (2,612) and Toyota Landcruiser (2,578).
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were up by 10.6 per cent (1,673); New South Wales increased by 5.3 per cent (33,145); Queensland increased by 5.5 per cent (23,534); South Australia increased by 11.3 per cent (7,501); Victoria increased by 3.2 per cent (30,095); Western Australia increased by 5.4 per cent (12,334), Tasmania increased by 7.1 per cent (1,818) and Northern Territory decreased by 8.8 per cent (999).