The Australian automotive market recorded sales of 74,650 new vehicles, which is a decrease of 8.1% on October 2020 figures. This decrease represents the impact of ongoing microprocessor shortages on international supply chains, but the supply of vehicles to Australia is expected to stabilise in 2022.
Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were down 22.3% on October 2020. Western Australia recorded a decrease in sales of 15.4%, followed by the Northern Territory with a decline of 12.4% in vehicles sold. NSW recorded a fall of 12.2 % and South
Australian figures were down 11.9% compared to the same month last year.
Queensland recorded 10.3% less vehicles sold on October 2020 figures. Tasmania recorded a decrease of 1.6% vehicles sold and Victoria saw an increase of 6.3% on last year’s figures.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said it was clear manufacturers were having challenges with supply chains. “Automotive manufacturers like all those in the global manufacturing sector are dealing with a microprocessor shortage which is leading to longer wait times to get products to market. Australians are continuing to purchase vehicles, and car makers are working to deliver products to our shores,” Mr Weber said.
While sales were down overall, the number of electric vehicles sold continues to rise. This correlates with more State and Territory incentives for EVs coming online throughout the country. Toyota was the market leader in October with 15,395 vehicles sold. This was followed by Hyundai with 6,115 and Ford with 5,462. Mazda was fourth place selling 5,181 cars and Kia came in fifth with 4,853.
The Ford Ranger was the highest selling model with 4,135 sold. The Toyota Hi-Lux came in second with 3,961 and the Toyota Landcruiser was third with 2,031 vehicles in the hands of customers. This was followed by the Toyota Corolla with 1,989 sold, and the Hyundai i30 with 1,946 sold.