Australia’s favourite new cars
There were positive signs for the Australian new-car market, with buyers snapping up some long-time favourites. But it wasn’t all good news.
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In a positive sign for the economy, Aussie tradies are back buying utes.
Ute sales jumped in September despite ongoing operating restrictions on Victorian car dealers, which dragged the rest of the new-car market down.
The Ford Ranger was the most popular vehicle in the country with 3726 sales, an increase of more than 600 compared to September last year.
Toyota’s recently upgraded HiLux followed closely behind with 3610 sales, a jump of almost 300 compared to the previous year.
Despite strong ute sales, only 68,985 new vehicles found a home in September, down about 21 per cent or roughly 20,000 vehicles compared to the same month last year. Consumer confidence appears to be returning, though, as sales to private buyers were only down 10 per cent.
Tony Weber, head of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said there were some positive signs for the industry.
“First of all, we are seeing COVID-19 health restrictions across Australia, and particularly in metropolitan Melbourne, continue to ease,” said Mr Weber.
“Another sign that the market may improve is the announcement by the Federal Government last week of an easing of lending conditions for private buyers and small business in Australia.”
Victoria was the biggest drag on national car sales due to dealerships closing during stage four lockdowns. Victorians were only able to buy about 10,000 new cars in September, a huge decline on the more than 24,000 sold in the same month in 2019.
By comparison NSW residents bought more than 26,000 new cars, a decline of about 1600 compared to last year. Queenslanders bought more than 16,000 new cars, which is only about 1400 less than in 2019.
New car sales grew in Western Australia, ACT and the Northern Territory.
Toyota again was the strongest performing brand, moving 12,936 cars in September. The Japanese giant was followed by Mazda (7000), Hyundai (5273) and Kia (5092).
Chinese car brands continued their sales success, as MG, LDV, Haval and Great Wall all enjoyed strong growth.
MG in particular has had an impressive year, growing sales by more 86 per cent in September. The surge was led by the MG3 small hatch, which outsells rivals including the Mazda2, Kia Rio and Toyota Yaris.
Buyers at the top end of the market are continuing to tighten their belts and most luxury brands have experienced sales declines.
Lexus was one of the hardest hit in September, with sales down by 50 per cent. Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz were all down between nine and 15 per cent.
But despite the drop in luxury sales, Mercedes-Benz outsold Subaru and Honda to rank ninth on the sales charts.
Top 10 best selling cars
Ford Ranger - 3726
Toyota HiLux - 3610
Toyota RAV4 - 2433
Hyundai i30 - 1786
Mazda CX-5 - 1765
Toyota LandCruiser - 1599
Kia Cerato - 1599
Toyota Corolla - 1462
Mitsubishi Triton - 1446
Hyundai Tucson - 1199
Top 10 selling brands
Toyota - 12,936
Mazda - 7000
Hyundai - 5273
Kia - 5092
Ford - 4816
Mitsubishi - 4176
Volkswagen - 3493
Nissan - 2588
Mercedes-Benz - 2395
Subaru - 2121
Originally published as Australia’s favourite new cars