Ford Ranger number one selling vehicle in September

Toyotas have dominated the number one spot in the local new-car market for the past eight years but that could be about to change.

There could be a changing of the guard at the top of the new-car sales ladder after Ford’s Ranger ute outsold the Toyota HiLux for the third time this year.

The HiLux has been Australia’s favourite vehicle for the past five years, but Toyota supply constraints are beginning to bite, allowing Ford’s Ranger to narrow the gap in the annual sales race.

Ford sold 4192 Rangers in September, compared with 3635 HiLuxes.

Toyota still has a healthy lead of more than 3000 units year-to-date, but the company recently took the unprecedented step of apologising to customers for long delivery delays caused by electronic parts shortages, shipping delays and factory shutdowns.

Further production shortages for the HiLux will work in Ford’s favour in October.

Production delays are stifling says of the Toyota HiLux. Picture: Thomas Wielecki

The delays haven’t delayed the Toyota juggernaut, though, as the maker accounted for almost a quarter of new cars sold last month. Its sales were more than triple those of second-placed Mazda. Toyotas accounted for four of the nation’s top five selling vehicles and six of the top ten.

The Ranger has catapulted Ford past Hyundai into third place on the year-to-date sales chart, while sister company Kia is also snapping at Hyundai’s heels.

New-car sales continued to defy lockdowns in the key states of Victoria and NSW in September with a jump of about 21 per cent over the same month last year.

Victorians in particular splurged on new cars during their sixth lockdown. Sales were up 96 per cent on the same month last year. Covid-free states enjoyed solid growth as well, but NSW and the ACT both recorded declines.

A shortage of semiconductors, which are used in car infotainment and safety technology, has kept a lid on growth.

The Ford Ranger has outsold the Toyota HiLux three times this year. Picture: Thomas Wielecki.

Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the shortage, combined with lockdowns in Victoria and NSW, had hampered sales.

“To see an increase of 21 per cent on 2020 figures is definitely encouraging news. For many manufacturers it is bittersweet with the knowledge of what could have been achieved in a normal trading environment.” Mr Weber said.

“These are challenging times, but automotive manufacturers are rising to meet them. Brands are working across their supply chains to deal with microprocessor issues and consumers are embracing online purchasing through click and collect delivery options,” he said.

SUVs and 4WD utes are leading the charge, as landlocked Aussies spend their overseas holiday money on adventure vehicles for road trips.

The Isuzu MU-X has been a huge hit. Picture: Iain Curry.

Isuzu has benefited most from the trend. Despite selling just two vehicles – the D-Max ute and the MU-X wagon spun off the same platform – the brand outsold Nissan and Subaru in September.

Chinese brands continue to grow at a rapid rate. MG almost doubled its sales during September, while Great Wall Motors and LDV also recorded strong growth.

Electric vehicle sales continued to grow strongly, albeit off a very low base. Sales have almost tripled this year to 3568, while hybrid sales are up by a third to 55,257.

September top ten models

Ford Ranger 4192

Toyota HiLux 3635

Toyota Corolla 3487

Toyota RAV4 3390

Hyundai i30 2034

Isuzu D-Max 1833

Toyota Camry 1610

Toyota LandCruiser 1541

Mitsubishi ASX 1489

September top ten brands

Toyota 20,216

Mazda 6555

Ford 5759

Hyundai 5457

Kia 5155

Mitsubishi 4605

Volkswagen 3791

Isuzu 3130

Subaru 3062

MG 3010