Good news for new car buyers

New car sales bounced back in February, thanks to improved supply of some key models, but fresh challenges could frustrate motorists.

Improved supply of RAV4 models translated to strong sales for Toyota.

The new car market has bounced back with a small uptick in sales after four months of decline, thanks to improved supply of some popular models.

But some car makers, particularly European brands, are struggling to meet demand.

Manufacturers reported 85,340 cars as sold in February, a 1.6 per cent increase on the same month last year.

Toyota’s RAV4 continues to lead SUV sales.

But rising fuel prices, war in Eastern Europe and electric semi-conductor shortages present potential roadblocks to increased sales.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, said the figures come as welcome news to the industry.

“Global supply chains for microprocessor units are still some distance from full recovery, so we are pleased to see this small increase on 2021 figures,” he said.

“The consumer demand for new cars in Australia remains strong, and manufacturers are continuing to work hard to get cars into the hands of motorists.”

Hyundai holds a torch for sedans and hatchbacks, but desperately needs a good ute.

Sales of utes and SUVs continue to be strong. But Australian buyers have turned their back on traditional passenger cars such as sedans and hatchbacks.

The Toyota Corolla dropped outside the top 10 best-selling cars list. Hyundai’s i30 was the only car to make a top 10 dominated by high-riding models.

It’s no surprise to see the Toyota HiLux on top of the charts with 4803 sales. Toyota’s RAV4 had a strong month to finish second with 4454 deliveries, a 62 per cent increase on the 2750 recorded in Feb 2021.

Mitsubishi capitalised on Ford’s wind-down of Ranger ute stock to take third place with the Triton ute.

Ford’s Ranger should have rivals running scared.

A new Ford Ranger is just around the corner, headlined by a range-topping Raptor version that should prove popular in a growing class.

Ford’s Ranger-based Everest is also due for imminent replacement. The duo are vital to Ford’s fortunes, representing almost 90 per cent of the blue oval’s sales.

China’s MG recorded a strong month to lock down sixth place with the MG ZS compact SUV and seventh place for the brand overall. Chinese car sales continue to grow, recording an increase of 37 per cent for the year to date. That number would grow further if Tesla’s data was included in official sales statistics, as much of the Model 3’s 1000-per-month average is sourced from Asia, not America.

The MG3 remains Australia’s favourite light car.

Hybrid cars continue to prove popular. One in 10 Australian vehicles now have some form of electrification to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

Renault enjoyed a strong month under new importer ATECO with 1018 cars reported as sold, a 202 per cent increase for the year to date.

European rival Volkswagen is having a tricky time securing supply of new cars. It sold little more than half as many cars last month compared to February 2021, reporting a 42.5 per cent decline for the year to date.

Controversial fixed-price agency sales models aren’t helping Honda, which recorded a 40 per cent decline, and Mercedes, which dipped by 32.3 per cent.

But Benz should bounce back with steady supply of its new C-Class sedan in coming months.

The new Mercedes-Benz C-Class is reaching dealers now.

Top 10 cars: February 2022

1 – Toyota HiLux – 4803

2 – Toyota RAV4 – 4454

3 – Mitsubishi Triton – 3811

4 – Ford Ranger – 3455

5 – Toyota Prado – 2778

6 – MG ZS – 1953

7 – Isuzu D-Max – 1930

8 – Mazda CX-30 – 1819

9 – Hyundai i30 – 1756

10 – Mitsubishi Outlander – 1673

Top 10 manufacturers: February 2022

1 – Toyota – 20,886

2 – Mazda – 8782

3 – Mitsubishi – 7813

4 – Kia – 5881

5 – Hyundai – 5649

6 – Ford – 4610

7 – MG – 3767

8 – Subaru – 3151

9 – Nissan – 2820

10 – Isuzu – 2785

Source: VFacts