VFACTS: New record in sight

AUSTRALIA remains on track to break an all-time new car sales record in 2023 as more buyers take delivery of their vehicles than ever before.

Sales in November exceeded previous records with 112,141 units delivered to Aussie buyers, taking the total number of vehicles delivered to date this year to more than 1.1 million. 

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says November’s result highlights the continued strength of new vehicle sales, with volume for six of the past seven months the highest on record.

As expected, Toyota was again the highest-selling marque, selling 21,002 units for the month of November. Mazda followed in second place with 8707 unit sales, then Ford (8165), Hyundai (6718) and Mitsubishi (6268).

The Ford Ranger was Australia’s best-selling vehicle in November with 6301 unit sales, outpacing the popular Toyota HiLux by 400 units (5901). The Isuzu D-Max placed third for the month, with 3692 unit sales, ahead of the Tesla Model Y (3151) and Toyota LandCruiser Prado (3090).

Interestingly, every vehicle model in the top 10 bar one recorded an upward swing in terms of its year-on-year sales. The MG HS was the only model to decline in overall sales numbers for the month of November, sliding 32.9 per cent to 2047 units.

Year-to-date sales on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) have crossed the 80,000 unit threshold for the first time (80,466). The growth in EV sales over the same time last year (28,326 units) underscores the increasing interest in zero- and low-emission alternatives among Australian consumers and fleets.

BEVs represented 7.7 per cent of the monthly sales for November and 7.2 per cent of all vehicles sold to date this year.

Looking across the states and territories, it is unsurprising to find each region’s sales figures increasing when compared with November 2022.

Sales in the Australian Capital Territory were up by 13.0 poer cent (1628 units); New South Wales 17.5 per cent (34,728 units); Queensland 17.7 per cent (24,262); South Australia 28.3 per cent (7281 units); Tasmania 13.4 per cent (2022 units); Victoria 16.0 per cent (29,618 units); Western Australia 20.8 per cent (11,679 units); and Northern Territory 13.0 per cent (921 units).

“This is an extraordinary result in what is now likely to be an extraordinary record-breaking year,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“Another record-breaking month underscores the dynamic and competitive nature of Australia's automotive landscape, showcasing the wide array of choices available to consumers.

“As the challenges of the past year’s supply chain disruptions recede, consumers have greater access to a broad range of choices and increased accessibility in the market.

“The automotive sector remains a testament to the resilience and adaptability of both industry players and consumers alike. However, as cost-of-living pressures hit we may see a market cooling in the coming months, and we anticipate a more challenging 2024.”

Top 10 vehicle sales by make (November 2023):

Top 10 vehicle sales by model (November 2023):

State by state (November 2023):