The Australian automotive industry has reason to celebrate as the latest VFACTS (Vehicle sales Facts) report for July 2023 reveals an all-time high in new vehicle sales. In a remarkable display of resilience and growth, Australian customers purchased 96,859 new vehicles, representing a significant 14.7 per cent increase compared to the same month in 2022. This exceptional performance not only surpasses last year’s figures but also breaks the previous July record of 92,754 set in 2017.
One of the most striking aspects of this month’s report is the continued surge in sales of zero and low emission vehicles, indicating a noteworthy shift towards greener and more sustainable transportation options. A total of 17.9 per cent of new vehicles sold were battery electric, hybrid, or plug-in hybrid models, signifying a growing awareness and acceptance of eco-friendly alternatives in the market. Among them, battery electric vehicles captured a notable 7.0 per cent of total July sales, indicating a promising trajectory for the adoption of electric mobility in Australia.
The data also highlights the increasing significance of China as a country of origin for new vehicles in the Australian market. An impressive 15,853 new vehicles were imported from China, marking a staggering 130.1 per cent increase compared to the same month last year. This demonstrates China’s growing influence on the global automotive landscape and its ability to cater to the demands of the Australian market.
Unsurprisingly, Toyota, a long-standing favourite among Australian consumers, retained its position as the highest-selling marque in July 2023. With 19,191 sales, Toyota outperformed its competitors by a considerable margin. Following Toyota, Mazda secured the second position with 8,307 sales, closely trailed by Ford (7,109), Hyundai (6,521), and Kia (6,150).
Looking at individual vehicle models, the Ford Ranger emerged as the top-selling vehicle, recording an impressive 5,143 sales in July 2023. Not far behind, the Toyota Hi-Lux followed with 4,670 sales, while the MG ZS secured the third spot with 3,852 sales. The ever-popular Tesla Model Y also made a strong showing, garnering 3,330 sales, and the Toyota RAV4 rounded off the top five with 2,750 sales.
Key Points from the VFACTS July 2023 Report:
- July 2023 witnessed a total of 96,859 new vehicle sales, reflecting a significant increase of 14.7 per cent compared to July 2022 (84,461). The presence of 26 selling days in both months contributed to a substantial average increase of 476.8 vehicle sales per day.
- When examining specific vehicle categories, the report reveals that the Passenger Vehicle Market experienced a modest growth of 6.9 per cent (1,108 vehicle sales) compared to the same month last year. The Sports Utility Market witnessed an impressive surge of 27.5 per cent (12,299 vehicle sales), signifying a continued trend towards SUVs. However, the Light Commercial Market experienced a slight decline of 4.0 per cent (795 vehicle sales), and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market faced a more significant setback, falling by 5.8 per cent (214 vehicle sales) versus July 2022.
- Toyota’s dominance in the market was evident, as it emerged as the undisputed leader in July 2023, with Mazda and Ford trailing behind. Toyota’s market share outperformed Mazda by a considerable margin, securing 10,884 vehicle sales and an 11.2 market share points advantage.
The VFACTS July 2023 report undoubtedly paints a positive picture for the Australian automotive industry. The record-breaking sales and the increasing popularity of zero and low emission vehicles signify a growing consciousness among Australian consumers regarding sustainability and environmental impact. As the market continues to evolve, it will be exciting to see how various manufacturers respond to the demand for cleaner, more efficient, and technologically advanced vehicles. With the industry making strides towards electric mobility and embracing innovation, the future of Australia’s automotive landscape looks promising.