VFACTS: May sales smash records

LESS than halfway through the year, Australian new-vehicle sales have comfortably passed the half-million mark with another record toppled in May as 111,099 deliveries were notched up around the nation and contributing to a benchmark-setting year-to-date total of 512,753 units.

The market is now riding 12.2 per cent higher than it was this time last year, with the May total 5.1 per cent ahead of the same month of 2023. Extrapolated to 12 months, and if sustained, the run-rate so far this year will yield between 1.23 million and 1.24 million deliveries by the end of December.

Toyota was one of the biggest winners, extending its dominating lead over fellow podium finishers Ford and Mazda with a sales increase of 27.5 per cent off the back of 23,389 deliveries contributing to a YTD tally of 100,398 units – a 40.8 per cent gain compared with the first five months of 2023.

Although its Ranger ute topped the charts again in May for most popular model, Ford was distant second overall with its 8806 sales capturing 7.9 per cent of the market and Mazda hung onto third with 8002 deliveries and a 7.2 per cent slice.

Kia was snapping at Mazda’s heels with 6495 sales (6.8 per cent share) while Hyundai and Mitsubishi duked it out for fifth position, each carving out a 5.8 per cent share with 6496 and 6409 units respectively.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the record-breaking month underscores the ongoing strength of the industry.

“The continued growth highlights consumer confidence and the industry’s ability to meet diverse needs of Australian motorists despite current economic challenges,” he said.

“The Australian market is one of the most open and competitive in the world which supply consumers with a wide choice of vehicle across all segments and price categories.”

Monthly sales of hybrid (HEV) and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles saw a notable increase, capturing 15.8 per cent of the market compared with 7.9 per cent in the previous year. Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) saw a slight increase in sales accounting for 8.1 per cent of new sales, up from 7.7 per cent at the same month last year.

Toyota was the market leader with sales of 23,389, followed by Ford (8806), Mazda (8002), Kia (7504) and Hyundai (6495).

The Ford Ranger was Australia’s top selling vehicle with sales 5912, followed by the Toyota HiLux (5702), Toyota RAV4 (5517) Isuzu Ute D-Max (2612) and Toyota Landcruiser (2578).

Sales across the country saw increases in all jurisdictions bar the Northern Territory.

The Australian Capital Territory was up by 10.6 per cent (1673); New South Wales increased by 5.3 per cent (33,145); Queensland increased by 5.5 per cent (23,534); South Australia increased by 11.3 per cent (7501); Victoria increased by 3.2 per cent (30,095); Western Australia increased by 5.4 per cent (12,334); and Tasmania increased by 7.1 per cent (1818).

The Northern Territory decreased by 8.8 per cent (999).

Top 10 vehicle sales by make (May 2024):

Top 10 vehicle sales by model (May 2024):

State by state (May 2024):

*All data supplied courtesy of the FCAI.