VFACTS: Toyota leads slower October

SALES numbers for October have softened compared to the month prior as new-vehicle dealers continue to feel the effects of the shipping delays and semiconductor shortages that continue to plague the industry. 

Overall sales for the month eased slightly to 74,650 – down 8662 units from September and 6570 fewer than the same time last year.

With 25.2 selling days in October 2021 compared to  26.1 in October 2020, the latest results equated to a decrease of 149.6 vehicles per day.

This 8.1 per cent year-on-year slide has affected the volumes of both passenger cars and SUVs, the former down by 1842 vehicles or 10.4 per cent over October 2020 and the latter down 5877 units or 14.3 per cent in the same timeframe.

On a state-by-state basis, Tasmania recorded the smallest sales decrease in October, down 1.6 per cent over the same time last year. Victoria’s sales dropped 6.3 per cent on last year’s figures, with all other states and territories recording a double-digit downturn. 

Queensland sales for October fell by 10.3 per cent compared to the year prior, followed by South Australia (11.9 per cent), New South Wales (12.2 per cent), the Northern Territory (12.4 per cent), Western Australia (15.4 per cent) and the Australian Capital Territory (22.3 per cent). 

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) said the ongoing microprocessor shortages affecting international supply chains are easing, with the supply of vehicles to Australia expected to stabilise in 2022.

“Automotive manufacturers like all those in the global manufacturing sector are dealing with a microprocessor shortage which is leading to longer wait times to get products to market,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“Australians are continuing to purchase vehicles, and car-makers are working to deliver products to our shores.”

But it is not all doom and gloom. Light and heavy commercial vehicle sales are up for October 2021, the LCV market enjoying an uptick of one per cent – or 192 vehicles – compared to the same time last year. 

Impressively, the heavy commercial vehicle market shows the strongest signs of growth for October 2021, up 31.3 per cent or 957 vehicle sales when charted against October 2020’s figures.

On the passenger vehicle sales ladder, Toyota is enjoying another month on the top rung, its 15,395 vehicle sales leading Hyundai (6115) with a margin of 9280 vehicles and 12.4 market share points. Ford ranked in third place for October with 5462 unit sales ahead of Mazda (5181) and Kia (4853).

On a model-by-model basis the Ford Ranger takes top place with 4135 units sold. The Ranger topped Toyota’s HiLux (3961) by 174 units, and third-place Toyota LandCruiser (2031) by 2104 sales. 

Australia’s preference for dual-cab and 4x4 models is emphasised further in October results, with passenger models including the Toyota Corolla (1989 sold) and Hyundai i30 (1946 sold) falling well behind larger models, with utility vehicles and SUVs rounding out the remainder of the top 10.

The FCAI said electric vehicle sales are continuing to rise as state and territory incentives come online across the country. A total of 461 pure electric vehicle vehicles (excluding Tesla, which does not report Australian sales figures) were sold in October ahead of 276 plug-in hybrid models.

Hybrid vehicles remain the most popular electrification option with 4378 units sold last month, well behind diesel (24,807) and petrol (40,717) vehicles.

“We have seen Victoria and New South Wales release comprehensive legislation to support electric vehicles, which was followed just last week by South Australia,” Mr Weber added.

“All of these jurisdictions worked proactively with industry to provide infrastructure investment and consumer incentives. We look forward to working with governments at all levels to form nationally consistent policies which will make electric vehicles more accessible to the Australian motorist.”

Top 10 Brands October 2021

Source: VFACTS

Top 10 Models October 2021

Source: VFACTS