VFACTS: Q3 record smashed, 900K sales

AUSTRALIA has set an all-time new car sales record this month, the market totalling over 900,000 units to the end of the third quarter with September’s figures adding 97,020 units to the tally.

However, the market is down 12.4 per cent month-on-month against September 2023, indicating that challenging economic times are making their presence felt.

Across 24.6 selling days this September, Australians purchased an average of 3943.9 vehicles per day, down 380.4 vehicles on last year’s result.

VFACTS data shows the passenger vehicle market is down by 4123 units (-22.2 per cent) over the same month last year, the SUV market down 7612 vehicles (-11.9 per cent), and the light commercial vehicle market down 2225 units (-9.4 per cent).

The heavy commercial vehicle market remains buoyant with sales up 278 units, or 6.5 per cent against the same time last year.

Toyota again ruled the roost in September, leading the market with sales of 18,110 units, or 9807 units and 10.1 market share points over Ford (8303). Mazda placed third with 8201 units sales ahead of Kia (7650), and Mitsubishi (6130).

The Toyota RAV4 was once more Australia’s most popular new car with sales of 5182 units, followed by the Ford Ranger (4485), Toyota HiLux (4313), Ford Everest (2902), and Isuzu D-Max.

Across the country, we find all states and territories down when compared with the same time last year, excluding the Northern Territory (+5.6 per cent to 910 units).

The Australian Capital Territory was down 23.1 per cent to 1388 units, New South Wales down 16.8 per cent to 29,943 units, Queensland down 8.3 per cent to 21,481 units, South Australia down 3.8 per cent to 6420 units, Tasmania down 11.1 per cent to 1754 units, Victoria down 16.5 per cent to 24,573 units, and Western Australia down 0.2 per cent to 10,551.

“During the early part of the year we witnessed record numbers,” said FCAI chief executive Tony Weber.

“However, the September result shows that the state of the economy is impacting purchasing intentions.”

Mr Weber said it is likely the final quarter of 2024 would continue to show clear customer preferences to SUV and light commercial vehicles, as was the case in September.

“SUVs and utes remain the vehicle of choice for around 80 per cent of new car buyers” he said.

“Nine of the top 10 vehicles sold during September were in the Medium or Large SUV or light commercial segments. By contrast the passenger segment was less than 15 per cent of the market.

“Secondly, across the board, customers are showing a willingness to take steps towards lower emission vehicles with sales of hybrid and plug-in hybrid continuing to increase.

“Thirdly, recorded sales of battery electric vehicles are again disappointing this month.

“This is in spite of a strong supply of EVs and the addition of a number of new brands and models being introduced into the Australian market. It is important to note that right now EVs are concentrated in limited market segments such as Passenger Medium and Small and Medium SUVs.

“This trend in lower EV sales and increased hybrid and plug-in hybrids is reflected in markets across the world as production and purchase incentives are being wound back.”

Top 10 vehicle sales by make (September 2024):

Top 10 vehicle sales by model (September 2024):

State by state (September 2024):

*All data supplied courtesy of the FCAI.