Australia’s automotive industry delivered 86,878 vehicles during February 2023, which represents a 1.8% increase on the same period in 2022.
“This is the best February result since 2019. It is particularly pleasing given global and domestic supply constraints,” FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said.
Battery electric vehicles accounted for 6.8% of sales with 5,932 sold in February.
“Growing sales of electric vehicles proves that where a battery electric product exists which suits the driving habits, needs and finances of Australian motorists, they will purchase these vehicles,” Weber says.
Zero and low emission vehicle sales, which includes battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles accounted for 13.9% (12,102).
“The number of low emission vehicle sales demonstrates that there is an appetite among Australians for environmentally friendly vehicles. However, if we wish to accelerate this transition to a broader range of consumers in all parts of the country, Australia needs to adopt a fuel efficiency standard,” Weber adds.
A total of 13,625 vehicles were sourced from China, making it the third highest country of origin for new vehicles in February. Japan remains the largest source of new vehicles in the Australian market (24,805), followed by Thailand (18,557). Korea is the fourth highest country of origin (12,246).
Sales in the ACT increased by 7.2% with 1,454 vehicles sold; New South Wales, 4.7% (27,600); Northern Territory, 2.8% (725) and Western Australia, 16.7% (9,815).
Sales in Queensland decreased by 2.8% (18,427); South Australia, 4.5% (5,549); Tasmania 9.4% (1,414); and Victoria 1.3% (21,894).
Toyota led the market with a total of 14,332 vehicles sold. Mazda was second (7667), followed by Ford (6022), Kia (6000) and Hyundai (5504).
The Ford Ranger was the highest selling model with 4473 sales reported.
Toyota’s Hi-Lux followed with 3939. Tesla’s Model 3 was third with 2671 followed by Mazda’s CX-5 (2600) and Mitsubishi’s Outlander (2,166).
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