Australia’s new vehicle market
Australia’s automotive industry delivered more than one million new vehicles to drivers around the country in 2022, despite post-pandemic supply chain challenges and delivery delays.
A total of 1,081,429 vehicles were delivered during an unusual year when demand exceeded supply. Toyota was the top selling car brand with 21.4 per cent of the market while the top selling vehicle was the Toyota Hi-Lux (64,391.) SUVs and light commercials accounted for 76.8 per cent of sales and comprise eight of the top 10 vehicles. Battery electric vehicles accounted for 3.1 per cent of sales.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the pathway through COVID recovery, microprocessor shortages and bottlenecks due to global shipping issues had created great challenges for car makers and their dealer networks in 2022.
“While 2022 has been a year of resilience and recovery, 2023 is shaping up as one of the most significant in recent history, particularly in terms of the development of policies that set the direction for the future decarbonisation of the light vehicle fleet.
“As the peak representative body for vehicle distributors, FCAI has advocated for a fuel efficiency standard for many years. We are optimistic that the Federal Government will take action in 2023 and introduce a standard that achieves the policy outcomes that lead to emission reductions while enabling Australians to drive the vehicles that they need and want.
“The FCAI and its members will do all it can to promote the development of sound policy, based on solid data and in the context of the unique nature of the Australian market.”
Mr Weber added that beyond the fuel efficiency standard, a technology mix, infrastructure investment and behaviour change initiatives were also needed to reduce emissions to create a cleaner fleet and ensure a sustainable automotive industry.
“We need to use the full range of low emission technologies that are available and affordable for the majority of Australians, not just those who can afford premium vehicles,” he said.
In addition to Federal Government action on fuel efficiency and fuel quality, Mr Weber said that in 2023 the FCAI would continue its work on a broad range of issues that ultimately supported the needs of motorists and regulators.
“As vehicle technology develops beyond matters of safety and performance, the industry is dealing with the complexities of increased connectivity of vehicles to broader infrastructure and information networks. Other areas of focus include ports and logistics, design regulations and matters relating to future road user charges as fuel excise starts to fall with the increase of zero and low emission vehicles on our roads.
“FCAI recognises there will be significant challenges and opportunities in the year ahead and will be working with government, consumers and our members to overcome the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities in a way that benefits our planet, industry and drivers.”
Latest sales figures
For the latest sales figures, see the media release section.
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More detailed information
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Australia’s new motorcycle and ATV/SSV Market.
The FCAI, the peak body for Australia’s automotive industry, has today released sales figures for motorcycles and off highway vehicles (OHV) for 2022.
A total of 99,030 motorcycles and OHVs were sold representing a decrease of 19.8 per cent on 2021 figures. Off road motorcycles made up 42.1 per cent of total sales with 41,681 units sold in 2022, a decrease of 21.5 per cent on 2021 figures.
Road motorcycles made up 36.6 per cent of total sales recording 36,208 sales. This represents a decrease of 2.8 per cent on 2021 figures.
The OHV segment decreased 44.1 per cent per cent on 2021 figures largely caused by the withdrawal of a large number of all-terrain vehicles from the Australian market following regulatory changes. Total OHV sales were 15,825 representing 15.9 per cent of the overall market.
Scooters make up the smallest portion of the market with 5,316 new units sold. This represents 5.4 per cent of the overall market and is an increase of 10.3 per cent on sales in 2021.
“The rise in interest rates has resulted in consumers tightening their finances. Unfortunately recreational products are often the first items removed from household budgets,” according to FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.
“This, combined with ongoing global supply chain pandemic recovery, has led to less than expected overall sales in 2022,” Mr Weber said.
An increase in scooter sales and only a slight decrease in road motorcycle sales points to both the resilience of the Australian market and more first-time riders venturing onto our roads.
“More and more Australians are realising the lower fuel bills, easier parking and quicker commute times that come with two wheeled vehicles,” Mr Weber added.
Australians can expect greater technology and choice in two wheeled and off highway vehicles as the industry moves through 2023.
“We have got increased connectivity, a growing range of safety aids, the emergence of battery electric power and a great range of product choice for consumers. We are looking forward to 2023 and beyond,” Mr Weber said.