VFACTS: October 2023

In October 2023, new car sales data from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) revealed that Australians have exceeded one million (1,006,095) vehicle deliveries this year, setting a record.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said,

“The Australian market has demonstrated incredible strength and vitality throughout 2023, culminating in Australia reaching one million sales in October for the first time.”

In the past six months, five months have seen record-breaking sales compared to previous years, with October alone seeing 106,809 new vehicles sold, up 22.3 per cent over the same month in 2022. While the market is setting a record, a significant portion of this increase can be credited to the COVID-related backlog, as improved supply is finally catching up with long overdue deliveries.

“After some challenging years through COVID, this milestone speaks to the range of vehicles available to consumers, affirming Australia’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic and competitive markets. It also reflects vastly improved supply chains.”

Notably, in October, 38.3% of sales comprised light commercial utes, large, or upper large SUVs, while electric vehicle (EV) sales accounted for 5.7% of the market.

Sales by Brands

Toyota emerged as the top-selling brand with 20,298 sales, up 11.2 per cent. Mazda followed with 9,316 cars sold, up an outstanding 61.3 per cent, placing Ford in third place with 8,605 sold, up 10 per cent. Hyundai with 6,620 sales up 25.2 per cent, was ahead of Mitsubishi 6,395 sold, up 6.9 per cent. 

Sales by Models

In the high-stakes race to fulfil an overwhelming backlog of customer orders, the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger are neck and neck in the competition. Last month, the Ford Ranger claimed the top position with an impressive 6,215 deliveries compared to the HiLux’s 5,766. However, looking at the broader picture of 2023, the Toyota HiLux has managed to maintain a lead over the new-generation Ford Ranger. Up to this point in the year, sales reports show a total of 50,067 HiLux Utes have been sold, narrowly surpassing the Ranger with 49,288.

The Isuzu D-Max has impressively secured the third spot, which is speculated to be its highest ranking to date, with 3,198 sales. The Toyota Rav4 took fourth place with 2,598 sold followed by the MG ZS in fifth place selling 2,537. 

Sales by State

Sales surged across all states and territories in comparison to October 2022:

• Victoria: up 32 per cent, 30,740 vehicles sold
• New South Wales: up 22.8 per cent, 33,001 vehicles sold
• Tasmania: up 20.8 per cent, 1,996 vehicles sold
• South Australia: up 20 per cent, 6,677 vehicles sold
• Australian Capital Territory: up 18.9 per cent, 1,552 vehicles sold
• Queensland: up 16.4 per cent, 21,937 vehicles sold
• Western Australia: up 12.3 per cent, 10,166 vehicles sold
• Northern Territory: up 1.9 per cent, 740 vehicles sold

 
Top 10 cars in October 2023

Top 10 car brands in October 2023