Australian demand for new cars had remained strong in 2022 despite supply chain challenges and delivery delays last year.
According to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), a total of 1,081,429 vehicles were sold throughout the country amid “COVID recovery, microprocessor shortages and bottlenecks due to global shipping”.
The FCAI reported that light commercial vehicles and SUVs made up 76.8% of all new sales in 2022. Meanwhile, battery electric vehicles accounted for 3.1 per cent of new car sales or 33,420 units last year.
The top-selling model was the Toyota HiLux (64,391 sales), followed by Ford Ranger (47,479), and Toyota RAV4 (34,845).
The leading brand for 2022 was Toyota with 231,050 sales and a 21.4% share of the market. Mazda followed in second with 95,719 sales and Kia with 78,330 sales.
A Vision for a Greener 2023
“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,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.
“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,” Mr. Weber added.
“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.”
Furthermore, a technology mix, infrastructure investment, and behaviour change initiatives are also necessary to create a cleaner and more 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.
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