For buyers of new cars, 2021 has been a challenging year. While usually the buying decision involves tossing up between competing makes and models and seeing what the best deal they can be offered. But in 2021, many buying decisions were based on availability. Extensive lockdowns meant dealerships were closed for extended periods and global issues persisted. International supply chains and the big issue of computer chip shortages affected supply. But according to the Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Tony Weber, consumers still found a way to purchase their new vehicles with solid sales numbers for the year. The FCAI has just released the figures for new vehicle sales for the year which reveals the 2021 top selling cars.
For buyers looking to purchase a new vehicle, top seller lists can provide insights to assist with vehicle selection. But the 2021 top selling cars figures should be taken in context around the impacts of the pandemic, computer chip shortages and other issues re vehicle availability in the Australian market.
2021 New Car Sales Overview
The 2021 sales figures released by the FCAI show a 14.5% increase in new motor vehicle sales over the 2020 figures. According to Mr Weber, considering the context around the pandemic etc this show the Australian market remains in a positive position. He said that the manufactures were working to strengthen their supply chains this year.
In line with the global environmental movement, the sales of EVs posted a 191% increase over the 2020 results but the EV market still accounts for only 0.49% of the market. But non plug in hybrids performed very well and indicate a preference for this type of vehicle in Australia.
It appears Australia’s love affair with SUVs continued with a 16.9% increase in that segment. With the surge in online shopping and home deliveries it is not surprising that light commercial sales were also up significantly.
Light commercials and SUVs for business purposes were also no doubt driven by the attractive tax measures on offer through IAWO and temporary full expensing.
Top Selling Makes and Models
Comparing best-selling makes and models is a great exercise but as we have mentioned in our blogs when the VFACTS figures have been released each month, the sales have been affected by supply. But the annual figures do give a better idea than comparing monthly positions.
For 2021 it was Toyota out in front taking a solid 21% of the total market and topping the list for something like 19 years in a row. This is probably not surprising for those that follow the monthly sales figures reports but for buyers, consistent and impressive sales figures could mean it’s definitely worth checking out the range.
Toyota repeatedly has multiple models in the top 10 lists, offers an extensive range of commercial and passenger car models and has long been a reliable and favoured motor vehicle maker in the Australian market.
Next was Mazda, followed by Hyundai, Ford and Kia making up the top 5. Then followed Mitsubishi, Nissan, Volkswagen, MG and Subaru.
The top selling vehicle models for 2021 was a more closely fought battle. Ford Ranger eclipsed the Toyota HiLux in sales figures for a few months in 2021 which made for a thrilling finish. But it was the HiLux which just edged out the Ranger for top spot. Third spot went to the Toyota RAV4, fourth to the Toyota Corolla and fifth was another place for Toyota with the LandCruiser.
The rest of the top 10 were the Hyundai i30 which has received many accolades, the Isuzu D-MAX, Mazda CX-5, Toyota Prado and rounding out the top 10, the Mitsubishi Triton. In the luxury brand market, Mercedes-Benz led in this sector just ahead of BMW and significantly ahead of Audi.
With multiple work vehicles in the top 10, it appears business vehicle buyers have been active despite the challenging economic conditions in some sectors. Business buyers clearly taking advantage of both the general tax measures and the historic low interest rates to upgrade their vehicles at this time.
2022 Market Outlook
While manufacturers are working hard to strengthen supply and availability in 2022, the emerging Omicron scenario both in Australia and overseas may have some impact. The variant is causing staffing issues across the Australian and no doubt global workforce as workers are forced to isolate. This may have an effect on production and supply, we’ll just have to see how that plays out.
Availability already seems to be improving with some models launching in Australia ahead of schedule. As most new vehicle buyers will require finance, the interest rate scenario will be of key importance.
The RBA meets in a few weeks for their first Board Meeting for 2022 and a decision on the official cash rate. It has been at the historic low level since November 2020 and while the RBA has consistently stated it was not expecting rates to rise until possibly 2024, some analysts are tipping an early rise.
As always, Jade Car Loans offers cheap car loan interest rates on new car purchases across our comprehensive portfolio of personal business car loans and business finance. To assist buyers to match their repayment targets with new car prices, we provide car loan calculators. These buying tools are essentials for quickly converting the price or offer from the dealer into estimated repayments.
Where availability remains scarce, ensure you speak with us to arrange pre-approved finance so you are well-placed to snap up available models.
For a quick quote on finance for one of the best sellers for 2021 or any other vehicle contact Jade Car Loans on 1300 000 003
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