The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) 'VFACTS' report released Wednesday revealed the 81,065 new vehicles sold in April represents a drop of 11,282 vehicle sales for the month compared to the year prior. 

Coming off figures of 101,233 new vehicle sales for March, sales were down across all states and territories.

The VFACTS report revealed state-by-state sales statistics compared to April 2021, noting:

  • Northern Territory sales decreased 4.8% with 848 vehicles sold.
  • South Australian sales decreased 6.2% with 5,459 vehicles sold.
  • Tasmania sales decreased by 7.9% with 1,466 vehicles sold.
  • Victoria sales decreased by 11% with 21,339 vehicles sold.
  • Queensland sales decreased 11.2% with 17,424 vehicles sold.
  • New South Wales sales decreased 12.7% with 25,432 sold.
  • Australian Capital Territory sales decreased 14.9% compared with 1,201 vehicles sold.
  • Western Australia sales decreased 20.4% with 7,896 vehicles sold.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the sales drop is not a sign of a lack of demand for new cars, rather a reflection of a broader global trend of insufficient supply.

"Automotive manufacturers continue to suffer from a shortage of microprocessor units which is impacting their ability to ramp up production to pre-pandemic levels," Mr Weber said. 

"Covid-19 continues to impact manufacturing and supply, particularly where factories have been forced to close and shipping operations are yet to fully recover - reflected in the extended delivery times for new vehicles."

EV sales remain strong with Polestar claiming April's pole position

Electric vehicle sales continue their trend of growth based on results recorded last year, with the report revealing 866 were sold in April climbing more than 300% when compared to the same period last year. 

To date there have been 7,618 electric vehicles sold so far in 2022, continuing the trend of a 600% increase across the same four-month period from 2021.

Battling their own supply woes, Tesla deliveries were reduced to a trickle in April with the company recording just 52 sales nationwide. 

EV competitors took advantage, with Polestar becoming the front-runner for April recording 93 sales.

See Also: Top Five Affordable Electric Cars in Australia

In the market for a new car? The table below features car loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market.

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LenderCar LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Interest Type Vehicle Type Maximum Vehicle Age Ongoing Fee Upfront Fee Total Repayment Early Repayment Instant Approval Online Application TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
6.24% p.a.
7.36% p.a.
$583
Variable
New
1 year
$8
$400
$35,000
 Featured
  • Available for purchasing new and demo vehicles
  • $5,000 to $150,000 loan amount
  • Redraw facility available up to $5000/day
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
6.34% p.a.
8.36% p.a.
$585
Variable
New
1 year
$8
$400
$35,084
6.57% p.a.
7.19% p.a.
$588
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$250
$35,278
Loan amounts from $2k to $75k
  • Available for any new motorised vehicle
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
  • Get quick decision. Funds in 24 hrs if approved
6.09% p.a.
7.21% p.a.
$581
Variable
New
1 year
$8
$400
$34,874
 Featured
  • Discounted rate on qualifying electric cars
  • Up to 7 yrs loan term
  • Redraw available up to $5,000/day
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here.

The comparison rates in this table are based on a loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for car loans and secured personal loans for the relevant amounts and terms are for secured loans unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for unsecured personal loans are applicable for unsecured loans only. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Comparison rates are not calculated for revolving credit products.

Monthly repayment figures are estimates only, exclude fees and are based on the advertised rate for the term and for the loan amount entered. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

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