The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) ‘VFACTS’ report revealed 105,694 vehicles were sold in May, an increase of 12% on figures reported for the same period in 2022.

The spike set an all-time sales record for May and is the highest monthly result this year.

The surge is a result of dealers filling orders placed months ago - and in some cases years ago - rather than new deals being signed. 

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the result was ‘encouraging’ given recent shipping and logistical issues.

“This result is a signal that we are starting to see some improvement in supply,” Mr Weber said.

“A large proportion of vehicles delivered this month would have been ordered during 2022.

“Since then, we have seen a shift in economic conditions with a focus on rising cost of pressures for households and businesses. Nevertheless, reports from our members indicate that demand remains firm.”

After slumping to second place last month, Toyota’s popular Hilux reclaimed its gold crown in May with 5,772 new cars sold. 

Across all brands, electric vehicles accounted for 8,124 sales, equivalent to 7.7% of the entire market.

Car sale figures for the months prior in March and April reached 97,251 and 82,137 respectively, bringing the year-to-date total to 456,833.

The top 10 selling vehicles in May 2023

  1. Toyota Hilux - 5,772
  2. Ford Ranger - 4,110
  3. Tesla Model Y - 3,178
  4. Toyota RAV4 - 2,616
  5. MG ZS - 2,502
  6. Isuzu Ute D-Max - 2,371
  7. Toyota Landcruiser - 2,303
  8. Hyundai i30 - 2,163
  9. Hyundai Tucson - 1,911
  10. Mitsubishi Outlander - 1,880

Across the states, the report revealed all recorded growth in new car sales with Western Australia taking the crown (+25.1%) followed by Queensland (+17.4%) and Victoria (+15.9%).

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