Australia’s total new vehicle sales in January 2021 stood at 79,666 units, up by 11.1pc as compared to 71,731 units sold during the same month in 2020, according to data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
The association said that the sales follow the strong recovery indicated by the overall sales figures in the final months of 2020, and to some extent reflect the built-up demand over the COVID lockdown.
In January, the sales growth was driven by increased demand from private buyers. Vehicle sales to private buyers in January rose by 25.4pc from the same month in 2020. Sales to business buyers fell by 1.3pc, while sales to government and rental declined by 11.2pc and 12.4pc, respectively, compared to January 2020.
| Australia’s auto sales in January 2021 (in units) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Jan-21 |
| Passenger vehicles | 18,590 |
| SUV | 41,544 |
| Light commercial vehicle | 17,485 |
| Heavy commercial vehicle | 2,047 |
| Total | 79,666 |
Sales of passenger vehicles in January fell by 9.3pc to 18,590 units, while sales of SUVs and light commercial vehicles grew by 17.4pc and 24.6pc to 41,544 units and 17,485 units, respectively, as compared to the previous year.
Toyota was the top-selling brand in January with sales of 16,819 units (21.1pc), followed by Mazda with 8,508 (10.7pc), Hyundai with 5,951 (7.5pc), Kia with 5,500 (6.9pc), and Mitsubishi with 5,179 (6.5pc).
The Toyota Hilux was the best-selling vehicle in January 2021 with sales of 3,913 units, followed by the Ford Ranger (3,120 units), Toyota RAV4 (3,066 units), Toyota Landcruiser (2,388 units), and the Mazda CX5 (2,081 units).
Outlook
FCAI said that the increased vehicle sales numbers are indicative of positive consumer confidence in the domestic economy.
With attractive interest rates and a range of other economic indicators encouraging consumption, FCAI is expecting new vehicle purchasing to continue through 2021.