The top 10 cars Australians loved in January
Each month, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries releases a report detailing the top-selling vehicles across Australia. Pickles’ monthly vehicle report presents the top 10 vehicles from this list and recounts industry news and trends as they affect the Australian market.
Market snapshot
Demand for new and used cars across Australia remains strong, despite ongoing production delays and general economic distress due to interest rates and inflation. We saw a strong start to the year, with an 11.9% increase in new vehicle sales in January compared to the same month in 2022. This is a substantial YoY jump in sales when considering there were only 24 working days this January for buyers to place their orders.
The consumer demand for electric and hybrid-model vehicles appears to be growing stronger with each passing month. Electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles totaled 12.8% of all car sales for January, with electric vehicles (EV) representing just under half of these results. The Tesla Model 3, which seesawed in and out of the top 10 vehicles by month throughout 2022, had another leap in sales and was the third most ordered car model for January. The Australian demand for popular EV and hybrid vehicles shows the general consumer interest in making the switch to fuel-alternative vehicles, which is further powered by state government incentives like rebates and tax offsets.
Sales were up across all states and territories and all classes of buyer (private, business, government, rentals). The Australian consumer preference for larger vehicles prevailed in January and is likely to continue throughout the year. SUVs and light commercial vehicles together totalled 76.9% of all vehicles sold in January. Given back-to-back months of growth over the last few months, it is likely that growth will continue for at least the first quarter of 2023. It appears that orders will continue as pent-up demand over the last 2 years has driven buyers to keep purchasing, even in the midst of inflation and rising interest rates.
Most Popular Vehicles | January 2022
1. Ford Ranger - 4,749 units sold in January
The Ford Ranger is well known for its work horse features while maintaining a stylish exterior. Pickles Ford Ranger sales typically feature assets with various features and accessories to suit every need.
2. Toyota Hilux - 4,131 units sold in January
The Toyota Hilux was once again one of the most favourite flavours of the month. The Hilux is a versatile and powerful Australian favourite, popular among both private and business buyers. Check out all of the quality used Hilux models available at Pickles.
3. Tesla Model - 2,927 units sold in January
Built for safety and with style in mind, the fully electric Tesla Model 3 boasts fast acceleration, superb handling and great aerodynamics and is considered to be one of the smartest mid-size cars on the market. The Tesla Model 3 has seen months of sales growth amid Australian consumer demand for electric vehicles.
4. Mazda CX-3 - 2,417 units sold in January
The CX-3 saw a huge jump in sales during January and managed to nab the spot as the fourth most sold vehicle for the month. The Mazda model has a reputation for being quick off the mark and is excellent for fuel economy. Check out all the quality used CX-3 models available at Pickles.
5. Mazda CX-5 - 2,189 units sold in January
The stylish and compact Mazda CX-5 is a Japanese-made model and one of the reasons it is popular is because of its affordable price point in comparison to its competitors. Because the CX-5 has been on the Australian market for a few years, there are many used models available.
6. Toyota RAV4 - 1,958 units sold in January
The RAV4 is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles, and sold just shy of 2,000 units in January. Given the RAV4 is always in high demand, keeping up to date with Pickles’ sales is the best way to purchase a quality used model.
7. Isuzu UTE D-MAX - 1,843 units sold in January
For car buyers looking for the practicality of a work vehicle along with the versatility of a family car, the D-MAX is a popular car choice. The Isuzu Ute D-MAX sold just over 1,800 units in January and is favoured by business and tradie buyers.
8. MG ZS- 1,842 units sold in January
MG vehicles are popping up with increasing frequency, as models from the Chinese-owned brand feature seriously affordable price tags that are attracting buyers amid growing interest rates and high living costs. The only downside to MG vehicles is, that because of their relative newness to the Australian market, it can be a challenge to find a quality used model in the car market. Remember to stay up to date with Pickles’ sales to get a hold of your dream car.
9. Mitsubishi Outlander- 1,674 units sold in January
The Outlander is a favourite of Australian families due to its spacious and stylish design. As a staple of the Australian car market, buyers are privy to a great deal of choice of used models featured in Pickles’ sales.
10. Toyota LandCruiser - 1,631 units sold in January
Comparable to the Hilux, the Toyota Landcruiser is both huge in size and popularity. The model is popular in Australia due to its spacious and versatile make, as well as its ability to navigate offroading and city driving with ease.
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16 Feb