December 2023 sales hit record-breaking high results
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
December 2023 sales pushed the Australian automotive industry to a huge milestone, breaking the all-time record for new vehicle sales in a year. This huge achievement was unsurprising to industry insiders, who watched sales results hit record-breaking numbers in consecutive months during the second half of 2023. Over 1.2M+ vehicles were sold in 2023, which is the new record for a year of sales, with the previous record achieved in 2017 with 1.1M+ sales.
2023 sales results are a testament to the high demand for vehicles by Australian buyers, especially given the economy showed a slowdown in consumer spending in most other sectors. However, some are quick to point out that the high number of sales is largely due to the back order of COVID-delayed vehicles finally reaching buyers, as opposed to representing the current appetite of Australian consumers.
Results saw Toyota win in the race for top selling brand in Australia, with over 215,000 models sold throughout the year. This marks another consecutive, successful year for the brand, with the HiLux, Prado, RAV4 and Corolla models selling big and consistently in 2023. And while the Ford Ranger won the top spot for most sold car, Ford lost to Mazda for the second spot for most sold brand in Australia.
Sales for electric and hybrid vehicles dipped in the last few months of 2023, with December results much the same. This meant 2023 finished without a EV/hybrid vehicle on the top 10 sellers for the month, although Tesla still managed to place in the top 10 brands overall for the year. While this drop in sales could be the result of a lack of stock, the sales dip could also be a result of the NSW government scrapping rebates for new EV purchases from December 31, 2023.
Most popular vehicles | December 2023
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Ford Ranger - 7,767 units sold in December
The Ford Ranger finished 2023 on top, with a whopping 7,767 models sold during December, and 63,356 models sold throughout 2023, making it the top selling car for the month and the year. The Ranger had a huge year of sales in 2023, with the December results representing a 66.5% increase in sales compared YoY to the same month in 2022. The Ford Ranger is well known for its workhorse features while maintaining a stylish exterior and is a popular choice amidst Australian consumers.
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Toyota HiLux - 5,143 units sold in December
The Toyota HiLux also had an impressive year, finishing 2023 strong with over 5,100 models sold in December. Neck and neck with the Ford Ranger in 2023, the Hilux finished just shy of its competitor with 61,111 total sales for the year. The Hilux is a versatile and powerful Australian favourite, popular with both private and business buyers. Check out all of the quality used HiLux models available at Pickles.
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Isuzu UTE D-MAX - 2,833 units sold in December
The D-MAX finished the year strong with over 2,800 sales in December and over 31,000 total yearly sales. 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.
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Toyota Prado - 2,475 units sold in December
The Toyota Prado saw another period of sales growth in December, jumping into the top half of the list with just shy of 2,500 units sold during the month. The Prado had a late start in 2023, with back ordered stock finally reaching Australia mid year. As models continue arriving we are likely to see more of the Prado in the top 10 sellers each month in 2024.
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Toyota RAV4 - 2,192 units sold in December
The RAV4 is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles, with just over 2,100 units sold throughout December. 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.
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Toyota Corolla - 1,888 units sold in December
The compact Toyota Corolla had another consecutive month of good sales results, with just shy of 2,000 units sold during December. While less popular than other Toyota makes, the Corolla is known for its serious reliability and cheap maintenance costs.
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Mitsubishi Outlander - 1,882 units sold in December
Sales of Mitsubishi Outlander units were solid in December, with 1,882 models sold across Australia. As a staple of the Australian car market, buyers are lucky to have access to a wide variety of used Outlander models featured in Pickles’ sales.
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Kia Sportage - 1,546 units sold in December
The Kia Sportage jumped back onto the top selling list after strong sales in December. The Sportage is a popular choice for families who live creature comforts, and buyers seeking a car versatile enough to move between city and country easily.
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MG ZS - 1,522 units sold in December
MG vehicles finished the year with 1,522 sales in December, which represents a 50% decrease in sales compared YoY. However, ZS sales were consistently strong throughout the year, resulting in the model being the eighth most sold vehicle in Australia overall in 2023.
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Ford Everest - 1,486 sales in December
While not a top seller for the year, the Ford Everest did jump onto the top selling vehicles list for December with 1,496 units sold during the month. The Everest is a spacious family vehicle, popular for being a reliable option for large families.
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15 Jan