Australia breaks new car sales record in 2023

The Australian car market has achieved an extraordinary milestone as it broke the all-time record for new car sales in 2023.

A total of 1,216,780 cars were delivered last year which exceeded the last record made in 2017 of 1,189,116 vehicles.

The Ford Ranger was the most popular car for December 2023 with 7,767 units sold which was an all-time monthly sales record for the model. This tipped the Ford Ranger over the edge in ending the Toyota HiLux’s seven-year streak as the nation’s top-selling car.

In 2023 there were 63,356 Ford Rangers sold in Australia while there were 61,111 Toyota HiLux’s sold.

Toyota was the most popular car brand in 2023 with 17.7 per cent of the market share, 215,240 cars. In second was Mazda with 100,008 cars sold during the year followed by Ford with 87,800. See the list below for a list of the top ten car brands in 2023.

 Top 10 car brands 2023

1. Toyota – 215,240
2. Mazda – 100,008
3. Ford – 87,800
4. Kia – 76,120
5. Hyundai – 75,183
6. Mitsubishi – 63,511
7. MG – 58,346
8. Tesla – 46,116
9. Subaru – 46,114
10. Isuzu Ute – 45,341

The top ten cars were comprised entirely of SUVs and light commercial vehicles and constituted 78.4 per cent of sales.

Top 10 car models 2023

1. Ford Ranger – 63,356
2. Toyota HiLux – 61,111
3. Isuzu D-Max – 31,202
4. Toyota RAV4 – 29,627
5. MG ZS – 29,258
6. Tesla Model Y – 28,769
7. Mitsubishi Outlander – 24,283
8. Mazda CX-5 – 23,083
9. Hyundai Tucson – 21,224
10. Toyota Prado – 20,710

Battery electric cars accounted for 7.2 per cent of sales. Battery electric, plug-in hybrid and hybrid vehicles achieved 196,868 (16.2 per cent) of new car sales.

“This extraordinary result is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of both industry players and consumers alike. Despite the supply chain disruptions faced in recent times, consumers now have greater access to a broad range of choices, fostering increased accessibility in the market,” FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said.

“For more than a decade, the FCAI has been encouraging Governments to introduce a Fuel Efficiency Standard. Now we have the process underway it’s critical that the Federal government takes time to get it right. That is essential for environmental outcomes and for consumers,” Mr Weber said.

Looking ahead, Mr. Weber expressed confidence about the industry’s future in 2024 while acknowledging potential challenges.

“This is a tremendously exciting time for the industry. Consumers have a wide choice of vehicles available to meet their work, recreation and family needs that come equipped with the latest advancements in engine technology, safety features and advanced driving, navigation and entertainment aids.

“As we celebrate this historic achievement, we recognise that the automotive sector will face challenges in the coming months. Cost-of-living pressures and increased interest rates will impact the market, and we anticipate a challenging 2024.”

“The FCAI will continue its work with governments and other industry stakeholders during 2024 to manage a broad range of issues ranging from emissions standards, environmental impacts, logistics and supply chains, taxation, vehicle safety, data use and recharging infrastructure,” Mr Weber said.