The figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) demonstrated the resilience of the sector, despite limited access to showrooms as a result of lockdowns. 

Victoria rebounded to record growth of 150% in August compared to last year, while Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory all recorded growth in excess of 30%. 

Australia Capital Territory sales were down by just over a quarter, while New South Wales also saw a decline (7.0%). 

Toyota was the market leader in August, accounting for almost a quarter of all sales, followed by Mazda (9.4%), and Kia, Ford, and Hyundai (6.2% each). 

The Toyota Hilux was the most popular car sold in Australia, with 4,770 models sold, followed by the Ford Ranger, and Toyota Corolla. 

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said the figures exemplified manufacturers' abilities to engage in different ways with customers. 

"The bounce of 33% on last year’s figure demonstrates the resolve of car manufacturers to engage with customers and drive-up new vehicle ownership," Mr Weber said.

"With access to showrooms limited, vehicle makers are working to engage customers in their homes and other places of isolation."

Light commercial vehicle (utes) sales were up more than 70% compared to last year; passenger vehicle sales were up by 2,581 sales (17.5%), and the sports utility market rose by more than a quarter. 

Mr Weber said the pandemic was making parts hard to come by, but manufacturers were working to the conditions. 

"We know that the car industry is suffering the global impacts of Covid-19 on supply chains," he said.

"An increase of 635% on the sale of electric powered SUVs shows just how diligently manufacturers are working with suppliers to deliver vehicles to market."

Manufacturers in China and Argentina were big winners in August, with sales from each country up 176% and 195% respectively. 

EV rebates launch in NSW

The first day of September saw electric vehicle rebates and concessions kick into gear in NSW.

The NSW Government announced in June it would provide rebates of $3,000 for the first 25,000 consumer purchasing electric vehicles in the state. 

Eligible vehicles must cost less than $68,750. 

Australia's most populous state also announced it would waive stamp duty for eligible electric vehicles costing less than $78,000. 

Another $171 million has been committed to new charging infrastrucutre across the state and $33 million to transition government's fleet to electric vehicles. 

Experts forecast the policy could reduce the cost of an electric vehicle by around $4,500.

In the market for a new car? The table below features car loans with some of the lowest interest rates on the market.

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Filters
LenderCar LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Interest Type Vehicle Type Maximum Vehicle Age Ongoing Fee Upfront Fee Total Repayment Early Repayment Instant Approval Online Application TagsFeaturesLinkComparePromoted ProductDisclosure
6.24% p.a.
7.37% p.a.
$583
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$35,000
  • Available for purchasing new and demo vehicles
  • $5,000 to $150,000 loan amount
  • Redraw facility available up to $5000/day
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
 Disclosure
6.52% p.a.
6.95% p.a.
$587
Fixed
New, Used
No Max
$0
$350
$35,236
  • A leading Australian Finance Broker with proven experience you can trust
  • We've assisted more than 150,000 customers access over $8 billion in finance!
  • We are the experts at getting the keys in your hands
 Disclosure
6.57% p.a.
7.19% p.a.
$588
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$250
$35,278
  • No vehicle age limit
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
 Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here.

The comparison rates in this table are based on a loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for car loans and secured personal loans for the relevant amounts and terms are for secured loans unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for unsecured personal loans are applicable for unsecured loans only. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Comparison rates are not calculated for revolving credit products.

Monthly repayment figures are estimates only, exclude fees and are based on the advertised rate for the term and for the loan amount entered. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

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