The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' (FCAI) 'VFACTS' report shows utes and SUVs once again led the charge, making up more than three quarters of all new cars sold in May.

Toyota's Hilux was again Australia's top-selling car with 4,402 units sold in May, up nearly a quarter compared to May 2020.

The overall result was also 8.9% up on May 2019's figure.

FCAI chief Tony Weber said the industry is on track to sell more than one million cars in 2021.

"While we cannot be certain about the future economic impacts of the COVID-19 situation, businesses and households are showing their confidence by purchasing new vehicles," he said.

"I expect this situation will continue to improve in the second half of this calendar year as confidence continues to grow, coupled with incentives such as the extension of the depreciation allowance for business which was announced in the Federal Budget during the month."

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.
7.36% 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
6.34% p.a.
7.46% p.a.
$585
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$35,084
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
6.52% p.a.
6.95% p.a.
$587
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$0
$35,236
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

Big month for 'green' cars

There were 436 electric vehicle (EV) sales in May, up 323.3% compared to May 2020.

More than 7,000 hybrids were sold, up 117.3% on May last year, and there were 245 plug-in hybrids sold (PHEV), up 107.6% on May last year.

The figures were aided by sales of the facelifted Hyundai Kona, the MG ZS, which is one of Australia's cheapest electric vehicles, the Jaguar i-Pace, and other electric SUVs.

These results come after Victoria introduced a bill to charge a road tax on electric vehicles and hybrids, which was heavily criticised by the EV Council of Australia.

However, FCAI spokesperson Peter Griffin said the potential road use charge would have had no material impact on vehicles sold in May, and that FCAI would ultimately support the bill.

"The road use charge essentially forms part of a wider incentive package, including the commitment to infrastructure projects," he told Savings.com.au.

Another part of the 'incentive package' tabled is a $3,000 rebate for EV purchases.

The luxury car tax (LCT) threshold was also bumped up by more than $2,000 for fuel-efficient vehicles for the 2021-22 financial year, but Mr Griffin said it's still an unfavourable tax.

"Our view is that the LCT should be scrapped entirely... we have maintained it's an inefficient tax," he said.

"It's essentially a tax on technology, and removes incentives for car buyers who want the latest in safety and technology.

Toyota pays the most LCT out of all brands in Australia.

"When you think of luxury cars, other brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW more readily come to mind, not the Toyota Landcruiser... it's a tax on Australian industry," Mr Griffin said.

Australia's Top 10 Selling Vehicles - May 2021

  1. Toyota Hilux - 4,402
  2. Ford Ranger - 4,254
  3. Toyota RAV4 - 4,014
  4. Toyota Landcruiser - 3,399
  5. Isuzu D-MAX - 3,058
  6. Mazda CX-5 - 2,768
  7. Mitsubishi Triton - 2,317
  8. Toyota Prado - 2,214
  9. Toyota Corolla - 2,190
  10. Hyundai i30 - 2,127

Car rentals also bouncing back

Australia's rental segment continued to grow, with the year-to-date result up nearly 70%, while private sales were up more than 50%.

FCAI chief Tony Weber lauded the sector.

“The result also highlights the outstanding efforts by all parties in the supply chain in continuing to meet the demands of their of their customers in the face of ongoing challenges such as the shortage of microprocessors and shipping delays," he said.

However, it's not just the traditional rental segment growing - car sharing, too, is proving popular.

Research from Ultimate Driving Tours shows the 'car sharing' market is worth approximately $54 million, and that more than a third of car journeys will be car shares by 2030.

Photo by Jake Fagan on Unsplash