The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) ‘VFACTS’ report revealed 105,694 vehicles were sold in May, an increase of 12% on figures reported for the same period in 2022.

The spike set an all-time sales record for May and is the highest monthly result this year.

The surge is a result of dealers filling orders placed months ago - and in some cases years ago - rather than new deals being signed. 

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the result was ‘encouraging’ given recent shipping and logistical issues.

“This result is a signal that we are starting to see some improvement in supply,” Mr Weber said.

“A large proportion of vehicles delivered this month would have been ordered during 2022.

“Since then, we have seen a shift in economic conditions with a focus on rising cost of pressures for households and businesses. Nevertheless, reports from our members indicate that demand remains firm.”

After slumping to second place last month, Toyota’s popular Hilux reclaimed its gold crown in May with 5,772 new cars sold. 

Across all brands, electric vehicles accounted for 8,124 sales, equivalent to 7.7% of the entire market.

Car sale figures for the months prior in March and April reached 97,251 and 82,137 respectively, bringing the year-to-date total to 456,833.

The top 10 selling vehicles in May 2023

  1. Toyota Hilux - 5,772
  2. Ford Ranger - 4,110
  3. Tesla Model Y - 3,178
  4. Toyota RAV4 - 2,616
  5. MG ZS - 2,502
  6. Isuzu Ute D-Max - 2,371
  7. Toyota Landcruiser - 2,303
  8. Hyundai i30 - 2,163
  9. Hyundai Tucson - 1,911
  10. Mitsubishi Outlander - 1,880

Across the states, the report revealed all recorded growth in new car sales with Western Australia taking the crown (+25.1%) followed by Queensland (+17.4%) and Victoria (+15.9%).


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Update resultsUpdate
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
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New
No Max
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$400
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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
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6.52% p.a.
6.95% p.a.
$587
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$0
$35,236
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

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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.

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Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

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