Supply constraints continue to restrict vehicle market

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says new vehicle sales figures for May 2022 totalled 94,383 units, a decrease of 6.4 per cent on the same month in 2021. Year-to-date sales are 437,884.

FCAI chief executive, Tony Weber, said global supply chains struggling to recover from pandemic impacts meant demand for new vehicles in Australia continues to outstrip supply.  

“The global automotive industry continues to be plagued by a shortage of microprocessor units and shipping delays. This issue is not unique to Australia,” said Webber.

“Car makers continue to report high demand across dealer showrooms and online marketplaces. Pandemic interruptions continue to impact manufacturing and conflict in Ukraine has disrupted vehicle component supply. Monthly sales figures are also dependent on shipping arrivals which continue to be uncertain. We do not expect supply chains to stabilise until these issues are resolved.”

Sales across every state and territory were down apart from the Northern Territory where 973 vehicles were sold, representing an increase of 2.4 per cent on May 2021. Sales in the Australian Capital Territory fell 11 per cent (1,367), New South Wales 6.3 per cent (30,757), Queensland 11.3 per cent (18,997), South Australia 8.2 per cent (6,098), Tasmania 6.8 per cent (1,651); Victoria 0.8 per cent (25,164), and Western Australia 9.1 per cent (9,353).

Toyota led the market with a total of 22,813 vehicles sold. Kia was next with 7,307 followed by Hyundai (7,063), Mazda (6,474) and Mitsubishi (6,086).

Toyota Hi-Lux was the highest-selling model with 5,178. Toyota RAV4 was next with 3,925 followed by Ford’s Ranger (3,751), Toyota Corolla (3,310), and Toyota Landcruiser (2,667).

VFACTS MAY 2022

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