The top 10 cars Australians loved in May
Each month, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries releases a report detailing the top-selling vehicles across Australia. Pickles’ monthly vehicle report presents the top 10 vehicles from this list and recounts industry news and trends as they affect the Australian market.
Market snapshot
Another huge month of sales drove the new vehicle market to a record high for the month of May, with over 100,000 cars sold across Australia. The data is remarkable amid reports of decreased traffic in brick-and-mortar dealerships, who flagged concerns of dramatically slowing showrooms in the first few months of 2023. It appears that the record increase in sales is due to large shipments of new vehicles arriving on Australian shores, full of cars previously ordered by the large backlog of customers. The surge is not due to new deals being signed.
Despite great numbers in May, dealers are noting the drastic decrease of enquiries. Following record interest rate rises and general economic struggles due to the cost-of-living crisis, dealers are seeing minimal interest in cars from new buyers. Industry insiders are expecting a big decline in sales over coming months as the data catches up to real-time orders. This drop may not be seen for several more months, with suppliers still struggling to fill previous vehicle orders from 2022.
While the data may not be reflective of the current market, moreso the last 12 months of ordering, sales for May do provide some insight into general consumer trends from the different market segments. There was an increase in sales across every state and territory, and growth across all buyer types including private, government, business and rental. It was another strong month for sales of ‘green’ cars, with 15.6 percent of overall sales made up for battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid and hybrid models.
Most popular vehicles | May 2023
-
Toyota Hilux - 5,772 units sold in May
The Toyota Hilux took the top spot for May, with a huge increase in sales compared to the month prior. The Hilux is a versatile and powerful Australian favourite, popular with both private and business buyers. Check out all of the quality used Hilux models available at Pickles.
-
Ford Ranger - 4,110 units sold in May
The Ford Ranger is well known for its work horse features while maintaining a stylish exterior. Pickles Ford Ranger sales typically feature assets with various features and accessories to suit every need.
-
Tesla Model Y - 3,178 units sold in May
Amidst months of strong EV sales, it’s no surprise that the Tesla Model Y was among the top-selling models for May. The Tesla Model Y is one of several popular EV makes that have seen an increase in sales as Australians turn towards EV/hybrid vehicle options.
-
Toyota RAV4 - 2,616 units sold in May
RAV4 is one of Australia’s most popular vehicles, and over 2,000 sold throughout May. Given the RAV4 is always in high demand, keeping up to date with Pickles’ sales is the best way to purchase a quality used model.
-
MG ZS - 2,502 units sold in May
MG vehicles are popping up with increasing frequency, as models from the Chinese-owned brand feature seriously affordable price tags that are attracting buyers amid growing interest rates and high living costs. The only downside to MG vehicles is that because of their relative newness to the Australian market, it can be a challenge to find a quality used model in the car market.
-
Isuzu UTE D-MAX - 2,371 units sold in May
For car buyers looking for the practicality of a work vehicle along with the versatility of a family car, the D-MAX is a popular car choice. Favoured by business and tradies, just over 2,000 Isuzu Ute D-MAX were sold in May.
-
Hyundai i30 - 2,163 units sold in May
The Hyundai i30 is one of Australia’s most popular compact vehicles, and is consistently a first choice for buyers looking for a compact hatchback or sedan. Over 2,000 i30 units sold in May, and luckily due to the popularity of the vehicles, there are plenty of quality used models available at Pickles sales.
-
Hyundai Tucson - 1,911 units sold in May
The Hyundai Tucson sold over 1,900 units throughout May in a range of variations from 2WD and AWD, to Active, Elite and Highlander models. The Hyundai Tucson is popular for its suitability to road trips and its range of accessories that protect against harsh Australian conditions.
-
Mitsubishi Outlander - 1,880 units sold in May
The Outlander is a favourite of Australian families due to its spacious and stylish design. As a staple of the Australian car market, buyers are privy to a great deal of choice of used models featured in Pickles’ sales.
-
Mazda CX-5 - 1,846 units sold in May
The stylish and compact Mazda CX-5 is a Japanese-made model, and one of the reasons it is popular is because of its affordable price point in comparison to its competitors. Because the CX-5 has been on the Australian market for a few years, there are many used models for sale.
Eager to stay ahead of the kerb? Follow Pickles on Facebook and Instagram for the latest and greatest blogs, posts, sales and more.
13 Jun