Just over 81,000 new cars were sold Australia-wide in October 2020, slightly down on October 2019's sales of just over 82,000.

This is according to the latest Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' (FCAI) 'VFACTS' report.

These figures look a lot better than September's dismal results, and many other months in 2020, as well as year-to-date sales down nearly a fifth compared to the corresponding period last year.

Many states had sizeable increases in sales compared to October 2019, with the only two states down: Tasmania (-16.1%), and Victoria (-28.3%). 

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

Lender

FixedNew1 year
More details
Approval within 24 hoursEarly payout available
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
Approval within 24 hoursEarly payout available

New Car Loan - Special (Fixed)

  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
FixedNew1 year
More details
Approval within 24 hours
  • Save the planet. Save thousands on your car loan.
  • 1% discount on qualifying electric cars
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
Approval within 24 hours

Green Car Loan Fixed

  • Save the planet. Save thousands on your car loan.
  • 1% discount on qualifying electric cars
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
FixedNew99 years
More details
Loan amounts from $2k to $75k
  • Available for any new motorised vehicle
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
  • Get quick decision. Funds in 24 hrs if approved
Loan amounts from $2k to $75k

New Car Loan

  • Available for any new motorised vehicle
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
  • Get quick decision. Funds in 24 hrs if approved
VariableNew1 year
More details

New / Demo Car Loan (Variable)

    FixedNew1 year
    More details

    New / Demo Car Loan (Fixed)

      FixedNew, Used99 years
      More details

      New or Used Car Loan Special

        FixedNew, Used7 years
        More details
        No ongoing fees
        No ongoing fees

        Plenti Car Loan (Refinance)

          FixedNew, Used99 years
          More details

          Unsecured Car Loan Excellent Credit

            FixedNew5 years
            More details

            Fixed Car Loan (New)

              FixedNew, Used7 years
              More details

              Secured Car Loan

                VariableNew, Used10 years
                More details

                Car Loan

                  FixedNew, Used99 years
                  More details

                  Car Loan

                    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 March 29, 2024. View disclaimer.

                    FCAI chief Tony Weber said easing coronavirus restrictions led to promising signs.

                    “Nationally, the state of industry operations is returning to normal as COVID-19 restrictions ease," he said.

                    "Additionally, Government initiatives such as a constructive budget that included the instant asset write off, along with more accessible finance for consumers, is also acting as a welcome stimulus for the industry.

                    "The green shoots that we are seeing in October give us great hope that we may begin to see further recovery during the coming months."

                    Sales were largely boosted by SUVs and light commercial vehicles (utes and vans), up 6.7% and 11.6% respectively when compared to October 2019.

                    Most notably, Upper Large SUVs are up 33%, and Light SUVs are up 27.5%.

                    The top five selling models for the month were:

                    • Toyota HiLux with 4,444 sales;
                    • Ford Ranger with 4,217 sales;
                    • Toyota RAV4 with 4,084 sales;
                    • Toyota Landcruiser with 2,429 sales; and
                    • Toyota Prado with 2,207 sales.

                    Overall, out of 81,220 total sales in October, 60,372 were SUVs or light commercial vehicles - approximately three quarters.