The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) 'VFACTS' report released Wednesday revealed the 81,065 new vehicles sold in April represents a drop of 11,282 vehicle sales for the month compared to the year prior. 

Coming off figures of 101,233 new vehicle sales for March, sales were down across all states and territories.

The VFACTS report revealed state-by-state sales statistics compared to April 2021, noting:

  • Northern Territory sales decreased 4.8% with 848 vehicles sold.
  • South Australian sales decreased 6.2% with 5,459 vehicles sold.
  • Tasmania sales decreased by 7.9% with 1,466 vehicles sold.
  • Victoria sales decreased by 11% with 21,339 vehicles sold.
  • Queensland sales decreased 11.2% with 17,424 vehicles sold.
  • New South Wales sales decreased 12.7% with 25,432 sold.
  • Australian Capital Territory sales decreased 14.9% compared with 1,201 vehicles sold.
  • Western Australia sales decreased 20.4% with 7,896 vehicles sold.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the sales drop is not a sign of a lack of demand for new cars, rather a reflection of a broader global trend of insufficient supply.

"Automotive manufacturers continue to suffer from a shortage of microprocessor units which is impacting their ability to ramp up production to pre-pandemic levels," Mr Weber said. 

"Covid-19 continues to impact manufacturing and supply, particularly where factories have been forced to close and shipping operations are yet to fully recover - reflected in the extended delivery times for new vehicles."

EV sales remain strong with Polestar claiming April's pole position

Electric vehicle sales continue their trend of growth based on results recorded last year, with the report revealing 866 were sold in April climbing more than 300% when compared to the same period last year. 

To date there have been 7,618 electric vehicles sold so far in 2022, continuing the trend of a 600% increase across the same four-month period from 2021.

Battling their own supply woes, Tesla deliveries were reduced to a trickle in April with the company recording just 52 sales nationwide. 

EV competitors took advantage, with Polestar becoming the front-runner for April recording 93 sales.

See Also: Top Five Affordable Electric Cars in Australia

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

Update resultsUpdate
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
5.94% p.a.
7.07% p.a.
$579
Variable
New
$8
$400
$34,749
  • Available for purchase of new/demo vehicle
  • Get a personalised rate, won't impact your credit score
  • Borrow from $10k to $150k, 3 to 7 yr loan term
  • Unlimited additional repayments, flexible repayment options
 Disclosure
5.67% p.a.
6.10% p.a.
$575
Fixed
New
$0
$350
$34,524
  • A leading Australian Finance Broker with proven experience you can trust
  • We've assisted more than 150,000 customers access over $8 billion in finance!
  • We are the experts at getting the keys in your hands
 Disclosure
5.95% p.a.
5.95% p.a.
$579
Fixed
New
$0
$0
$34,757
  • No vehicle age limit
  • No ongoing or early exit fees
  • 1-7 years loan terms. Pay monthly, fortnightly, or weekly
 Disclosure
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning
Compare More Car Loans