Despite recording an increase from the 81,065 vehicles sold in April, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) 'VFACTS' report revealed new car sales were down 6.4% in the month of May compared to the year prior.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said despite car makers continuing to report high demand across dealer showrooms and online marketplaces, global supply chains struggling to recover from pandemic impacts meant demand for new vehicles in Australia continues to outstrip supply.

"Pandemic interruptions continue to impact manufacturing and conflict in Ukraine has disrupted vehicle component supply," Mr Weber said.

"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.”

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

  • Northern Territory sales increased 2.4% with 973 vehicles sold.
  • Australian Capital Territory sales decreased 11% with 1,367 vehicles sold.
  • Tasmania sales decreased 6.8% with 1,651 vehicles sold.
  • New South Wales sales decreased 6.3% with 30,757 vehicles sold.
  • Victoria sales decreased 0.8% with 25,164 vehicles sold.  
  • Queensland sales decreased 11.3% with 18,997 vehicles sold.
  • South Australia sales decreased 8.2% with 6,098 vehicles sold.
  • Western Australia sales decreased 9.1% with 9,353 vehicles sold.

EVs buck the trend as Volvo claims pole position for May

Electric vehicle sales continue their upward trend across 2022, with the report revealing 925 were sold in May marking an increase of 112% when compared to May 2021.

There have been 8,543 electric vehicles sold in 2022, with a 405.2% increase across the same five-month period from 2021.

Volvo XC40 recharge led the way with 174 sales in May, while Polestar 2 coming off the back of pole position in April was not far behind with 153 sales.

Tesla managed only 12 vehicle sales in May as deliveries were recently placed on hold until the second half of the year amid lockdowns in China.

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