The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) report released Tuesday revealed the 101,233 new vehicle sales represents an increase of 1,228 vehicle sales or 1.2% compared to March 2021.

Car sales figures for the months prior in January and February reached 75,863 and 85,340 respectively, bringing the year-to-date total to 262,436. 

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said the relatively stable result reflected the challenges facing the global automotive industry.

"This is historically a unique time in which supply rather than demand is determining the size of the market due to manufacturers recovering from the pandemic-related shutdowns and the ongoing global shortage of micro processing units" Mr Weber said.

Despite these challenges, Mr Weber notes consumer inquiries and demand for new cars remains strong, with manufacturers work hard to match demand with supply.

The report revealed state-by-state sales statistics compared to March 2021, which noted:

  • Tasmania sales increased by 8.2% with 1,768 vehicles sold.
  • Victoria sales increased by 5.3% with 27,155 vehicles sold.
  • Western Australia sales increased 5.3% with 10,016 vehicles sold.
  • Australian Capital Territory sales decreased 6.2% compared with 1,560 vehicles sold.
  • New South Wales sales decreased 0.8% with 32,224 sold.
  • Northern Territory sales decreased 0.2% with 916 vehicles sold.
  • Queensland sales decreased 1.7% with 21,214 vehicles sold.
  • South Australian sales decreased 0.1% with 6,380 vehicles sold.

In terms of manufacturers, the report detailed Toyota was the market leader in March 2022 with 21,828 vehicles sold, followed by Mazda with 11,248, Mitsubishi with 9,007, Hyundai with 6,516 and Kia came in fifth place with 6,051. 

See Also: Top Five Affordable Electric Cars in Australia

Electric vehicle surge

There have been 6,752 electric vehicles sold so far in 2022, representing a near 600% increase on the same three-month period in 2021.

The report revealed March was the first month to record Tesla sales figures, with Tesla selling 4,417 vehicles so far in 2022 - all of them the Model 3.

Tesla's reported sales figures account for almost two-thirds or 65.4% of all Australian electric vehicle sales so far in 2022.

The latest VFACTS report is also the first time Polestar has been included, with the Polestar 2 recording 115 sales so far in 2022.

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

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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
5.99% p.a.
7.12% p.a.
$580
Variable
New
No Max
$8
$400
$34,791
  • Available for purchasing new and demo vehicles
  • $5,000 to $150,000 loan amount
  • Redraw facility available up to $5000/day
  • Required: Good credit history, stable employment history. Aus citizenship or PR.
 Disclosure
6.52% p.a.
6.95% p.a.
$587
Fixed
New, Used
No Max
$0
$350
$35,236
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 Disclosure
6.28% p.a.
6.28% p.a.
$584
Fixed
New
No Max
$0
$0
$35,034
  • 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

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.

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