This comes as the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) 'VFACTS' report released Wednesday revealed of the 97,251 new vehicles sold in March, 6,621 were EVs. 

The 6,621 new EVs sold capture a 6.8% share of the new car sales market, with new hybrid sales sitting at 5,247 for the month of March.

FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber detailed battery electric vehicle sales (EVs) grew by 19.5% on March 2022 figures, along with plug-in hybrids which increased by 33.3%.

“This growth demonstrates that where Australians can afford a battery electric vehicle which suits their lifestyle, they will buy them,” Mr Weber said. 

Despite the sales growth of both new EVs and hybrid vehicles compared to March 2022 figures, Mr Weber said the top three best sellers for March 2023 were utes.

“The consumer preference for utes and SUVs is an important factor to consider as we journey to a zero-emission light vehicle fleet because these vehicles are more difficult and expensive to electrify,” he said. 

“If we want more zero and low emission vehicles on our roads, then we must provide the necessary recharging infrastructure and move to implement an ambitious yet achievable fuel efficiency standard which will encourage manufacturers to allocate more of the limited supply to Australia.”

Across the states, the report revealed new car sales grew in Queensland by 4.9%, South Australia by 2.6%, Western Australia by 1.1% and the ACT by 1.0%.

At the opposite end of the ladder, new car sales decreased in the Northern Territory by -15.3%, Victoria by -11.2%, Tasmania by -8.4% and New South Wales by -6.1%. 

Highest selling models in March 2023

  1. Toyota Hilux, 4,583 new sales.
  2. Ford Ranger, 4,508 new sales.
  3. Isuzu D-Max, 2,789 new sales.
  4. Mitsubishi Outlander, 2,169 new sales.
  5. Tesla Model Y, 1,938 new sales.

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Update resultsUpdate
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 TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
6.09% p.a.
7.21% p.a.
$581
Variable
New
1 year
$8
$400
$34,874
Featured
  • Discounted rate on qualifying electric cars
  • Up to 7 yrs loan term
  • Redraw available up to $5,000/day
5.99% p.a.
7.20% p.a.
$580
Fixed
New, Used
7 years
$12
$250
$34,791
5.99% p.a.
5.99% p.a.
$580
Variable
New
No Max
$0
$0
$34,791
6.19% p.a.
6.54% p.a.
$583
Variable
New
No Max
$0
$250
$34,958
6.25% p.a.
6.52% p.a.
$583
Fixed
New, Used
3 years
$0
$195
$35,009
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 . View disclaimer.

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