Buyer traffic jam as supply chain issues hit car market

Struggling supply chains have caused a fall in car sales, signalling the need for buyers to plan well ahead to organise finance and order their next vehicle.

Some 12.2% fewer vehicles were sold in April compared with the corresponding period last year, according to the latest data.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says 81,065 vehicles were sold last month, a fall of 11,282 compared with April 2021.

The popular SUV segment suffered most from ailing global supply chains, falling 13.8% or 6,806 total vehicle sales. The overall Passenger Vehicle Market was down by 2,620 sales (-14.5%), and the Light Commercial Market dropped 2,078 vehicle sales (-9.6%).

Only the heavy commercial vehicles registered a positive result, up by 222 sales (6.5%).

 “We know this is not a reflection of the demand for new vehicles,” said FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.

Manufacturers were struggling to supply “not only the Australian market but markets throughout the world”, said Mr Weber.

He blamed two factors – COVID-19 and a microprocessor shortage. This meant the industry could not “ramp up production to pre-pandemic levels”.

“COVID-19 continues to impact manufacturing and supply, particularly where factories have been forced to close, and shipping operations are yet to recover fully,” said Mr Weber.

Sales are down in every state and territory – a sign that prospective buyers need to prepare for delayed deliveries and organise loans appropriately.

The national performance of new car sales looks like this:

  • NSW 25,432 (-12.7%)
  • Queensland 17,424 (-11.2%).
  • Victoria 21,339 (-11%).
  • Western Australia 7,896 (-20.4%).
  • South Australia 5,459 (-6.2%).
  • Tasmania 1,466 (-7.9%).
  • ACT 1,201 (-14.9%)
  • Northern Territory 848 (-4.8%).

With a 13.1% market share, Toyota retained its position as the most popular brand, selling 10,578 more than second-placed Mazda.

Toyota led the market with a total of 17,956 vehicles sold. Mazda came in second (7,378) with Mitsubishi (6,463) third, Kia fourth (6,180) and Hyundai fifth (5,552).

The Toyota Hi-Lux (4,493) was the highest-selling model, followed by the Ford Ranger (3,581). Toyota’s RAV4 was third (3,373). Mazda’s CX-5 took fourth place (2,701). Isuzu Ute’s D-Max (2,374) rounded out the top 5.