Best-selling automobiles in 2020 (alongside their less fortunate counterparts)
Australian Car Sales in 2020: Toyota Continues Dominance
In a year marked by unprecedented challenges, the Australian automotive market exhibited some surprising trends. Despite the overall decline in new-car sales, certain manufacturers and models managed to thrive.
Toyota's Unwavering Dominance
Toyota continued its reign as the leading manufacturer in Australia for the 18th consecutive year. The Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Corolla, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai i30, Mitsubishi Triton, and Toyota Prado were among the top-selling models, with the HiLux taking the number one spot. Toyota's strong market presence was evident, as it topped seven vehicle categories in Australia.
Sales Growth and Rebound
Despite a 12.5% and 20% decline in sales for diesel and petrol vehicles respectively, some manufacturers experienced growth. SsangYong recorded a remarkable 68.4% sales growth due to the success of its Musso ute and Korando SUV. The sales of battery electric models grew by 16%, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles increased by 18%.
SUVs on the Rise
SUVs continued to dominate the market, making up 49.6% of overall sales, a 4% increase from 2019. The Ford Ranger ute was the second best-selling model, with 40,973 units sold. Toyota's RAV4 saw a 59% increase in sales, making it Australia's third-most popular new car.
Market Shifts and Declines
Several manufacturers experienced declines in 2020. Mazda's sales slumped 12%, despite introducing the CX-30 small SUV at the start of the year. Renault, Peugeot, and Citroen had sales declines of 20%, 13%, and almost 50% respectively. Honda and Jaguar had the biggest slides among mainstream and premium brands respectively, with declines of 34% and 41.7% in 2020.
Electrifying Trends
A notable trend in 2020 was the surge in hybrid sales, which soared by 94%. Toyota led this category, with close to a quarter of all Toyotas sold in Australia being electric hybrids. Chinese manufacturers MG Motor, LDV, Haval, and Great Wall recorded sales increases in 2020.
Sales Figures and Market Rebound
For the full year, new vehicle sales in Australia totaled 916,968, which is 14% lower than in 2019 and the lowest annual figure since 2003. However, the last couple of months of 2020 saw a rebound, with December sales figures being 13.5% higher than in 2019.
Shrinking Market and Shift in Preferences
Dual-cab utes saw an increase in their share of the shrinking market in 2020. Traditional passenger vehicles (sedans, wagons, hatchbacks, MPVs) now make up 24.2% of all sales, down from 57% in 2010. Mid-size commercial vans also saw a 16% increase in sales in 2020.
In a year marked by uncertainty, the Australian automotive market showed resilience and adaptability, with some manufacturers and models managing to thrive amidst the challenges.
The finance sector noticed a significant shift in consumer purchasing patterns within the automotive industry in 2020, as sales figures for traditional cars decreased while demand for SUVs, hybrids, and electric vehicles increased. The lifestyle preferences of Australians saw a noticeable change, with more individuals opting for SUVs, contributing to a 4% rise in their market share. The boom in hybrid sales was propelled by a 94% surge, with Toyota leading the charge in electric hybrid vehicle sales. Additionally, the transportation sector witnessed a rise in sales for dual-cab utes and mid-size commercial vans. Despite an overall decline in new-car sales, certain companies, such as SsangYong, demonstrated growth, indicating a potential revival in the industry's financial health.
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