The Toyota HiLux was the top-selling vehicle for the month and for the fifth year in a row, with a total of 5,572 sales in December, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI). While December had an overall increase in sales compared to the same month in 2019, total vehicle sales for the year were down 13.7 percent compared to 2019 with 916,968 vehicles sold during the year of 2020.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said that the automotive industry, along with the rest of Australia, has found the last twelve months an extremely challenging period. He says that the automotive industry accounts for more than 60,000 employees, over 4,000 dealerships across the country, and is critical to the economic wellbeing of communities across Australia.
“It is therefore with great relief that the industry, along with the general economy, is finally noting some positive signs within the market,” Mr Weber said.
The positive results are promising for the industry after months of declining year-on-year sales, and total sales for the month – including passenger cars, SUVs and light and heavy commercial vehicles – were up 13.5% from December 2019, to 95,652 sales.
The sales figures show Toyota continues to be the most popular brand pick for consumers (with 24.5% of market share) this month, and was the number one selling brand in Australia for the 18th year in a row. It was followed in December by Mazda, Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Ford.
For a full wrap-up of the top-selling vehicle models on the market in December 2020, see below.
Top 10 selling cars in Australia – December 2020
| Total Monthly Sales | Change on December 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Toyota HiLux | 5,572 | + 42.2% |
| 2. Ford Ranger | 4,265 | + 27.4% |
| 3. Toyota RAV4 | 3,542 | + 60.1% |
| 4. Toyota Corolla | 2,516 | – 9.4% |
| 5. Toyota Prado | 2,500 | +79.9% |
| 6. Isuzu D-Max | 2,409 | + 28.1% |
| 7. Toyota LandCruiser Wagon | 2,235 | + 128.1% |
| 8. Mazda CX-5 | 2,060 | + 12.7% |
| 9. Hyundai i30 | 1,996 | + 3.2% |
| 10. Nissan X-Trail | 1,822 | + 18.9% |
Source: FCAI, 8 January, 2021.
The Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Prado, Isuzu D-Max, Toyota LandCruiser Wagon, Mazda CX-5, Hyundai i30 and Nissan X-Trail models have all increased sales volume from this time last year. The only model that decreased in sales from December 2019 was the Toyota Corolla. See the full breakdown of results below.
1. Toyota HiLux – 5,572 sales (+42.2% YoY)
Features of the Toyota HiLux include: Toyota safety features including Road Sign Assist, Active Cruise Control and Lane Departure Alert with steering assist, keyless entry and start system and an 8″ colour touchscreen display with smartphone connectivity on selected models.
2. Ford Ranger – 4,265 sales (+27.4% YoY)
Source: CarAdvice.com
Features of the Ford Ranger include: Bluetooth with phone and audio streaming, pedestrian detection, lane keeping aid, traffic sign recognition and push button start.
3. Toyota RAV4 – 3,542 sales (+60.1% YoY)
Source: CarAdvice.com
Features of the Toyota RAV4 include: Optional petrol-electric hybrid technology for fuel efficiency. Multi-terrain options for mud and sand, rock and dirt, snow or normal driving. Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Amazon Alexa connectivity are also available.
4. Toyota Corolla – 2,516 sales (-9.4% YoY)
Source: CarAdvice.com
Features of the Toyota Corolla include: Pedestrian detection, automatic high beams, road sign assist to detect speed limit signs and stop signs, blind spot monitor and the Toyota app which is available across Toyota models and can locate your car in a crowded parking lot.
5. Toyota Prado – 2,500 sales (+79.9% YoY)
Source: CarAdvice.com
Features on the Toyota Prado include: Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, reversing camera, road sign assist, automatic high beam, heated and ventilated front row seats and front park assist.
6. Isuzu D-Max – 2,409 sales (+28.1% YoY)
Features of the Isuzu D-Max include: 6-speed transmission, Apple and Android smartphone connectivity, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), 800mm wading depth and rear differential lock.
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7. Toyota LandCruiser Wagon – 2,235 sales (+128.1% YoY)
Source: 4×4 Australia
Features of the Toyota Landcruiser include: Bluetooth, heated seats, multi-terrain system to help control wheelspin, navigation, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and centre console cooler box.
8. Mazda CX-5 – 2,060 sales (+12.7% YoY)
Source: Chasing Cars
Features of the Mazda CX-5 include: Petrol or diesel engine, cruise control radar, rear parking sensors, Smart City Break Support (SCBS).
9. Hyundai i30 – 1,996 sales (+3.2% YoY)
Source: CarAdvice.com
Features of the Hyundai i30 include: Hyundai SmartSense to help maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, Bluetooth, reverse camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
10. Nissan X-Trail– 1,822 sales (+18.9% YoY)
Source: CarAdvice.com
Features of the Nissan X-Trail include: Weather shields and bonnet protector, a premium Bose audio system, motion activated tail-gate and a 7″ wide touchscreen with real-time safety alerts.
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Image source: Jarhe Photography, Shutterstock.
Original author Ellie McLachlan.
This article was reviewed by our Sub Editor Jacqueline Belesky before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
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