In 2024, Australia witnessed an unprecedented surge in new vehicle deliveries, with key automotive brands playing pivotal roles in achieving this remarkable milestone.

Among the 51 automotive brands that operated in Australia throughout 2024, only 19 reported year-on-year sales increases. These brands collectively achieved an impressive gain of 91,518 vehicle deliveries, significantly counterbalancing the 69,738 deliveries lost by the 32 brands that experienced declines.

Notably, five brands outshone others in both the volume and percentage of their year-over-year delivery increases.

Toyota – An Upsurge of 26,056 Deliveries (12.1 percent) to 241,296

For the 22nd consecutive year, Toyota retained its title as Australia’s most popular automotive brand, setting a new sales record with 241,296 vehicles delivered—surpassing its previous benchmark set in 2008. The standout model, the RAV4, surpassed the HiLux to become Toyota’s best-selling vehicle, trailing closely behind the market-dominating Ford Ranger by less than 4,000 units. The RAV4 alone contributed to an astonishing 29,091 additional deliveries compared to the previous year, effectively offsetting a decline of 10,908 in LandCruiser Prado deliveries attributed to the transition between the old 150 Series and the anticipated 250 Series. Entering 2025, Toyota’s order books for the RAV4 remain robust, having previously seen wait times exceeding two years for certain options.

Other models that experienced growth included the HiAce van (up 4,949), along with the Camry (up 4,820 following the introduction of its new generation) and the Corolla Cross (up 4,041).

Ford – An Increase of 12,370 Deliveries (14.1 percent) to 100,170

The Ford Ranger marked a noteworthy achievement as it secured consecutive annual sales victories, a feat not seen since the early ’90s with the EB/ED Falcon. However, it was the Ford Everest that primarily fueled Ford’s delivery increase in 2024, with an impressive rise of 11,423 units. The Everest’s sales surged by nearly 76 percent, attracting buyers who opted for this model instead of awaiting the delayed new Toyota Prado. Despite some overall declines within Ford’s range—including the Escape and Puma, both discontinued, and the Mustang coupe, which faced a delayed launch—the Everest’s popularity propelled Ford past Mazda in the overall sales rankings.

Mitsubishi – An Upswing of 11,036 Deliveries (17.4 percent) to 74,547

Mitsubishi emerged as a quiet achiever, with all models in its Australian lineup experiencing increased deliveries. The Outlander maintained its status as a top seller, leading to a commendable fifth-place finish in overall sales. Deliveries of this SUV rose by 13.8 percent to 27,613 units, slightly ahead of the ASX, which experienced a remarkable 34.3 percent increase, totaling 12,330 deliveries. The Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport also saw gains of over 1,000 units, despite being older models.

BYD – A Surge of 8,020 Deliveries (64.5 percent) to 20,458

Despite ending the year in 17th place, BYD stood out by improving its position by five spots, largely due to a diversified model lineup that bolstered its sales. Since its debut in mid-2022 with the Atto 3, and the subsequent introduction of the Dolphin, BYD’s most recent success stemmed from the launch of the Seal in November 2023 and the Sealion 6 in July 2024. The Seal, while not matching Tesla’s Model 3 in sales, captured third place in its segment, while the Sealion 6 emerged as the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in Australia. With the anticipated arrival of additional models, including the Shark 6 PHEV ute and the Sealion 7 electric SUV, BYD is poised for further growth in 2025.

Chery – A Remarkable Increase of 6,713 Deliveries (114 percent) to 12,603

Chery’s relaunch in Australia with the Omoda 5 in April 2024 proved successful as it expanded its lineup to four models, leading to the most significant sales increase of the year. The Omoda 5 saw modest growth, while substantial deliveries of the Tiggo 7 Pro took off. The introduction of the Tiggo 4 Pro and Tiggo 8 Pro further contributed to Chery’s ascent on the sales charts. The brand is expected to maintain its upward trajectory, especially with the anticipated introduction of a plug-in hybrid variant of the Tiggo 7 Pro in the coming year.

As the automotive landscape evolves, the record sales figures not only highlight the resilience of certain brands but also set the stage for emerging trends in the industry.

Source:www.carexpert.com.au