Many buyers looking for a new car in 2022 faced significant challenges in finding readily available stock of some of the most popular cars on the market. ‘On the market’ may have been an overreach description for some, as the wait times for delivery of some new models stretched to 12 months and for some, even longer. The stock issues of course emanated primarily from a number of global issues – shortage of microprocessors, shipping issues, ongoing COVID issues in manufacturing plants and component and parts shortages and delays.
But with the release of the December figures for new car sales by the FCAI it can be revealed that around one million Australian buyers did take delivery of their new vehicle in 2022. That is seen by the FCAI as quite an achievement for the industry. The data reveals the most popular cars so to speak based on sales, for brands and for individual models. For keen buyers this may provide ideas of where to look for their new car. But it can pay to be prepared with finance locked-in before the test drive.
The most popular cars on the market as per sales figures can be in high demand and buyers can be equipped with pre-approved car finance from Jade Finance. Pre-approved motor vehicle finance is available on both our Personal Secured Car Finance and across the selection of Business Vehicle Finance options. Consider applying now to be ready to buy one of the most popular cars available.
Latest New Car Sales Data
In the media release for the December 2022 new car sales data, Tony Weber of the FCAI reflected on the challenging conditions faced by both the dealers and the vehicle manufacturers last year. He also mentioned that this year could be the most important year for the sector in recent history in reference to how policies developed for decarbonising the light vehicle sector.
According to Mr Weber, the FCAI, as the industry’s peak body, continues to advocate for efficiency standards and was continuing to do so in addition to addressing infrastructure issues and the changes in behaviour which are needed to reduce the emissions levels.
December’s Most Popular Cars - Brands
The total sales of new vehicles in December 2022 eclipsed the same month in 2021 by just over 12% but there was one more day of selling in the 2022 month. SUVs continue to reign highest in popularit and sales posted another nearly 22% increase in comparison to December 2021. Passenger vehicles have been dropping in popularity over quite some time, in direct correlation to the rise in SUVs. Sales in the passenger category for the comparison period did increase slightly – 3.1%. Light commercial sales were down by slightly less than 2% over the period.
Australia’s most popular cars must be from Toyota if the sales results are a guide. The brand led all others in sales for December 2022, followed by Mazda, then Ford rounding out the top tiers of the podium. The remaining top 10 included Kia and MG just ahead of Mitsubishi and then Hyundai with Subaru, GMW Haval and VW rounding out the leading brands.
The most popular cars in terms of models once again came down to the competition between the two rivals – Toyota and Ford. December 2022 was Ford Ranger’s month to shine with the most sales ahead of Toyota’s HiLux. Next in the model sales was the MGZS, Toyota’s RAV4, CX 3 from Mazda, Outlander, Corolla, Model 3 Tesla, Tucson from Hyundai and the CX 5 from Mazda.
2022 Most Popular Cars
The end of the each year is also a time to tot up the annual sales results and reveal which brands and models were top sellers, aka most popular. The breakdown of categories can be of interest – almost 77% of the total sales were SUVs and light commercials and just over 3% battery EVs.
As it did for December, Toyota dominated the annual sales overall for the market. The brand accounted for over 20% of all new vehicle sales for the year. Second, and quite some numbers behind was Mazda, then Kia followed by Mitsubishi, then Hyundai, Ford and MG then Subaru ahead of Isuzu Ute and making it into the top 10, Volkswagen.
As for popular models for the year, buyers determined that it was the Toyota HiLux ahead of Ford’s Ranger and the RAV 4 was third. The next most popular cars were the CX 5 and then more Toyotas – Corolla and LandCruiser, another ute in the D-MAX, the ZS from MG and finally the very popular i30 from Hyundai.
So there are the results for what buyers decided were their most popular cars for the year. But of course, in these times of supply issues, allowance must be taken for what brands managed to get the most vehicles into dealerships.
Supply issues may showing signs of easing in the new car market and with the RBA set to make its February rate decision in a few weeks, now might be a good time to apply for finance and make that new car purchase.
Contact Jade Finance 1300 000 008 for cheaper finance for the most popular cars of 2022.
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