New car sales lower than expected in May 2023

While sales of new vehicles have remained steady in May 2023, but were lower than expected thanks to the introduction of the Clean Car Discount, according to Motor Industry Association CEO Aimee Wiley.

A total of 13,354 new vehicles were sold last month, 0.1 per cent more than May 2022. New passenger vehicle registrations were down by 9.5 per cent at 9566 units, while new commercial vehicle registrations jumped by 37.1 per cent at 1026 units compared to last May.

The BYD Atto 3 led the way yet again for electric vehicle sales, followed by the MG ZS. Hybrid sales stayed strong at 2534 units for May while plug-in hybrids wracked up 727 new registrations.

Last month saw a surge in commercial vehicles sales which is also predicted for June due to the incoming Clean Car Discount fee increases from 1 July. Compared to May 2022, new commercial vehicle registrations were down by 23.5 per cent, or 5449 units.

What were the top three models for May 2023?

The Ford Ranger topped the sales charts yet again in May, leading the Toyota RAV4 in second place and the Toyota Hilux in third.

Who led the market in May 2023?

While the Ranger continues its best selling streak, Toyota retained the top spot as the market leader in May with 21 per cent market share, or 2765 cars sold. Mitsubishi came in second with 11 per cent (1459 units) market share while Ford trailed behind in third with 10 per cent (1392 units).

Fully electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hybrids

A total of 1171 fully electric passenger vehicles were registered last month, 46 electric light commercial vehicles, and two electric heavy commercial vehicles.

Among the top-selling EVs were the BYD Atto 3 with 223 units registered, the MG ZS with 204 units, and the Hyundai Ioniq 5 with 120 units.

The top PHEV for May was the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross with 285 units sold, followed by the Outlander (180 units) and the Ford Escape (61 units).

As for hybrids, a total of 2534 examples were sold in May with the top models being the Toyota RAV4 (698 units), Honda Jazz (178 units) and the Hyundai Tucson (175 units).

What was the most popular segment?

The SUV medium segment was the most popular in May 2023, boasting a market share of 24 per cent, while the SUV compact segment came in close behind with 20 per cent. Utes and four-wheel drives were the third most popular segment for new car sales with 16 per cent market share.

Small to medium passenger vehicle segments made up 59 per cent of the overall new car market in May 2023.