Australia’s best-selling cars 2016
Toyota sells the most popular cars and the most overall.
Australians purchased 1,178,133 new cars in 2016, topping the previous year's figures and setting a new national sales record.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released annual VFACTS data provided by car-makers and dealers which shows new vehicle sales rose 2% year-on-year in 2016, the third calendar-year sales record in four years.
The growth in annual sales was spurred on by increasing demand for light commercial vehicles and sports utility vehicles (SUVs), up 9.4% and 8% respectively year-on-year.
SUV sales had been falling rapidly since the beginning of 2016, seemingly ending Australia's love affair with SUVs. However, the decline was reversed in August and as the weather began to warm up in September, October and November, sales continued to grow.
Passenger vehicle sales declined almost 6% in 2016, reflecting the shifting attitude of Aussie motorists.
Light commercials and SUVs comprised 56% market share, overtaking passenger vehicles (44%) in 2016.
For the 14th consecutive year, Toyota (209,610) topped the list for most car sales in Australia.
The next closest, in terms of sales, was Mazda (118,217). Hyundai (101,555) rounded out the top three.
Top 10 vehicle manufacturers Australia 2016
| Manufacturer | New car sales |
|---|---|
| Toyota | 209,610 |
| Mazda | 118,217 |
| Hyundai | 101,555 |
| Holden | 94,308 |
| Ford | 81,207 |
| Mitsubishi | 73,368 |
| Nissan | 66,826 |
| Volkswagen | 56,571 |
| Subaru | 47,018 |
| Kia | 42,668 |
Toyota's Hilux (42,104) was the best-selling car of 2016, followed closely by Toyota Corolla (40,330), Hyundai i30 (37,772) and Ford Ranger (36,934).
Two of the top four vehicles were utes, and half of the top 10 were either light commercials or SUVs.
Top 10 vehicle models Australia 2016
| Vehicle | New car sales |
|---|---|
| Toyota Hilux | 42,104 |
| Toyota Corolla | 40,330 |
| Hyundai i30 | 37,772 |
| Ford Ranger | 36,934 |
| Mazda 3 | 36,107 |
| Toyota Camry | 26,485 |
| Holden Commodore | 25,860 |
| Mazda CX-5 | 24,564 |
| Mitsubishi Triton | 21,987 |
| Hyundai Tucson | 20,132 |
The highest number of sales by state were in NSW (397,563), followed by Victoria (326,269), Queensland (233,026), WA (100,234), South Australia (71,738), Tasmania (19,751), ACT (18,816) and NT (10,736).
Drivers beware, don't get caught in traffic on Australia's 10 slowest roads (hint: most are in Sydney).
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Following up on the recent article about car loans and selling your secondhand car – apart from NILS or STEP-UP loans (up to approx $800) are there any ways that a person receiving Newstart payments can get a car loan if they trade in their secondhand car (90s Mazda 121) and have an inheritance payment to be paid out (no specific date yet as there is paperwork still to finalise) I am asking for a friend as it’s quite an emotional topic. Thank you for any help!
Hi Beatrice,
Thanks for getting in touch.
There may be lenders that will accept applicants who receive Centrelink payments, however, the approval may still be on a case by case basis. Usually, a secured car loan could be an option and she can use the car as a security for the loan to get a lower rate. Your friend can discuss her loan options and approval with a lender who offers Centrelink loans.
Cheers,
May