VFACTSPage 15

Audi's premium compact SUV outsold a number of mainstream models in March, setting a monthly sales record in the process.

It was the strongest month of sales in years for Mazda, as refreshed models hit showrooms and old favourites reigned again.

Toyota dominated in March, 4x4s that can tow a caravan sold in droves, Chinese cars were up nearly 200 per cent, and EVs gained traction.

MG's rise in popularity amongst Australian car buyers continued in February, so much so it's now a top 10 manufacturer.

Private sales skyrocket, Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger dominate again, surprise packet MG leapt into the top 10 brands, and Honda plummeted.

Large SUV sales are up but no model has made more impressive gains than the Kia Sorento, though a glut of redesigned rivals are imminent.

Private buyers drove a new car sales uptick in January 2021, despite many brands battling stock shortfalls.

A slew of new releases has seen Skoda post growth of nearly 67 per cent in January with 901 sales, with more new models in the pipeline.

MG Motor continued its upward sales climb in January, growing by a massive 162 per cent to be within reach of Australia's Top 10 car brands.

The market grows for two months in succession, as a strong December gives grounds for optimism.

While petrol and diesel sales were down almost entirely across the board, Australians bought more hybrid, plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles in 2020 than the year before.

Sales recoveries in the final quarter weren't enough to stop 2020 being the worst year for new vehicle sales in Australia since 2003. Toyota was dominant, the Chinese brands are booming, and utes topped the charts once again.

The budget-friendly MG ZS line-up had a record month in November, placing third in the fastest-growing new vehicle segment for the first time.

After a shocking, COVID-stricken 2020, sales are on the uptick. It's been more than two and a half years since we've seen a month of positive results like November. No brand did better than Toyota, with four of the top-five sellers.

Vehicles with varying degrees of electrification are all gaining market share – though there's a long way to go if Australia is to match Europe or China for green-vehicle sales

Showrooms were closed in Melbourne for most of October for public health reasons, but if you take out the state of Victoria, the rest of Australia had a pretty positive October in new-car sales terms. It bodes well for the rest of 2020.