After strong sales throughout 2021, China now ranks as Australia’s fourth biggest source of motor vehicles behind Japan, Thailand, and South Korea for the first time in a calendar year ahead of the US and Germany. According to dealers, new cars sourced from China were in plentiful supply compared to production constraints across the rest of the car industry.
Industry analysts believe sales of Chinese cars in Australia could overtake those from South Korea (Hyundai and Kia) within the next three years if the current rate of growth continues.
Related: MG ZS EV is Australia’s Bestselling Electric Vehicle
The country-of-origin split across new vehicle sales in Australia in 2021 was as follows:
- Japan (350,934, or 33.4% of the total market)
- Thailand (230,520, or 22% of the total market)
- South Korea (145,025, or 13.8% of the total market)
- China (76,262, or 7.3% of the total market)
- Germany (43,143, or 4.1% of the total market)
- USA (34,958, or 3.3% of the total market)
- Other (168,989, or 16.1% of the total market)
MG leads among the Chinese automakers making it into the Top 10 in annual sales results for the first time, ranking at 9th position. The record result put MG comfortably ahead of fellow Chinese brands Great Wall Motors Haval (14th) and LDV (18th). MG also had a vehicle inside the Top 10 bestselling models for a calendar year for the first time ever. The MG ZS SUV ranked 10th outright for the year and 8th outright in December, on the list of most popular models.
According to information, MG reported just shy of 40,000 new motor vehicles as sold in Australia in 2021. This is more than double than what MG sold in Australian market in the previous year. Great Wall Motors Haval reported 18,000 new motor vehicles as sold in Australia in 2021, more than triple its tally from the previous year. Lastly, LDV which specialists in pickup trucks and vans posted a record 15,000 new vehicle deliveries, an increase of 62% compared to the prior year.
Representatives for Chinese brands said they could have sold even more vehicles had they been able to import enough showroom stock. So far only three Chinese brands (MG, GWM, LDV) operates in Australia, however Chery is also recently advertising for employees to join its planned return to Australia. Chery which used to sell cars in Australian market from 2011 to 2015 will likely begin its operations towards the end of 2022.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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