The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global supply chain over the last few years has seen the automotive landscape change, with limited supply and very strong demand.
With tougher economic climates set to have an impact on demand, and production ramping up across the world as supply chain issues begin to resolve, 2023 is looking more promising for vehicle deliveries.
Australia’s new vehicle sales grew 17.9 per cent in November to 95,080 vehicles according to VFACTS data, marking the fifth successive month of growth as supply levels improve.
The November result took year-to-date deliveries to 993,509, up 2.3 per cent on the same point in 2021.
Toyota’s year-to-date growth has been steady at around 3.6 per cent, with 214,776 cars delivered from January until the end of November.
“Despite widespread reporting of stock shortages, Toyota Australia delivered more cars to customers this year than in 2021,” Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations told CarExpert at the recent unveiling of the GR Corolla in Melbourne.
It’s fair to say Toyota would have delivered significantly more vehicles if not for supply constraints over the last two years.
“We have received a considerable number of customer orders, which we are diligently working through. One of our most important goals in 2023 will be delivering as many outstanding orders as possible to our loyal customers.”
Unwilling to be drawn on production capacity and improvements, Mr Hanley says it’s a constantly moving target.
“We cannot speculate on the future state of supply chains and production as this is a constantly evolving situation,” he said.
“We are very thankful to our customers for their understanding and patience as we continue to work through a volatile supply environment, and assure them we are doing everything possible to expedite delivery of their new Toyota.”
In November three of the five best-selling vehicles in the country were Toyotas, with the HiLux managing 5440 sales in first place, followed by the Corolla in third with 3732 sales, and the RAV4 in fifth with 2282 sales.
