South Australia’s record-breaking new vehicle sales charge does not appear to be letting up as the latest data shows slowing EV sales growth.
“South Australia’s foot is still on the pedal with more vehicles purchased than ever before,” Motor Trade Association SA/NT (MTA) CEO Darrell Jacobs said.
In South Australia, new vehicle sales for May are 13.6 per cent higher than at the same time as last year, indicating 2024 will beat last year’s record-breaker.
While local appetite for zero and low emission vehicles is strong, making up 23.2 per cent of all new cars sold, growth in electric vehicles is showing signs of plateauing.
“EVs enjoyed explosive growth last year, but there are clearly barriers to further adoption,” said Mr Jacobs.
Citing the State Government’s axing of EV incentives and a slew of price cuts by manufacturers, Mr Jacobs said some buyers were waiting for a better deal, “Affordability remains a top consideration as cost-of-living pressures mount, and buyers are voting with their wallets.”
Ahead of today’s State Budget, Mr Jacobs reiterated the MTA’s calls to bring back incentives for electric vehicles, as well as expand these to hybrids and plug in hybrid vehicles.
The MTA’s proposal would reinstate the $3,000 incentive for electric vehicles valued below $68,750. These incentives would also be made available to plug in hybrid vehicles ($2,000 per vehicle) and traditional hybrid vehicles ($1,000 per vehicle).
The MTA’s application for two new dual trade apprenticeships was recently approved by the South Australian Skills Commission.
Reflecting on the growing numbers of electric and hybrid vehicles on South Australian Roads, Mr Jacobs pointed to what the MTA was doing to support the State’s transition, “Automotive businesses, as well as their technicians and apprentices need to be ready to service and repair whatever vehicle enters the workshop.”
Top 5 selling new cars in SA in 2024
1. Ford Ranger 4×4 – 1,609 units
2. Toyota RAV4 – 1,527 units
3. Toyota Hilux 4×4 – 1,358 units
4. Mitsubishi Outlander – 1,007 units
5. Toyota Camry – 921 units
Zero and low emission vehicles sold in SA in 2024
• Electric vehicles make up 7.2 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia (7.3 per cent in April 2024), up 57.6 per cent compared to May 2023.
• Hybrid vehicles make up 14.7 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia (13.9 per cent in April 2024), up 128.9 per cent compared to May 2023.
• Plug in hybrid vehicles make up 1.3 per cent of all new cars sold in South Australia (same in April 2024), up 136.9 per cent compared to May 2023.
MTA MEDIA CONTACT: Kaes Cillessen | M: 0400 811 632 | kcillessen@mtasant.com.au
