Read our monthly update on global car production, new car sales in key markets, export levels and imports into Australia.
- Weekly Market Update 2nd December 2024
- Weekly Market Update 25th November 2024
- Weekly Market Update 18th November 2024
- Weekly Market Update 11th November 2024
Global Car Production
- Globally, production is beginning to pick up pace in major manufacturing bases
- Japan is down 13% through May 2021
- South Korea is down 7% through June 2021
- The US is down 20% through June 2021
- Germany is down 20% through June 2021
- The UK is down 21% through June 2021
- China is up 7% through June 2021
New Car Sales
- A year on from the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, new car sales look to be picking up pace in several markets around the world
- Our data that looks at a 12 month rolling change illustrates this
- In North America, the US is up 9.1% while Mexico is down 12.6% through June 2021. Canada is now up 7.8% through May 2021
- In Europe, Germany is now up 4.9% through June 2021
- The UK is now up 14.5% and seeing strong growth as travel restrictions look to be eased
- Spain is also up 7.6% and looks to be on the recovery after COVID outbreaks slowed sales earlier in the year
- France and Italy are now up 7.5% and 19.6% respectively through June 2021
- In the Asia Pacific region, nations have generally fared better
- Australia and New Zealand are both up 9.6% and 3.5% through June 2021
- Japan is up 4.4% through June 2021 while South Korea is down 1.1%.
Car Imports into Australia
- Car Imports were down in May 2021, recording a figure of $3.393 billion according to latest ABS figures
- This represents an increase of $1.81 billion (+114%) compared to May 2020
- The rolling 12 month change shows imports are now up $4.5 billion in May 2021
- Stock supply entering Australia is picking up pace after months of significant volatility
International Car Exports
The latest government figures show the following 12 month rolling changes in car export volume from the large car manufacturing nations:
- South Korea is up 7% through June 2021
- Japan is up 3% through June 2021
- The United Kingdom is down 4% through May 2021
- Germany is up 4% through June 2021
- The United States is down 15% through May 2021
Indications from July figures suggest car production and export levels are picking up pace to return back to pre-COVID levels.
Despite the challenges facing the industry, including chip shortages and shipping delays, demand is proving strong worldwide spurring manufacturers to ramp up production.
Imports into Australia have largely recovered from COVID, however the majority of sales currently are being diverted to private buyers.
With strong demand from businesses and corporations to re-stock their fleets, new car sales in Australia are likely to be strong over the coming year.
By Tanim Ahmed, Head of Product at Datium Insights
Tanim is a Macquarie University alumni with degrees in Finance and Economics. He has spent a decade in the Leasing and Finance industry, specializing in Residual Value risk.
Please contact Datium Insights for further analytical support and advisory services.
Disclaimer: This is a general information service only and we do not provide advice or take into account your personal circumstances, financial situation or needs. Please seek professional advice with regards to how any of the material on this website can impact your own financial situation. Datium Insights is not liable for any loss caused, whether due to negligence or otherwise arising from the use of, or reliance on, the information provided directly or indirectly, by use of this website.