Uncover the Dynamics of Australia's New Car Market
Booming Ute Favorites and Market Challenges
The Australian new car marketplace is like a rollercoaster ride, with booming ute favorites, fast-selling new makes and models, and a mix of macro and micro-economic challenges. Private new car buyers are taking a step back as the cost of living and high interest rates bite. However, with one month of sales remaining, Australia is still on track for a record year of new car registrations across various market segments.In this dynamic market, certain brands are emerging as clear winners. Chery and BYD have been on the move, posting significant growth. Just one month's figures to go, and it's safe to say that these brands have been performing exceptionally well. Chery has more than doubled its volume, while BYD has seen an increase of over 68%.The Changing Face of the Top Ten Brands
The changing landscape of the top ten brands gives us insights into the losers and also-rans of 2024. Mazda, which was once a perennial number two, has slipped to third place with almost a 5% decline. Hyundai is also behind its upstart cousin Kia, which now has a ute. The dual-cab effect is evident in Kia's dominance of overall top-selling models.At the top end, Mercedes-Benz is facing challenges, tracking almost 18% down year-to-date. In contrast, BMW is almost on par with its 2023 total, and Audi is 20-something percent off. Jaguar, against all odds, is almost 40% up year-to-date. But it's important to note that BMW Australia sells almost 40 cars for Jaguar.Considering volume brands (4000 or more units for the Jan-Nov period in 2023), Jeep, RAM, Skoda, and Renault are the biggest losers of 2024, each losing over 45% of their respective volume.Australia's Top Car Models: RAV4 and Ranger
Australians have a clear preference for utes and SUVs. The FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber stated that consumer preference remains strong for these vehicle types, with SUVs and light commercial vehicles making up the top ten new vehicles sold, while passenger vehicles saw a decline to a monthly market share of just 13.7 per cent.Ford Ranger easily leads the pack in the country's top five, followed by Toyota RAV4, Toyota HiLux, Isuzu D-Max, and Mitsubishi Outlander. Toyota Corolla gets an honorable mention as the top-placed non-highrider in the bottom half of the top ten.Toyota RAV4 not only is one of the country's top-sellers but also topped the table as the most improved. It registered almost 54,000 units in the Jan-Nov 2024 period, an increase of over 26,000 after supply issues in 2023. The Ford Everest also performed well, with almost 11,000 units up on its 2023 figure.The remainder of the top five most improved models includes Kia Cerato, Hyundai Kona, and BYD Seal. The Kia Cerato almost tripled its 2023 volume, Hyundai Kona was 61% up, and the BYD Seal registered almost 6000 sales in its first year.Data Sources and Market Insights
This is an overview of the latest release of the official Australian new car market scorecard, VFACTS. Published this week and covering the year-to-date to the end of November, VFACTS is a key barometer of the new car marketplace. But it's not without its limitations.VFACTS records new car registrations, not sales, and is essentially unaudited. Carmakers supply their own numbers on a "you show me yours and I'll show you mine" basis. It also doesn't cover all manufacturers, as Tesla and Polestar withdrew from the program in 2023 due to concerns about proper representation.The absence of Tesla and Polestar can be accounted for in the numbers, but the sales versus registration delineation is more complex. During tough times, brands often pre-register new cars to maintain their stats. This tactic is commonly used at key periods like the end of the financial year and the end of the calendar year, or when there are significant legislative or regulatory changes.As we approach Christmas and the implementation of Australia's new vehicle emission rules on January 1, the market continues to evolve.Key Stats: A Record Year Still in Sight
November was the best monthly volume since July, with just over 99,000 registrations, but it is almost 12% down on the same month in 2023. Yet, year-to-date, the market remains up, and with an "average" December, it should still generate an annual record. Currently, we're looking at around 1.25 million new vehicles.From an historical perspective, the 2024 year-to-date result is strong. The first half of 2024 recorded market growth of 8.7 per cent compared to 2023. Since July, we have seen a decline of 8.2 per cent. But who is buying these cars? Private buyers are continuing to struggle, with a 16.6 per cent decline in November compared to 2023. Business and government registrations, on the other hand, are up year-on-year. Privates have accounted for more than half of all registrations this year, with business around 37%. Rental fleet volumes are also off.In line with FCAI's often anti-EV rhetoric, November recorded another disappointing result for the sale of electric vehicles, while Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid accounted for 16.9 per cent of November sales compared to 9.9 per cent last year.Uniting Through the Power of Swimming
LISA MISCHE LAWSON’S STORY
Several times a week, Dr. Lisa Mische Lawson can be seen at a local pool, swimming an impressive 4,000 meters, which is roughly two and a half miles. She describes finding solace in the water, where she can block out all distractions and focus solely on the rhythm of her arms and the sound of the water. For her physical and mental well-being, this is an unrivaled form of relaxation.
In addition to her recreational swimming, Lisa also competes in open water swim meets. She approaches these events with a sense of modesty but still takes great pride in her achievements. She has completed a 20 km swim around Key West, with a friend providing support in a kayak. More recently, she participated in a swim from Balta in Gozo back to Malta, which was a more competitive endeavor and saw her place well.
The Importance of the Swim Program
It is not her open water accomplishments or medals that have earned her the admiration of poolside spectators. Instead, it is the special program she and a colleague launched through the KU Medical Center in 2012. This program is designed to teach children with autism how to swim, addressing a critical need that could potentially save lives.
When the program first began, a tragic incident occurred just outside the area they were serving – a child with autism drowned in his neighbor's pond. This event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of their work. According to the National Autism Association, children with autism are 160 times more likely to die from drowning than the general pediatric population. Fifty percent of kids with autism have a tendency to wander away from safe places, and among those who do, accidental drownings account for 71% of deaths.
Adapting to the Needs of Autistic Children
Recognizing that children with autism learn differently and may have difficulties with verbal communication and attention in certain environments, the Sensory Enhanced Aquatics Program has been tailored to meet their specific needs. This program has been a huge success, with participants and their families raving about it. Take 5-year-old Jones Wilson, for example.
"Oh my gosh, yes, he looks forward to swim lessons! We come every Monday night, and he loves it. He loves his teachers," Jones' mom Jessica exclaims. She values the independence the program gives her son as he enters the pool with instructors on his own. This gives her peace of mind when it comes to water safety.
Spreading the Love of Swimming
The word about this program has spread far and wide throughout the metro area. Families are traveling more than an hour to attend the specialized classes held at the Lenexa Rec Center, as well as pools in Merriam and Fairway. Enrollment has grown significantly, from 30 kids 12 years ago to currently ranging from 60 to 90 participants per session, running year-round.
Many of the instructors are KU Medical Center students who are involved as part of their occupational therapy curriculum. This allows Lisa to pass on her love of the water not only to the swimmers but also to the student instructors. She explains, "I love swimming, and I want everyone to have the opportunity to love it too. Watching the students light up when they figure out how to teach a child with autism to swim keeps me very motivated."
By using KU Medical Center students, the program is able to keep costs down. They also engage in extensive fundraising to provide scholarships, ensuring that cost is not a barrier for families. To enroll in the Sensory Enhanced Aquatics Program, you can sign up through the Lenexa, Merriam, and Fairway park districts.
In Seekonk, a Car's Nightmare Turned into a Firefighter's Battle
Details of the Incident
The sight of those massive flames coming from the car was truly a sight to behold. It was a clear indication of the intensity of the fire that engulfed the vehicle. The firefighters worked tirelessly to contain and extinguish the flames, facing the challenges posed by the heat and the difficult conditions in the parking lot. Their efforts were crucial in preventing the fire from spreading to other nearby areas and potentially causing more damage.
The owner's story added a human element to the incident. Being homeless and having to sleep in the car with her cats made the situation even more challenging. Her quick response in leaving with her pets showed her concern for their well-being. It also highlighted the importance of having a safe place to sleep and the difficulties faced by those without one.
Impact on the Community
The incident at the Walmart in Seekonk had a significant impact on the local community. People were shocked and concerned to see the flames and the commotion. The presence of firefighters and the police added to the sense of urgency and safety. It also served as a reminder of the importance of being vigilant and prepared in case of such emergencies.
The community came together in support of the owner and the firefighters. Neighbors offered assistance and comfort, while the firefighters received praise for their quick response and professionalism. This incident brought people closer together and showed the strength and unity of the community in the face of adversity.
Lessons Learned
This incident serves as a valuable lesson for everyone. It emphasizes the need for proper safety measures and precautions, especially for those who are homeless or living in vehicles. Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it can make a significant difference in such situations. It also highlights the importance of being aware of one's surroundings and taking immediate action in case of a fire.
For the community as a whole, it is a reminder to be prepared for emergencies and to have a plan in place. This could include having emergency contacts, knowing the location of fire stations and evacuation routes, and being familiar with the safety procedures in public places like Walmart. By being proactive and prepared, we can better protect ourselves and our communities from such tragedies.