How an SUV could top the Aussie sales charts for the first time - Toby Hagon, carsales
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The Toyota RAV4’s sales surge could set a new benchmark for vehicle sales in Australia
An SUV could finally top the Australian new car sales charts, the Toyota RAV4, and it seems Toyota might think so too.
“I think RAV will be incredibly strong [sales-wise for the remainder of 2024],” said the vice president of sales, marketing, and franchise operations, Sean Hanley.
“Whether it will be number one car, I truly have no idea,” he added, emphasising he doesn’t know how many Ford Rangers are heading to Aussie shores in the coming months.
The Ranger and the HiLux have dominated the top of the sales charts since 2016 and for the five years prior it was the Toyota Corolla and Mazda3 battling it out, but never has an SUV stood on the top step of the sales podium.
“[RAV4] could be number one for Toyota,” Hanley said, alluding to his knowledge that many RAV4s and HiLuxes are due to be shipped down under for the remainder of the year.
“And I reckon it could knock on the door [of the overall number one spot],” he added.
Ranger is the one big thorn in Toyota’s sales aspirations.
Toyota commands about 20 per cent of the new car market, which is more than double the next best competitor – usually Mazda, but Kia and Ford also put in strong showings, depending on the month.
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Toyota has cars in almost every key segment, and it performs strongly in most.
However, the Ranger has long been the top-selling four-wheel drive vehicle in Australia and overtook the HiLux(which has a strong following for two-wheel drive offerings) in 2023 to become the top-selling vehicle overall.
As the current-generation HiLux approaches its 10th birthday—it went on sale in 2015—the Ranger is far fresher and has more tech and safety features.
However, Toyota is not backing away from the HiLux, which remains a favourite among tradies, families, farmers, and businesses.
“We’re not giving up on HiLux … it’s still an important product and important for our Australian line-up,” Hanley said.
And an all-new HiLux is due in 2025 or 2026.
“We’ve got a lot happening with HiLux, but nothing to announce today.”
This article was written by Toby Hagon originally appeared on carsales.com.au