Australian new vehicle sales for the first six months of 2023 are up a solid 8.2 per cent compared to the first half of 2022, and part of the reason may – at last – be improved supply.
Since the COVID-19 health crisis started to seriously impact global manufacturing in early 2020, a series of unfortunate events has continued to restrain carmakers and their suppliers.
A primary focus on employee safety led to initial production line pauses. Then ongoing health-related personnel shortages, and more recently, a scarcity of semiconductors used to make microchips (essential in modern cars) have constricted the supply pipeline.
The war in Ukraine (home to several key automotive component manufacturers) has added to the disruption and then there are the seeds, snails and bugs.
Shipping bottlenecks have led to vehicles being held in fields and paddocks in their country of origin, in the process picking up biohazards in the shape of soil, plant debris, seeds and live insects.
Cue extensive, time-consuming vehicle cleaning, directed by the federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, creating severe congestion at our major ports.
But… with many of the above factors starting to fade into history, it appears delivery times for many popular models are shortening.
To clarify the current state of play we asked the current top 10 selling brands in the local new car market for an update on availability of their most popular models (while understanding timing may vary according to the spec a customer is after).
Here’s our mid-2023 new car delivery status report.
Toyota – HiLux / RAV4 / LandCruiser
CarsGuide has had feedback from local Toyota customers that wait times for the market leader’s most in demand models can stretch from 12 to 18 months, or even more. But the brand won’t be drawn on a ‘by model’ availability breakdown.
“As a result of unprecedented demand and supply challenges, Toyota is experiencing longer wait times for new vehicle deliveries across its range, including HiLux, RAV4 and the LandCruiser range (Prado, 300 Series, and 70 Series),” the brand said.
“To support the strong demand, Toyota Australia has been continuing to work closely with our global production teams to secure as many vehicles for our market as possible, and minimise any impact.
“Wait times will vary depending on the model, variant and specification requirements of each customer. Due to the ever-evolving nature of this situation, Toyota dealers are best placed to continue to provide updates to our customers on delivery timeframes for individual orders.”
Mazda – BT-50 / CX-5 / CX-3
Mazda Australia has used the P for plentiful word, telling CarsGuide: “Mazda BT-50, CX-5 and CX-3 continue to be best-selling models for the brand, and as such as we continue to fulfill the high customer demand with plentiful supply, ensuring we have high levels of stock arrivals planned for the coming weeks/months in addition to a healthy inventory already available on the ground across Australia for all three models.
“It’s worth also pointing out that we have immediate stock available on the ground for CX-30, CX-8 and CX-9.
“For specific model grades, we encourage customers to speak with their local dealer for the most up-to-date statuses.”
Kia – Sportage / Carnival / Seltos
A Kia spokesperson told CarsGuide: “It is possible to find these models available in dealer stock but not in vast numbers (and understanding spec, colour combinations might not be what they are after).
“As a very simplified guide, if ordered from the factory today, a customer should anticipate approximately four to six months for Carnival and Sportage, and currently a bit longer for Seltos.
“The situation is fluid and changing every day as there are so many factors that go into what kind of supply we are receiving. Kia Australia is working very closely with HQ to increase supply.”
Ford – Ranger / Everest / Escape
Ford Australia says: “Due to the strong interest in Ranger, we are experiencing extended wait times for models like the Ranger Platinum, Ranger Wildtrak V6, Ranger Raptor, Everest Platinum and Everest Sport V6.
“We are pleased to see the expansion of the Ford line-up with the Ranger Wildtrak X Special Edition. This new model is expected to begin arriving in Q3 2023.
“We have stock on the ground of Ranger XL, XLS and XLT so while dealer stock may vary, it is likely that these three variants would be available for immediate availability.
“New orders for Ranger Raptor and Ranger Wildtrak V6 are likely to arrive in mid-2024, while Ranger Platinum would be in the second half of 2024.
“There are some variants of Everest available almost immediately, while new orders for more popular variants such as Everest Sport V6 and Everest Platinum will see delivery in Q4 2024.
“We currently have Escape models available for delivery. Please contact your local dealer to check availability and to place an order.
“Our wait times are indicative only, and we continue to update our Dealers as the stock situation develops. We recommend customers contact their local Ford Dealer for updated information on current availability. Customers can also search Ford’s inventory at ford.com.au.”
Hyundai – Tucson / i30 / Kona
A Hyundai spokesperson told CarsGuide: “We currently have very good supply of Tucson (and Santa Fe), so depending on which trim variant/colour the customer is after we likely have stock available in the country for immediate delivery (i.e. a couple of weeks).”
Tucson – current orders: < three months / new orders: < three months
i30 Hatch – current orders: < three months / new orders: < three to six months
i30 Hatch N – current orders: < six to 12 months / new orders: pause on orders
i30 Sedan – current orders: < three months / new orders: < three to six months
i30 Sedan N – current orders: < three months / new orders: < three months
Kona – New model launched in June
Mitsubishi – Outlander / Triton / ASX
Mitsubishi Motors Australia is crystal clear on availability for its trio of top-sellers.
Outlander (excluding Exceed) – Good – vehicles available in dealerships now
Outlander AWD Exceed – On order – better supply arriving in dealerships next month
Triton 4×4 GLS / Triton 4×4 GSR – Good – vehicles available in dealerships now
Triton 4×2 / Triton 4×4 GLX / Triton 4×4 GLX + / Triton 4×4 GLXR – On order – better supply arriving in dealerships next month
ASX – On order – better supply arriving in dealerships in four to five months
MG – ZS / MG3 / HS
Relative newcomer MG continues to climb the Australian new car sales charts and no surprise its supply situation is positive, a spokesperson telling us: “MG dealers have good supply of MG3, ZS and HS models, with customers able to drive away inside one month on all models – depending on their preferred specifications.”
“MG has been working with our global team to ensure strong supply continues to come to Australia, as demonstrated by the delivery of over 3000 MG models earlier this year via the Emerald Viking ship.”
Tesla – Model Y / Model 3
Current Tesla wait times are the same for the Model Y SUV and Model 3 sedan. And a Tesla spokesperson suggested: “It’s best to check the configurator pages on the website for the most accurate timings estimates.”
Model Y / Model Y Long Range / Model Y Performance – July-September, 2023
Model 3 – Model 3 Long Range / Model 3 Performance – July-September, 2023
Subaru – Outback / Forester / Crosstrek
A company spokesperson said: “Subaru Australia continues to work closely with Subaru Corporation to deliver vehicles to customers as soon as possible.”
“Wait times for customer orders can vary for a variety of reasons (including colour and variant preferences). However, pleasingly there’s currently naturally aspirated Outback and petrol-only Forester and Crosstrek stock available (colour, variant and location dependent) with a maximum delivery wait time of up to one month.
“Due to increased consumer demand, customers may experience up to a six month wait for Crosstrek Hybrid and MY23 Forester Hybrid is now sold out, with non-binding pre-orders being taken by participating retailers for MY24 Forester.
“For Outback XT, wait times have decreased recently due to increased production volume, with the average wait now between one to two months, however there is some inventory available for delivery under one month (colour, variant and location dependent).”
VW – T-Roc / Tiguan / T-Cross
A Volkswagen Australia spokesperson told CarsGuide the brand is in a “really strong position for these models”.
T-Roc – all grades immediate delivery, to three-month wait, depending on colour/options
Tiguan 110TSI – immediate delivery, to three-month wait, depending on colour/options
Tiguan 132TSI / 147TDI / 162TSI – paused production
Tiguan R – around six-month wait
Tiguan Allspace – all grades immediate delivery, to three to six month wait, depending on colour/options (147TDI is an exception with status to be confirmed).
T-Cross – all grades immediate delivery, to three-month wait depending on colour/options
Keyword: New car delivery update: Can you have the Toyota RAV4, Ford Ranger or Tesla Model Y you want today or will you have to wait? If so, how long?