By David Toscano, Trade Content Editor, carsales.com.au
Strong car-shopping activity continued in June on carsales.com.au – Australia’s #1 for cars.
So with buyers out in force, what brands, models and segments were Australian consumers searching the most across new and used inventory?
And what was on their minds outside of normal search options?
Dive into our June search behaviour review below for the answers to those questions and more.
Pre-loved Toyotas prove popular
With 4x4 in vogue with car shoppers, it’s little surprise that the Toyota LandCruiser and Toyota HiLux top the used car search ladder in June. Five of the top 10 were Toyotas, while the Holden Commodore continues to resonate with those looking for a large and good-value family sedan.
Mirroring trends in the new car market, Light Commerical Vehicles (LCVs) and Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) dominated the top 20.
EOFY rush on LCVs
LCVs – fueled by government stimulus measures, EOFY manufacturer incentives and well-publicised retail campaigns – occupied the podium in the most-searched new cars ladder.
Volkswagen’s ever-popular Golf hatch and Tiguan medium SUV featured prominently on the minds of buyers, while its Amarok LCV took out position 10 ahead of the Nissan Navara, Mazda BT-50 and Isuzu D-MAX.
Three Mercedes-Benz models featured in the top 20, reaffirming the brand’s dominance of the prestige market. In June, Mercedes-Benz snuck its way into the top eight with 4437 new-car sales, a 31.4 per cent increase on June 2019.
‘4x4’ and ‘hybrid’ searches grow
Are Australian car buyers longing for the great outdoors and fresh air? Searches including the keyword ‘4x4’ in June 2020 surged 22% compared to May, while searches including the keyword ‘sunroof’ edged up 5%.
Buyer interest and market momentum for hybrid vehicles also continues to grow. Searches including the keyword ‘hybrid’ bounced 11% compared to the previous month.
According to the VFACTS June market report, hybrid and electric sales continue to grow in Australia. Private SUV sales (excluding Tesla) of hybrid and electric vehicles grew 63% and 45% respectively compared to June 2019, despite the effects of Covid-19 on new-car sales.