In this series, which we hope to bring to you on a regular basis, we’ll be detailing some of the key numbers and trends that we’re seeing in terms of dealer connections made through our site.
As this data is considered somewhat representative of broader industry activity, and serves as one of the more insightful leading indicators for potential car sales, we hope it will fulfil a few purposes for our broad audience. First, to document not just how we’re performing as a business, but how dealers and the wider market stand to perform, so you don’t have to wait til that next set of official sales data.
Without further ado, here’s what happened over the last week.
Total new car enquiries
In the week ending Sunday, June 27, the amount of dealer connections decreased as a series of COVID outbreaks across the country sent numerous regions into lockdown.
Despite what was positive momentum heading into the week, with Melbourne having quashed its own outbreak, the sudden developments have dampened consumer sentiment, not to mention, restricted trade for new cars in some parts of the country.
In total, there were 1,803 new car enquiries across the week, which was 14.1% less than the week prior. Coinciding with the end of financial year, where one would have anticipated surging interest, the result may suggest a bit of a speed bump for the industry, at least temporarily while the threat of COVID and associated lockdown restrictions weigh on the minds of businesses and consumers.
New car interest by brand
There was a retreat in dealer connections across just about most of the leading car brands, with the fall led by the most sought-after brand, Mazda.
Nonetheless, Kia and Toyota did prove to be exceptions insofar as a lift in buying interest, with both brands targeting the value-oriented consumer.
Interest in luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz fell away sharply, however, it was also a not too dissimilar story for affordable brands like MG and LDV, where the number of inbound price queries declined more than others on a like-for-like basis.
Prospective New Car Buyer Numbers |
Jun 21 – Jun 27 |
Jun 14 – Jun 20 |
% Change in Enquiries |
219 |
265 |
-17.4% |
|
172 |
197 |
-12.7% |
|
165 |
173 |
-4.6% |
|
156 |
151 |
3.3% |
|
146 |
150 |
-2.7% |
|
115 |
116 |
-0.9% |
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