Despite the doom and gloom forecasts in some quarters, truck and van manufacturers have ended 2024 with record total sales.
The overall tally from the Truck Industry Council is 51,277, eclipsing the previous best of 47,757 set in 2023. Even allowing for the newly captured truck and van brands LDV Deliver 9 and Peugeot Boxer of 3010 in the 2024 figures, that’s a new benchmark for dealers to chase in 2025.
Isuzu again came out on top with 13,402 sales and a market share of 26.1 per cent, only slightly down on its 2023 total of 13,658 (28.6 per cent market share).
In the heavy duty sector, Kenworth rounded out 2024 with another massive month of 358 sales in December to finish the year well clear of the chasers on 3774 and a market share of 22 per cent.
Isuzu again topped Volvo in the monthly standings with 220 units delivered last month, nine more than the Wacol-based manufacturer.
Volvo ended the year on 3115 and a market share of 18.2 per cent, slightly down on its 2023 figures of 3476/19.8
Not surprisingly, Isuzu locked up third spot for 2024 with 2481 units and a market share of 14.5, up from 2393 and a 13.6 market share.
The other big success story last year amongst the heavies was fourth-placed Scania which delivered a record number of trucks into the Australian market.
With 1459 new Scania heavy rigid and prime movers entering service in 2024, Scania nabbed a market share of 8.5 per cent, up from 7.9 in 2023.
“Our performance in 2024 marks a new high in terms of deliveries, and market share growth over 2023,” said Manfred Streit, Managing Director of Scania Australia.
“The Australian market now places greater emphasis on factors we have been promoting for many years: fuel efficiency, safety, durability and of course, maximum uptime, while it is undeniable that in a tight driver market, the comfort and premium features of our cabs assist customers in retaining their employees.”
Streit said Scania will continue to exceed market expectations as well as provide pathways to transitioning to a sustainable transport solution into 2025 and beyond.
“We aim to expand our Battery Electric Vehicle portfolio, as well as continue to focus on renewable fuels such as biodiesel and HVO, which can make a dramatic reduction in cleaning exhaust emissions from our highly advanced combustion engines.
“I am also particularly proud that Scania Australia is leading the introduction of autonomous heavy trucks within the mining industry globally, for both haul road and in-pit applications, and we anticipate seeing more of these vehicles arrive in Australia very soon.”