Global Automotive Export Resource Guide | Page 15

Trends & Demand

I 15 I

The performance market can be divided up into a number of sub sectors. Firstly supplying performance parts for new vehicles. These vehicles include the Ford Mustang, Jeep Cherokee and Wrangler, Chrysler 300C, a number of European cars imported into Australia including Audi, Porsche, Jaguar, and Mercedes; as well as Japanese models from Toyota, Honda, and Mazda. There is also a large performance market supplying parts for Australian manufactured performance vehicles from Ford and GMH including the Commodore, and the Falcon. The third part of the performance market is supplying parts to the very healthy local motorsport market which includes drag racing, circuit racing, off road racing and powerboat racing.

At the end of 2017 Ford, GM and Toyota closed their manufacturing facilities in Australian. U.S.-designed and manufactured vehicles fill some of the gaps left by the shutdown of the local manufacturing industry, especially in regards to performance vehicles. For example, last year 6,000 Ford Mustang’s were imported in correct right-hand-drive configuration from the U.S. Currently, Dodge Challengers/Chargers and GM Camaros are converted to RHD by third party companies in Australia. The same is also true for Ford 150/250s, GM Silverados, Rams, and Toyota trucks. The cost of these conversions means there is a limited, but passionate group of potential customers.

Possibly the most promising sector is the off-road market. With its vast tracks of outback and a large unfolding market as witnessed by the numbers of Hilux/Rangers sold in the local market, local consumers are keen to customize their light trucks. Popular accessories include upgraded suspension components, lift kits, bull bars, roof racks, carrying racks, upgraded lighting, rims, bed liners, and shock absorbers. Popular brands in the local market include Toyota Hilux, Ford Ranger, Mitsubishi Triton, Holden Colorado, Toyota Prado, Nissan Navara, Jeep

Grand Cherokee, Isuzu D-Max, Mazda BT-50, and Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series. VW is also making solid inroads with the Amarok.