2017 McLaren sales likely to top 100 for first time

McLaren expects its personal best of 93 Australian sales in 2016 to topple in 2017 for another record year, thanks to a growing Sports Series line-up and the imminent debut of the second-generation Super Series range.

While McLaren Automotive Asia Pacific managing director George Biggs did not reveal sales forecasts when questioned at the Bathurst 12 Hour endurance race last weekend, he did suggest that Australian growth is still in its infancy due to their expanding line-up.

It was only three years ago that the McLaren range consisted of one model producing single digit monthly sales, but their Australian market presence is now well-established, according to Mr Biggs.

Australia now sits within the top seven markets for McLaren globally.

December 2016 saw the British brand achieve 30 sales on the back of a six-model range before the 675LT sold out during the year.

The Sport Series line-up is expected to receive another drop-top variant this year, but Mr Biggs warned that sales forecasts for the forthcoming second-generation Super Series range were hard to predict.

“Do I think we will beat this year’s (2016) number? Yes I do, but by what percentage will be largely a response to the second generation of Super Series,” he said.

The first model in the all-new Super Series line-up is expected to debut the 720S nameplate, which given McLaren's current naming conventions would imply a 530kW (720 horsepower) power output and the introduction of a potential hybrid set-up.

Mr Biggs expects the 570S from the Sports Series range – which sits below the Super Series models and also includes the 540C and 570GT – to remain the volume-seller in Australia.

However, the European market favours the 570GT over the performance-focused 570S due to its grand touring-orientated comfort and additional luggage space, according to Mr Biggs.

He stressed that the McLaren range is more affordable than ever for customers thanks to the introduction of the $325,000 before on-road costs 540C, which meant their sportscars no longer had to have big-ticket prices. 

After last year's sales effort, Australia now sits within the top seven markets for McLaren globally –  with Japan higher up the ranking and about 200 units sold – but Mr Biggs revealed that local sales per capita were among the highest in the world.

“Do I see (the Australian market) growing into the top three? No, but that’s simply because of the population,” he said.

Mr Biggs said McLaren is working towards demand-led growth thanks to the response for the Super Series and Sports Series, and is working with partners they believe will best-deliver the sportscars to their Australian customers.

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