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Car Sales Growth Fuelled by SUVS and Light Commercials

Media Releases

Oct 11, 2016

Australia’s new car sales continued their steady growth during September with total sales of 102,696 vehicles, fuelled by continuing strong demand for SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Sales of SUVs during September were up by 6.8 per cent over the same month last year, and up 9.9 per cent year to date compared with 2015. Light commercial vehicle sales are driving ahead even more strongly, up by 17.9 per cent on September 2015, and 11.2 per cent year to date. National vehicle sales rose by 1.3 per cent in September compared with the same month last year and year to date sales are now at 887,076, a comparative increase of 2.8 per cent over 2015 and keeping the industry on track for a strong 2016 sales result. The Northern Territory enjoyed a 12.1 per cent spike in sales during September 2016 compared with September 15, and South Australia was not far behind with a gain of 11.8 per cent. Sales in Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia declined in September 2016 compared with 2015 by 3.4 per cent, 0.8 per cent and 3.8 per cent respectively. The ACT and New South Wales showed only modest September growth of 1.7 per cent and 1.3 per cent respectively, while Victoria fared better with a 3.9 per cent gain. New South Wales retains the strongest year to date sales growth with a 5.4 per cent gain over last year, followed by South Australia (5.3), and the ACT (4.2). The Chief Executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Tony Weber, said that the increased model diversity of SUVs was generating an abundance of choice for consumers. “The trend in increased consumer preference for SUVs and light commercials was accompanied by a decline in sales of passenger vehicles by 8.7 per cent in September, compared with the same month last year,” Mr Weber said. “What we are seeing in Australia with the increased market share held by SUV sales, with the segment share up 2.4 per cent year to date compared with 2015, is not unlike what is occurring in other mature markets.” Sales of motor vehicles to private buyers declined by 8.2 per cent in September 2016 compared with September 2015, while business purchases were up by 14.3 per cent over the same period. Government purchases remained fairly stable with a slight increase of 1.9 per cent. Toyota remained the market leader in September with a 16.3 per cent share, followed by Mazda with 11.7, Hyundai (9.1), Holden (8.3) and Ford (7.1). The top-selling vehicle for September 2016 was the Mazda3 with 3,491, followed by the Toyota Corolla (3,423 sales), Toyota Hilux (3,209 sales), Ford Ranger (2,903), and Hyundai i30 (2,741).

Key Points:

  • The September 2016 market of 102,696 new vehicle sales is an increase of 1,304 vehicle sales or 1.3% on September 2015 (101,392) vehicle sales. September 2016 (26) had the same number of selling days as September 2015, which resulted in an increase of 50.2 vehicle sales per day.
  • The September 2016 industry volume is up by 7,787 or 8.2% on August 2016 (94,909) vehicles.
  • The Passenger Vehicle Market is down 4,008 vehicle sales (-8.7%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 2,529 vehicle sales (6.8%); the Light Commercial Market is up by 2,766 vehicle sales (17.9%); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 17 vehicle sales (0.6%) versus September 2015.
  • Toyota was market leader in September, followed by Mazda and Hyundai. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 4,707 vehicle sales, or 4.6 market share points.

VFACTS monthly vehicle sales data is available at Midday on the 3rd working day after the end of every month. Select data and media releases on the sales results are available at www.fcai.com.au

For further information contact:

Peter Brewer

P: 02 6229 8221

E: peterbrewer@fcai.com.au

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