Light Commercial Vehicles Dominate Top Five In May

Australians bought 93,327 new cars in May 2015—1.3 per cent less than in May 2014. Year-to-date, sales remain strong, with the 452,577 new car sales recorded for the January to May 2015 period representing a 2.5 per cent increase on figures recorded for the same year-to-date period in 2014.

Releasing the May 2015 new car sales figures (VFACTS), FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said light commercial vehicles were a popular choice in May, with the Toyota Hilux, Mitsubishi Triton and Ford Ranger all appearing in the top five.

The Toyota Hilux was the top selling vehicle, with 3,173 sales. The Hilux was followed by the Mazda3 (2,876), Toyota Corolla (2,688), Mitsubishi Triton (2,683) and Ford Ranger (2,411).

“In total, light commercial vehicle sales increased by 1 per cent, and they remain up 3.6 per cent year-to-date,” Mr Weber said.

“Light commercial vehicles were popular with government and business buyers in May, with sales to these buyer types up 5.9 and 2.7 per cent, respectively. While light commercial sales to private buyers declined 2.6 per cent compared to May 2014, private purchases of light commercials are up 11.2 per cent year-to-date.

“SUV sales were up 5.8 per cent, led by sales of small SUVs which were up by more than 20 per cent, compared to May 2014. The vehicle type proved popular with private buyers, in particular. Private buyers purchased 10.1 per cent more SUVs in May 2015, than in May 2014. Business and government purchases of SUVs remained steady. SUV sales are up 13.5 per cent year-to-date.

“Passenger car sales declined 7.3 per cent, with the segment accounting for less than 44 per cent of the market in May. Year-to-date, sales are down 5 per cent.”

Around the country, sales were up in all states and territories, except Western Australia, South Australia and Victoria. Sales in WA fell 15.8 per cent, SA fell 5.8 per cent and Victoria fell 3.1 per cent.

Sales in the Northern Territory rose 17 per cent, New South Wales grew 4.1 per cent and Tasmania grew 2.2 per cent. Australian Capital Territory and Queensland sales remained steady with ACT sales up 0.9 per cent and Queensland up 0.3 per cent.

Toyota was the top selling brand in May 2015, with 17.1 per cent of the new car market. Toyota was followed by Mazda (9.3%), Hyundai (8.9%), Holden (8.5%) and Mitsubishi (6.6%).

Key Points:

• The May 2015 market of 93,327 new vehicle sales is a decrease of 1,235 vehicle sales or 1.3% on May 2014 (94,562 vehicle sales). May 2015 (26.0) had one less selling day than May 2014 (27.0) and this resulted in an increase of 87.2 vehicle sales per day.
• The May 2015 industry volume is up 11,671 or 14.3% on April 2015 (81,656 vehicles).
• The Passenger Vehicle Market is down by 3,216 vehicle sales (-7.3%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 1,789 vehicle sales (5.8%); the Light Commercial Market is up by 178 vehicle sales (1.0%); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 14 sales (0.5%) versus May 2014.
• Toyota was market leader in May, followed by Mazda and Hyundai. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 7,211 vehicle sales, or 7.8 market share points. The May 2015 market of 93,327 new vehicle sales is a decrease of 1,235 vehicle sales or 1.3% on May 2014 (94,562 vehicle sales). May 2015 (26.0) had one less selling day than May 2014 (27.0) and this resulted in an increase of 87.2 vehicle sales per day.
• The May 2015 industry volume is up 11,671 or 14.3% on April 2015 (81,656 vehicles).
• The Passenger Vehicle Market is down by 3,216 vehicle sales (-7.3%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 1,789 vehicle sales (5.8%); the Light Commercial Market is up by 178 vehicle sales (1.0%); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 14 sales (0.5%) versus May 2014.
• Toyota was market leader in May, followed by Mazda and Hyundai. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 7,211 vehicle sales, or 7.8 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: Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager P: 02 6229 8221 M: 0458 038 555 E: sheena.ireland@fcai.com.au