New Car Sales Up 6.7 Per Cent In February

Australians bought 96,443 new passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles in February 2016, just over 6,000 (or 6.7 per cent more) than in February 2015. The strong start to the year has seen new car sales increase 4.8 per cent year-to-date.

Releasing the February 2016 VFACTS figures, FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said new car sales were particularly strong in New South Wales and Victoria, where sales increased 12.6 and 8.2 per cent, respectively, compared to those recorded in February 2015.

“Queensland and South Australia also saw growth, with sales 2.7 and 1.2 per cent higher, respectively, than in February 2015” Mr Weber said.

Sales fell in Tasmania, the Northern Territory, Western Australian and the Australian Capital Territory. The declines were 6.4, 3, 1.4 and 0.8 per cent, respectively.

Passenger cars just held on to the title of top selling category, with the vehicles making up 41 per cent of the total market for February 2016. The SUV segment followed closely with 38.2 per cent of the market. Light commercial vehicles accounted for 18.1 per cent and heavy commercial vehicles accounted for 2.6 per cent.

“The 36,865 new SUV sales represents a 15.1 per cent increase on SUV sales in February 2015. The 17,486 light commercial vehicle sales are 12.8 per cent higher than February 2015 light commercial vehicle sales, and the 39,558 passenger car sales are 3 per cent lower than February 2015 passenger car sales,” Mr Weber said.

“Business buyers continued to show confidence through February, with sales to business buyers up 15.6 per cent compared to February 2015. In particular, business purchases of light commercial vehicles increased 32.8 per cent and business purchases of SUVs increased 18.8 per cent. Sales to private buyers increased 1.1 per cent and sales to government increased 1.9 per cent.”

The Toyota Corolla was the most popular vehicle in February 2016, with 3,455 of the small passenger cars sold. The Corolla was followed by the Mazda3 (3,354), the Toyota Hilux (3,261) the Ford Ranger (2,655) and Hyundai i30 (2,461).

Toyota was the top selling brand in February 2016 with 16.8 per cent of the market. Toyota was followed by Mazda with 10.6 per cent, Hyundai with 8 per cent, Holden with 7.6 per cent and Mitsubishi with 6.9 per cent.

Key Points:

• The February 2016 market of 96,443 new vehicle sales is an increase of6,019 vehicle sales or 6.7% on February 2015 (90,424) vehicle sales. February 2016 (25.0) had one more selling day than February 2015 (24.0), and this resulted in an increase of 90.1 vehicle sales per day.

• The February 2016 industry volume is up 12,070 or 14.3% on January 2016 (84,373) vehicles.

• The Passenger Vehicle Market is down 1,217 vehicle sales (-3.0%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 4,826 vehicle sales (15.1%); the Light Commercial Market is up by 1,990 vehicle sales (12.8%); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is up by 420 vehicle sales (19.9%) versus February 2015.

• Toyota was market leader in February, followed by Mazda and Hyundai. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 5,986 vehicle sales, or 6.2 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