Strong growth in vehicle sales continued in October, distinguished yet again by Aussie’s continued love for Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) according to the official VFACTS data released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
While sales of SUVs in all categories have grown 28.6 per cent overall (up 56,545 vehicles to 254,132) compared with the same period in 2011, sales of the small SUV segment have grown 56.0 per cent (an increase of 18,005 units).
Sales growth for SUVs is being driven by private and non-private customers, both of which are showing a trend toward diesel-powered models. There was 56.8 per cent growth in private purchases, and 30.6 per cent in non-private purchases of diesel SUVs compared with the same ten months in 2011. SUVs now make up 27.7 per cent of new vehicle sales year to date, compared with 23.6 per cent at this time in 2011. Passenger vehicles still represent the largest part of new vehicle sales at 51.7 per cent.
Overall, 918,258 vehicles (cars, SUVs, light commercials and trucks) have been sold since the beginning of 2012. This is a 9.7 per cent increase (80,934 vehicles) on sales for the first ten months of 2011. October sales increased in every state and territory compared with the previous October, although Tasmanian sales are down 3.3 per cent on a year to date basis.
On a month to month basis, 95,584 vehicles were sold in October 2012, an increase of 12.2 per cent (or 10,388 vehicles) compared to October 2011.
Compared with the first ten months of 2011, private purchases of vehicles have increased by 11.7 per cent (46,565 units) but government purchases decreased by 10.9 per cent (5,311).
Sales of locally manufactured vehicles continue to decline, with just over 115,000 sold for the year to date, down 4.7 per cent from nearly 119,000 this time last year.
Toyota HiLux continued to lead in October with 3,403 sales, followed by Mazda3 (3,342), the Toyota Corolla (2,977), the Hyundai i30 (2,898) and the Toyota Camry (2,723).
Toyota was the best performing brand overall in October selling 18,584 vehicles, followed by Holden with 10,239 and then Mazda with 7,738.
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VFACTS monthly auto sales data is available at 12 noon on the 3rd working day after the end of every month at www.fcai.com.au
For further information contact:
Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager
P: 02 6229 8221
M: 0458 038 555
E: [email protected]