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%).
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