Australians continued their love affair with the versatile SUV last month, with 13.4 per cent more new SUVs driving out of dealerships than in July 2014. SUV sales accounted for over 35 per cent of the total new car market, which hit 92,308—the biggest July on record.
The 92,308 sales are 2.7 per cent higher than July 2014 figures and 2.3 per cent higher than the previous record July (July 2013). July was the fourth record month in 2015.
Further highlighting Australia’s consumer preference for versatile vehicles that can meet work, home and lifestyle needs, light commercial vehicle sales also increased. Light commercial vehicle sales were up 4.7 per cent in July 2015, compared to July 2014 figures. Passenger car sales decreased by 4.7 per cent.
Releasing the July 2015 new car sales figures (VFACTS), FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said Australia’s fleet mix had changed significantly over the past decade.
“Ten years ago, passenger cars represented over 60 per cent of new car sales. Now, light commercial vehicles and SUVs represent over 50 per cent of the new car market and passenger cars represent only 45 per cent,” Mr Weber said.
“With car affordability at record levels, private buyers purchased 6.2 per cent more new vehicles in July 2015, than in July 2014. In particular, they purchased 22.2 per cent more SUVs and 8.8 per cent more light commercial vehicles. Private purchases of passenger vehicles decreased 5.1 per cent.
“Business purchases were up 4.5 per cent and government purchases were down 8.4 per cent.”
Across the country, sales rose in most states and territories. Sales were up 1.6 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory, 6.1 per cent in New South Wales, 5.3 per cent in Queensland, 11 per cent in Tasmania and 4.6 per cent in Victoria. Sales fell 8.4 per cent in the Northern Territory, 4.7 per cent in South Australia and 12.7 per cent in Western Australia.
Toyota took out the top spot for the best-selling brand, with 18.2 per cent of the market. Toyota was followed by Mazda with 10.1 per cent, Hyundai with 9.2 per cent, Holden with 8.6 per cent and Ford with 6.2 per cent.
Australians drove home with 3,573 new Toyota Corollas, making the vehicle the best seller for July. The Corolla was followed by the Mazda3 (2,825), the Hyundai i30 (2,750), the Toyota Hilux (2,579) and the Mitsubishi Triton (2,238).