Official VFACTS data released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows a second strong month for 2012 with 85,723 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles sold in February.
This is a 6.0 per cent increase (or 4,827 vehicles) compared to the same month in 2011. Taking into consideration the extra selling day in February this year (25 compared with 24 in 2011), this is an increase of 58.3 vehicle sales per day or 1.7 per cent.
The encouraging February results are also an 11.6 per cent increase (or 8,940 vehicles) on January.
“The love affair between Australians and sports utility vehicles continues,” FCAI Chief Executive, Ian Chalmers said. “The SUV market has clearly made a strong connection with auto customers by meeting their diverse needs. This is demonstrated by overall SUV sales being up 23.8 per cent (4,505) since last month and 26.6 per cent (9,578) compared with February last year.
“These impressive numbers are due to a 73.4 per cent increase (2,148) in the sales of small SUVs since January 2012, which is a 68.1 per cent increase (3,767) in the sales of small SUVs over that same period in 2011.”
Passenger car sales were depressed, increasing by only 1.3 per cent (591) since last month.
Toyota was the best performing brand in February selling 14,849 vehicles, followed by Holden with 9,688 and then Mazda with 8,689.
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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]