Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that 63,965 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in April 2009 – down 23.9 per cent (20,096 vehicles) compared to the same month in 2008.
“While the figures confirm that market conditions remain soft, the extent of the fall has been compounded by the timing of the Easter holidays,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.
Year-to-date 276,935 new vehicles have been sold, down 20.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.
“After adjusting for seasonal factors, sales in April appear to be broadly consistent with results of recent months and we remain hopeful that conditions will soon stabilise,” Mr McKellar said.
The automotive industry will continue to promote the opportunities that exist in the next two months for businesses to take advantage of the Federal Government’s enhanced tax break for new vehicle purchases.
“There are signs of increased buyer interest in and awareness of the incentive programme which certainly underpins the need for speedy passage of the legislation,” Mr McKellar said.
Toyota was Australia’s best-selling brand in April with 13,033 vehicles, followed by Holden with 7,829 and Ford with 6,836 vehicle sales.
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