New motor vehicle sales rose significantly in August 2011 compared with the same month last year, according to official figures released today by the FCAI.
88,082 new vehicles were sold during August, representing an increase of 7.3% (or 5,960 vehicles) over August 2010.
“These positive figures are good news for the automotive industry in Australia, and put the industry firmly on track to achieve the one million sales target for 2011,” said FCAI acting Chief Executive, Steve Payne.
Mr Payne said the robust August sales reflect a range of factors, including the attractiveness of the very large range of models available to Australian buyers.
“We’re continuing to see a recovery in supply from earthquake and tsunami-damaged Japan, along with stronger sales in Queensland as the state recovers from severe weather events earlier in the year,” he said.
Among the top 10 best-selling makes Mazda had its best-ever month, ranking third in August with 9,138 new vehicle sales. Passenger vehicles accounted for 6,783 of Mazdas sold, up more than 44% on August 2010.
Sales of Holden’s locally manufactured vehicles were up 55% month-on-month, reflecting strong demand for the company’s Commodore and Cruze models.
Mr Payne said private and business customers are continuing their shift toward compact SUVs and 4×4 utility vehicles, with respective sales growing 4.9% and 6.7% year-to-date.
“The Luxury SUV segment also continues to strengthen, up 18.9% year-to-date.
“Despite these encouraging figures, year-to-date new vehicle sales are still trailing 2010 levels by some 4.4%, or 30,357 vehicles.”
Mazda3 was the best selling single model in August, with 4234 reported sales. Holden’s Commodore and Cruze models placed second and third with 3682 and 3234 sales, followed by Toyota Corolla (3100) and Toyota HiLux (2823).
Toyota was the best selling brand in August, selling 15,885 vehicles for an 18% market share, followed by Holden with 11,534 (13.1%) and Mazda with 9138 sales (10.4% market share).
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