A new record has been set for vehicle sales in the month of May, according to the official VFACTS data released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
Overall, 96,069 vehicles were sold in May 2012, an increase of 24.1 per cent (or 18,668 vehicles) compared to May 2011, which was disrupted with supply issues from Japan.
On a year to date basis, this is an 8.8 per cent increase (35,209 vehicles) on sales for the first five months in 2011. Overall, 435,288 vehicles have been sold since the beginning of 2012.
Aussies’ passion for Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) has not abated, with sales increasing by 56.6 percent (9,705) compared with May last year and 30.3 per cent (28,291) compared with the same period in 2011. The Upper Large SUV segment saw the biggest increase (85.0 per cent or 597 vehicles), followed by Small SUVs with a 77.2 per cent increase (2,282 vehicles) compared with May 2011.
Sales for some other vehicle categories were also promising, with the passenger vehicle market up 13.9% (5,908 units) and the light truck segment by 19.8 per cent (3,006) compared with May last year.
Sales of locally manufactured vehicles are up 11.0 per cent compared to the same period last year.
The popular Mazda3 was again pipped at the post in May by the Toyota HiLux with 4,626 sales.
Toyota was the best performing brand overall in May selling 20,443 vehicles, followed by Holden with 9,017 and then Mazda with 8,346.
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]