New car sales have started strongly in 2016, with Australians buying 84,373 new passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles in January 2016; 2.7 per cent more than in January 2015.
Releasing the January 2016 VFACTS figures, FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said consumers continue to be the winners in today’s new car market, with Australia’s highly competitive market delivering record car affordability levels and high-quality vehicles with increased technical specifications.
“January 2016 sales are particularly strong given the growth over 2015, which was a record year for new vehicle sales,” Mr Weber said.
“Sales of SUVs and light commercial vehicles have increased significantly compared to January 2015 figures. SUV sales are up 19.5 per cent and light commercial vehicle sales are up 11.9 per cent.
“Combined, the segments accounted for more than 56 per cent of the total new car market in January 2016.
“Business buyers showed confidence in January, with sales to business buyers up 14.4 per cent compared to January 2015. Sales to government were consistent with January 2015 sales figures and sales to private buyers fell 5.1 per cent.”
New South Wales, Queensland and South Australia’s new car markets had a strong start to the year, with sales up 6, 3.8 and 3.4 per cent (respectively) in January 2015. The Australian Capital Territory and Victoria remained steady, with January 2016 sales marginally (one per cent or less) different to January 2015 sales. Sales fell by 5.4 per cent in the Northern Territory, 4.8 per cent in Tasmania and 3 per cent in Western Australia.
The Mazda3 was the most popular vehicle in January 2016, with 3,722 of the small passenger cars sold. The Mazda3 was followed by the Toyota Corolla (2,758), the Ford Ranger (2,418) the Toyota Hilux (2,341) and Hyundai Tucson (2,065).
Toyota was the top selling brand in January 2016 with 14.8 per cent of the market. Toyota was followed by Mazda with 11.9 per cent, Hyundai with 8.3 per cent, Holden with 8.1 per cent and Nissan with 6.6 per cent.