New car sales in Australia have continued to rise with what the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries describes as a “significant increase” in January but once again, none of the other car makers could come close to out-selling Toyota.
Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that 74,864 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in January, up 11.6 per cent (or 7,785 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.
“This is a strong result and provides the market with a confidence boost heading into 2010,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.
“Business purchases remained strong in January with some buyers taking delivery of vehicles ordered last year under the Federal Government’s business tax break,” he said.
“New car affordability is better than ever and has been further enhanced by the tariff cut on many imported vehicles,” he said.
“New car buyers have effectively been handed a ‘tax cut’ and many brands have moved quickly to reduce prices or increase vehicle specifications,” Mr McKellar said.
“As a result, it is expected that this will encourage private buyers to return to the marketplace in greater numbers throughout the year,” he said.
Toyota retained the top selling position with a market share of 19.5 per cent; followed by Holden with 14 per cent and then Ford with nine per cent.