The latest Australian new vehicle sales data showed encouraging results with clear signs the market had been boosted in June by strong, additional demand from business sales, the local trade group said.
Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed that 102,847 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in June.
This was the third highest selling June on record, following 106,541 in 2008 and 105,097 in 2007.
“The June results are encouraging and a positive sign for the new vehicle market and the Australian economy,” FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
“This is the third highest selling month on record and only the fourth time ever that sales have exceeded 100,000 units in a single month,” he said.
Business purchases in June were 46,679 – a 12% increase year on year. In particular, sales of utes (pickups), vans and light trucks surged 26.9% compared to June 2008.
“The surge in business sales is directly attributed to the federal government’s business tax break and these figures provide clear evidence that this has been a very effective policy measure,” McKellar said.
“Our analysis indicates that the business tax break has led to an additional 10,000 vehicles being sold over the past three months. That is a 10% to 12% boost to business sales and a 5% increase for the total market,” he said.
“This is additional turnover of between A$300m-$400m that is providing a direct boost to the car industry as well as other local businesses throughout the Australian economy.
“The tax break is classic stimulus; it is giving businesses the confidence to invest in their own future and securing jobs in the industry.”
Year-to-date 455,223 new vehicles have been sold, down 16.1% (87,472) year on year.
Toyota was again top in June with 21,410 vehicle sales, ahead of GM’s Holden with 12,167 and Ford with 10,194.
