Record monthly sales in June rounded off a strong mid-year tally in Australia.
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Official VFACTS data compiled by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed that 108,722 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in June, up 5.7% (or 5,875 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.
“The record June result is a clear demonstration of renewed confidence in the marketplace,” chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
The result eclipses the previous June monthly record set in 2008 by 2,181 units.
“It is encouraging to see that private buyers have returned to the market in greater numbers and have taken over the momentum previously attributed to business sales,” McKellar said.
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By GlobalDataYear-to-date, 531,168 vehicles have been sold, an increase of 16.7% compared to the first six months of 2009.
“Given the stronger than expected state of the market over the past six months, the industry has upgraded its annual sales forecast to in excess of 980,000 units – up from our original forecast of 940,000 sales,” McKellar said.
“This is a positive yet cautious outlook for the second half of the year, as we assess the impact of factors on the market such as previous interest rate increases.”
The SUV segment was the strongest performer during the first six months of 2010 with an increase of 30.8%; followed by passenger cars (up 15.8%), heavy commercials (up 8.8%) and light commercials with a 5.8% increase.
Year to date, Toyota has the top selling position with a market share of 20.2%; followed by Holden with 12.9% and Ford with 9.3%.
Toyota Australia’s sales and marketing chief David Buttner said the automotive industry in 2010 had consistently outperformed other retail sectors.
“Sales have picked up in the mining industry and among rental fleets, while private buyers have also returned to the market, aided by improved economic conditions and strong competitive retail offers,” Buttner said.
“In addition, there has also been a sizeable contribution this year from the second of the federal government’s investment allowance bonuses,” he said.
So far this year, Toyota’s Camry sales have risen 35% following the introduction of the Australian-built hybrid version.
