Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed that 82,122 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in August, up 12.1% (or 8,835 vehicles) year on year.
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“This is a strong August result with sales of SUVs showing a particularly healthy increase,” FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar said.
“The figures show sales to private buyers remain solid (up 20.9%) and there has been a lift in new car purchases by government fleets (up 21.7%). There is no evidence in the August data to suggest customers were distracted from their normal buying habits due to the election and the current political uncertainty,” he said.
The SUV segment was the strongest performer during August, recording an increase of 32.5%; followed by light commercials (up 22.6%) and then passenger cars (up 3.5%).
Toyota was the top selling brand in August with 16,633 sales; followed by Holden with 11,146, then Ford with 8,212 units.
Toyota Australia senior executive director sales and marketing David Buttner said the results were due to Toyota’s wide range and high quality of vehicles, a customer-focused dealer network and competitive marketing offers. “The improving economy, supported by solid business and consumer confidence, was also significant,” he said.
Year to date, 695,666 vehicles have been sold, up 15.2%.
