Australia's new vehicle sales grew 6.1% year on year in the first two months of 2018, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries.

Last month's industry total of 95,999 was an increase of 7.8% year lifted the 2018 year to date tally to 184,550.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

"This pattern maintains strong industry momentum at an important time," the FCAI said.

Many key segments of the market saw positive results last month with sales of light passenger cars up 10.3%, small passenger cars up 9.4% and three of the four SUV segments showing double digit growth.

Small SUVs climbed 21.4% compared with February 2017, medium SUVs by 17.1% and upper large by 12.9%.

See Also:

SUVs remained the dominant segment with 41.5% of the February market with passenger cars holding a 35.9% share, and light commercials continuing their steady climb to a 19.5% share.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Light commercials produced strong gains again in the two key light truck segments, with 4×2 pick-up and cab chassis models up by 7.1% and 4WD versions increasing by 17.9%.

FCAI CEO Tony Weber said strong 2018 growth provided further proof that the fiercely competitive nature of the Australian new vehicle market was providing strong value for the consumer.

"Consumers are supporting the value propositions that the brands are offering. To have the market already running 6.1% ahead of last year's record total indicates that consumer confidence is still strong and all those elements which underpin our economy remain in position."

Toyota was the market leader for February with 19% share, followed by Mazda (10.3%), Hyundai (8.3%), Mitsubishi (7.4%) and Ford (6.3%).

The market leading Toyota Hilux maintained its top seller position in February with 4,426 sales, followed by the Ford Ranger (3,544 ), Toyota Corolla (3,270), Mazda 3 (2,935) and Mazda CX-5 (2,191).