February New Car Market Highest on Record

Australia has had its highest ever February new car sales result with Australians purchasing 90,424 new passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles in February 2015. Sales figures for last month were 4.2 per cent higher than February 2014 figures.

The 90,424 new car sales brings the year-to-date total to 172,540—2 per cent higher than the same YTD period in 2014.

Releasing the February 2015 new car sales figures (VFACTS), FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said sales were strong in all states and territories, with the exception of Western Australia, which fell 6.1 per cent.

Sales rose 2.6 per cent in Australian Capital Territory, 5.1 per cent in New South Wales, 10.9 per cent in the Northern Territory, 4.9 per cent in Queensland, 6.1 per cent in South Australia, 11.6 per cent in Tasmania and 5.7 per cent in Victoria.

Mr Weber highlighted that Australian consumers continue to move towards versatile vehicles such as SUVs and light commercial vehicles, with these vehicles accounting for around 53 per cent of the new car market in February 2015. Passenger vehicles made up around 45 per cent.

“Total SUV purchases increased 23.8 per cent on February 2014 figures and, specifically, small SUV sales grew by more than 50 per cent. The most popular small SUV choices were the Hyundai ix35 (1,856), Mitsubishi ASX (1,451) and Nissan Qashqai (1,126). Medium and large SUV sales grew by around 14 and 19 per cent, respectively.

“Light commercial vehicle sales increased 2.7 per cent, with the Toyota Hilux (2,861), Mitsubishi Triton (1,988) and Ford Ranger (1,953) proving to be the most popular light commercial vehicle choices.

“Passenger vehicle sales were down 6.6 percent compared to February 2014, with a total of 40,775 passenger vehicles sold. Over 46 per cent of these sales were in the small passenger car segment, with the most popular small cars being the Toyota Corolla (3,939), Mazda3 (3,598) and Hyundai i30 (2,126).”

New vehicle sales to private buyers rose 6.1 per cent compared to the same month last year, with private buyers leading the increasing trend towards versatile SUVs and light commercial vehicles. Private purchases of SUVs increased 24.3 per cent and private purchases of light commercial vehicles increased 8.4 per cent. Sales of passenger cars to private buyers declined 5.9 per cent.

Business purchases declined 3 per cent in February 2015, while Government purchases remained steady with February 2014 figures.

Toyota was the highest selling brand in February 2015 with 18 per cent of the market. Toyota was followed by Mazda with 10 per cent, Hyundai with 8.9 per cent, Holden with 8.6 per cent, and Mitsubishi with 6.9 per cent.

The Toyota Corolla was the top selling car in February 2015, with 3,939 vehicles sold. The Corolla was followed by the Mazda3 (3,598), Toyota Hilux (2,861), Holden Commodore (2,517) and Hyundai i30 (2,126).

Key Points:

• The February 2015 market of 90,424 new vehicle sales is an increase of 3,606 vehicle sales or 4.2% on February 2014 (86,818 vehicle sales). February 2015 (24.0) had the same amount of selling days as February 2014 (24.0) and this resulted in an increase of 150.3 vehicle sales per day.
• The February 2015 industry volume is up 8,308 or 10.1% on January 2015 (82,116 vehicles).
• The Passenger Vehicle Market is down 2,869 vehicle sales (-6.6%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 6,165 vehicle sales (23.8%); the Light Commercial Market is up by 406 vehicle sales (2.7%); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is down by 96 vehicle sales (-4.3%) versus February 2014.
• Toyota was market leader in February, followed by Mazda and Holden. Toyota lead Mazda with a margin of 7,186 vehicle sales, or 8.0 market share points.