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New Car Market Maintains Strong sales Momentum

The new car market posted a record May sales result with all vehicle segments performing strongly.

Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed that 89,218 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in May, up 18.3 per cent (or 13,777 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.

“This is a record May result and shows the new vehicle market is maintaining a strong sales momentum,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

Today’s result eclipses the previous monthly record set in 2008 by 578 units.

“All vehicle segments increased during the month, demonstrating a genuine recovery in the marketplace,” he said.

The SUV segment again led the charge in May with an increase of 28.9 per cent; followed by passenger cars (up 19.4 per cent), light commercials (up 6.4 per cent) and then heavy commercials with a 3.7 per cent increase.

“It is encouraging to note that private buyers have returned in larger numbers during May (up 27.2%) taking over some of the momentum that business buyers have provided over the past year,” Mr McKellar said.

Toyota retained the top selling position in May with a market share of 20 per cent; followed by Holden with 12.8 per cent and then Ford with 10.1 per cent.

Year-to-date, 422,446 vehicles have been sold, an increase of 19.9 percent compared to the first five months of 2009.

For further information contact:
Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager
P: 02 6229 8221
M: 0458 038 555
E: [email protected]