Record March 2010 new car sales! - VFACTS

[Brazen]

From VFACTS

NEW VEHICLE MARKET POSTS RECORD MARCH RESULT

7th April, 2010

Strong sales across all vehicle segments has resulted in a record monthly sales figure for March, eclipsing the previous record set in 2007 by 352 vehicles.

Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that 94,744 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in March, up 25.2 per cent (or 19,094 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.

“This is an outstanding March result and provides further evidence that the marketplace is returning to pre-global financial crisis levels,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

SUV sales led the charge in March increasing by 44.1 percent, followed by passenger cars (up 23.5 per cent), heavy commercials (up 20.2 per cent) and then light commercials (up 12 per cent).

“Business sales show some signs of easing following the phase out of targeted tax breaks but it is pleasing to see renewed growth from private buyers,” he said.

“With warnings of further interest rate rises, private buyers should move to take advantage of the current rate levels,” Mr McKellar said.

Sales to car rental companies increased 331.5 per cent during March in line with increased tourism and business activity.

Toyota retained the top selling position in March, increasing its market share to 21.4 per cent; followed by Holden with 12.4 per cent and then Ford with 8.5 per cent.

Year-to-date, 251,827 vehicles have been sold – an increase of 38,857 vehicles (18.2 percent) compared to the first three months of 2009.

Be interesting to see the individual model breakdown.