The growth of SUVs continues in another record month

Australians continued their love affair with the versatile SUV last month, with 13.4 per cent more new SUVs driving out of dealerships than in July 2014. SUV sales accounted for over 35 per cent of the total new car market, which hit 92,308—the biggest July on record.

The 92,308 sales are 2.7 per cent higher than July 2014 figures and 2.3 per cent higher than the previous record July (July 2013). July was the fourth record month in 2015.

Further highlighting Australia’s consumer preference for versatile vehicles that can meet work, home and lifestyle needs, light commercial vehicle sales also increased. Light commercial vehicle sales were up 4.7 per cent in July 2015, compared to July 2014 figures. Passenger car sales decreased by 4.7 per cent.

Releasing the July 2015 new car sales figures (VFACTS), FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said Australia’s fleet mix had changed significantly over the past decade.

“Ten years ago, passenger cars represented over 60 per cent of new car sales. Now, light commercial vehicles and SUVs represent over 50 per cent of the new car market and passenger cars represent only 45 per cent,” Mr Weber said.

“With car affordability at record levels, private buyers purchased 6.2 per cent more new vehicles in July 2015, than in July 2014. In particular, they purchased 22.2 per cent more SUVs and 8.8 per cent more light commercial vehicles. Private purchases of passenger vehicles decreased 5.1 per cent.

“Business purchases were up 4.5 per cent and government purchases were down 8.4 per cent.”

Across the country, sales rose in most states and territories. Sales were up 1.6 per cent in the Australian Capital Territory, 6.1 per cent in New South Wales, 5.3 per cent in Queensland, 11 per cent in Tasmania and 4.6 per cent in Victoria. Sales fell 8.4 per cent in the Northern Territory, 4.7 per cent in South Australia and 12.7 per cent in Western Australia.

Toyota took out the top spot for the best-selling brand, with 18.2 per cent of the market. Toyota was followed by Mazda with 10.1 per cent, Hyundai with 9.2 per cent, Holden with 8.6 per cent and Ford with 6.2 per cent.

Australians drove home with 3,573 new Toyota Corollas, making the vehicle the best seller for July. The Corolla was followed by the Mazda3 (2,825), the Hyundai i30 (2,750), the Toyota Hilux (2,579) and the Mitsubishi Triton (2,238).

Key Points:

• The July 2015 market of 92,308 new vehicle sales is an increase of 2,443 vehicle sales or 2.7% on July 2014 (89,865 vehicle sales). July 2015 (27.0) had the same number of selling days as July 2014 and this resulted in an increase of 90.5 vehicle sales per day.

• The July 2015 industry volume is down 33,542 or 26.7% on June 2015 (125,850 vehicles).

• The Passenger Vehicle Market is down by 2,026 vehicle sales (-4.7%) over the same month last year; the Sports Utility Market is up by 3,858 vehicle sales (13.4%); the Light Commercial Market is up by 705 vehicle sales (4.7%); and the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market is down by 94 sales (-3.4%) versus July 2014.

• Toyota was market leader in July, followed by Mazda and Hyundai. Toyota led Mazda with a margin of 7,484 vehicle sales, or 8.1 market share points .

VFACTS monthly vehicle sales data is available at Midday on the 3rd working day after the end of every month. Select data and media releases on the sales results are available at www.fcai.com.au. For further information contact: Sheena Ireland, Communications Manager P: 02 6229 8221 M: 0458 038 555 E: sheena.ireland@fcai.com.au