Car industry figures show that the Australian motor industry is back on track, recording its biggest ever sales for March.
The rise to a new peak for March was driven by surging sales for sports utility vehicles.
As well luxury cars also sold well in the month.
Unlike much of 2009, there was no boost to sales by tax incentives from the federal government’s stimulus programs.
But there was a huge rise in sales to car rental firms in the month: some 300%, which would have skewed the figures.
However, figures from the past three years show that March is normally a strong month (except for 2009 when the industry was recovering from the dramatic plunge from late 2008).
Official figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 94,744 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in March, up 25.2% (or 19,094 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.
That’s understandable given March, 2009 sales were depressed by the crunch and economic slowdown.
It was also 352 vehicles more than the previous record of 94,392 vehicles sold in March, 2007, which is a better guide.
“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 in a statement.
SUV sales led the charge in March increasing by 44.1%, followed by passenger cars (up 23.5%), heavy commercials (up 20.2%) and then light commercials (up 12%).
“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.
“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% 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%; followed by Holden with 12.4% and then Ford with 8.5%.
Year-to-date, 251,827 vehicles have been sold – an increase of 38,857 vehicles (18.2%) compared to the first three months of 2009.
That again is understandable.
