Australian car sales continue to outperform the growth rate in the Australian economy.
Figures out yesterday showed the economy grew by 2.5% in the year to March, while car sales were up 4.5% for the first five months of this year, compared with the same period of last year.
The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said in its monthly report that total vehicle sales in May were 96,788, a 12.6% increase on April’s 85,117.
After adjusting for seasonal factors, sales were up 5.1%.
But compared with May of last year, sales were steady, perhaps an early sign that demand has peaked.
Interestingly the sales growth has come entirely from the private sector – both individuals and business.
Sales to governments continued to fall last month, down 31% and 27% for the first five months of 2013.
Sales of SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicles) led the way with a 7.9% rise, continuing the market-driving trend that has been apparent now for a couple of years.
In May, Toyota retained first place on the sales ladder with a share of 19.6%. General Motors Holden took second spot with 8.6%, and Mazda was third with 8.4%, much of it from its high selling Three model line hp.
The Toyota Camry (Toyota) was the only locally made car to feature in the list of the top selling selling models last month with 1934 units – it was number 7. The Ford Falcon could only manage 707 sales, underlining why the company is leaving the Australian car making industry. The Australian-made Ford Territory SUV managed 1139 sales.
Holden sold 1647 Commodores as it runs out old stock ahead of a new model arriving at dealers this month.
Toyota’s HiLux SUV/utility work force model was the biggest seller. Toyota’s Corolla was second and the Mazda M3 was 3rd.
Private purchases of diesel powered light commercial vehicles (such as the Hilux) jumped 46% in May from the same month in 2012, according to the report.
Australia’s biggest listed car dealer is Perth based Automotive Holdings (AHE). It’s shares have fallen sharply from their recent peak of more than $4.20 last month in the wake of the Ford decision to exit car making.
The shares closed at $3.71 yesterday, down 1% on the day and around 12% in less than a month.
The company says the decision won’t impact it (although it’s a leading Ford dealer, because it will still be selling models Ford imports). Automotive says it is a dealer for 12 to the 13 top car brands in the country.
Top 10 Brands
1. Toyota (19,003)
2. Holden (8293)
3. Mazda (8135)
4. Hyundai (8027)
5. Ford (7243)
6. Mitsubishi (7011)
7. Nissan (5928)
8. VW (5527)
9. Honda (3625)
10. Subaru (3612)
Top 10 Vehicles
1. Toyota HiLux (3665)
2. Toyota Corolla (3640)
3. Mazda3 (3054)
4. Mitsubishi Triton (2606)
5. Hyundai i30 (2512)
6. Holden Cruze (2133)
7. Toyota Camry (1934)
8. Mazda CX-5 (1773)
9. Hyundai ix35 (1770)
10. Ford Ranger (1702)
