New vehicle registrations up in February

It was the strongest February on record for vehicle sales, with monthly registrations up 14.3 per cent on February 2016 to 11,785 vehicles, according to the latest Motor Industry Association (MIA) report. “Registration data for February shows growth in the new vehicle sector continues as expected,” said MIA CEO David Crawford. “As the 2017 year progresses, market conditions remain unchanged from 2016, with record net immigration, low cost of debt and a strong economy,” he added. For the month of February 2017, passenger car and SUV registrations grew 12 per cent to 8052 units compared to February 2016. Commercial registrations were up 19.6 per cent to 3733.  Toyota remains the market leader for all passenger and commercial registrations with a 15 per cent market share, or 1738 vehicles. Next is Ford, with an 11 per cent share, or 1324 vehicles, followed by Holden at nine per cent, or 1018 vehicles. Toyota also lead the market in passenger and SUV registrations with a 12 per cent share, or 991 units, followed by Mazda, with nine per cent, or 755 vehicles, and Holden, with an eight per cent share, or 654 units. Toyota also took the biggest share in the commercial market, at 20 per cent, or 747 units. Ford, in a close second, recorded a 19 per cent share, or 713 vehicles. In third, Holden took a 10 per cent share, with 364 units. The Ford Ranger was the best-selling vehicle model, with 664 units registered. The Toyota Hilux was second with 533 vehicles and the Holden Colorado and Toyota Corolla tied for third, both with 351 new registrations.. The SUV medium segment took the largest market share, accounting for 16 per cent of total sales. The pick-up/chassis 4x4 segment was second, with a 13 per cent market share, followed by SUV large with 12 per cent and SUV compact with 11 per cent. Overall, SUVs counted for 39.5 per cent of February registrations, followed by passenger vehicles with 28.5 per cent.