Aussie market remains sluggish

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has released the new vehicle sales figures for the month of July 2019.

The industry reported 83,184 sales for the month, a 2.8 per cent decrease from July 2018. On a year to date basis, the industry reported total sales of 637,650 units, a drop of 7.7 per cent.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, pictured below, says that while the figures represented a slight slowing of the downward sales trend, the market remained sluggish.

“The July sales figures continue to illustrate the tough market conditions facing the Australian automotive industry, and the sensitive nature of the economy over the past twelve months.

“Tight financial lending, drought, increasing Luxury Car Tax imposts and the Federal election have all contributed to make the Australian car market one of the toughest in the world.

“But it is great news for the consumer who is spoiled for choice with attractive new car offers as automotive brands provide excellent deals to stimulate sales growth."

Similar to New Zealand, Toyota remained the top-selling marque for the month with 17,876 sales for 21.5 per cent market share, followed by Mazda, 8,227 sales for 9.9 per cent market share, Hyundai, 6,983 sales for 8.4 per cent market share, Mitsubishi, 5,247 sales for 6.3 per cent market share and Ford, 4,900 sales for 5.9 per cent market share.

Toyota also claimed the two top spots in the Australian market, with the Toyota Hi-Lux as the best-selling vehicle in July with 3,359 sales, and the Toyota Corolla the second- best selling vehicle with 3,244 sales.

The Corolla was closely followed by the Ford Ranger, the Toyota RAV4 and the Hyundai i30.

SUVs continued as the most popular segment in Australia, with 37,894 sales, followed by passenger vehicles with 25,386 sales, and light commercial vehicles with 16,710 sales.