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Although the market was still down 10 per cent last month compared to July 2008, small cars and off-roaders showed sales gains. The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries credits the sales gains on a flow-on effect of the Federal Government's small business tax break on new equipment.
Even sportscars were up, thanks to newer entrants arriving into the market. In all 75,333 vehicles were sold last month compared to 83,976 in July last year. Small car sales were up almost 3 per cent while the medium and luxury off-roader segments were up 4 per cent and 7 per cent.
Some brands like Mitsubishi are reporting stock shortages of key vehicles like the Triton because of demand created by the tax break. FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar, says the tax break for small business has been a successful stimulus measure. "And small businesses remain eligible for a 50 per cent tax break until the end of the year," he says.
The humble Toyota Corolla again knocked the country's favourite family sedan off the best-seller list - the fourth time in 18 months it has turned the tables on Holden's locally built six. The Toyota four-cylinder eclipsed the Holden Commodore by just 35 cars to become the biggest seller. The Japanese carmaker sold 3856 Corollas versus 3891 Commodores last month.
Some surprises were the new Toyota Prius, which had is best sales month ever on the back of the launch of the third-generation car with 446 government and private sales. The Holden Cruze also leaped out of dealers, with 1982 sales while Hyundai's popular Getz and i30 continue to sell well, along with the Mazda3. Chinese brand Great Wall Motors got off to a modest start, selling 274 utilities.
Sportscars experienced a sales lift of 10 per cent last month on the back of new entrants among the luxury imports. Premium brands like Alfa Romeo, Audi, BMW, Lexus, Porsche, Volvo and Volkswagen all recorded slight July sales gains over the same month last year. Overall, 530,556 new vehicles have been sold so far this year, down 15 per cent or 96,115 vehicles, compared to the same period last year.
Toyota has extended its overall sales lead with 110,897 vehicles, giving it a 24 per cent overall market share. Its lead is almost double that of its nearest rival, Holden with 66,418 sales with Ford in third spot with 54,239 sales. Mazda and Hyundai fill out fourth and fifth spots with 44,627 and 36,161 sales.
Top Ten sellers (July)
1 Toyota Corolla 3891
2 Holden Commodore 3856
3 Ford Falcon 2837
4. Mazda3 2785
5 Toyota HiLux 2563
6 Hyundai Getz 2147
7 Mitsubishi Lancer 2129
8 Hyundai i30 2045
9 Holden Cruze 1982
10 Toyota Camry 1717
Top Ten brands (July)
1 Toyota 16,664
2 Holden 10,266
3 Ford 7783
4 Hyundai 6226
5 Mazda 6024
6 Mitsubishi 4166
7 Nissan 3756
8 Subaru 2807
9 Honda 2657
10 Volkswagen 2361
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