Buyers resist fuel price shock in May

The Australian new car market was strongly supported by sales of SUVs and light commercial vehicles to offset softer sales of passenger cars for the month of May.

Figures released by VFACTS tell the story of a total market comprising 88,640 vehicles for the month -- just 43 units ahead of May 2007.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) cited the May result as an indication of a "two-phase" market, with passenger car sales down 2.5 per cent, year on year. By contrast, medium SUV sales improved 16.8 per cent, year on year, and large SUVs sold 12 per cent better.

Similarly for light commercials, sales from within the van segment rose 22.5 per cent and for 4x4 pick-ups and cab-chassis models, the sales result marked a 5.7 per cent improvement.

One important element making its presence increasingly felt in the market is the gradual acceptance of modern, high-tech diesel-engined vehicles.

"Several new common-rail injection clean diesels have entered the market in the past few months, and we can see that Australian drivers are keen to give the new technology a try," said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar.

"Our analysis shows that higher fuel costs are prompting people to shop around to find a new car that both suits their needs and also has better fuel economy than the one they are currently driving," he said.

Despite that analysis, Holden's Commodore did regain top spot in the market in May, totally flying in the face of all that's logical. The Commodore posted 4215 sales for the sedan model alone -- without a wagon to support sales. It also achieved this during the first month on sale for the new Falcon range.

According to Holden's National Manager Media Relations, John Lindsay, May '08 was a better month for the VE sedan range than any previous month this year, helped by 60th anniversary limited editions.

"[Year to date], sales of sedan are 11 per cent lower following slower sales in March and April compared to the same period in 2007 when the new VE was hitting its stride," he said.

"Ute continues to sell extremely well, up 52 per cent on May 2007, and up 86 per cent overall on the equivalent point, YTD in 2007.

"Add Sedan and Ute together and we are currently up one per cent YTD on total sales of the two models we currently build."

So Commodore was the top-selling model, but Toyota was the top-selling make, capturing 23.4 per cent of the market during May. With a mix of locally manufactured cars and an extensive selection of imported cars, Toyota has sold 101,816 vehicles to date, for the year. Holden follows at a distance with 12.5 per cent market share and 55,155 units sold in year-to-date trading. Ford comes third, with 10.9 per cent share and 44,183 vehicles sold.

Top five selling vehicles for the month:

Holden Commodore: 4215
Toyota HiLux: 3914
Toyota Corolla: 3668
Ford Falcon: 3320
Mazda3: 2582

Year-on-year performance by marque:

Toyota ? 20,754
Holden ? 11,118
Ford ? 9650
Mazda ? 6530
Mitsubishi ? 5134
Nissan ? 5073
Honda ? 4503
Hyundai ? 3912
Subaru ? 3217
Volkswagen ? 2812
Suzuki ? 2287
Kia ? 1770
Mercedes-Benz ? 1695
BMW ? 1553
Audi ? 824
Lexus ? 647
Peugeot ? 602
Jeep ? 536
Volvo Car ? 467
Land Rover ? 367
Chrysler ? 352
Citroen ? 251
Renault ? 232
Fiat ? 226
MINI ? 206
Dodge ? 182
Proton ? 157
Porsche ? 126
Ssangyong ? 123
Saab ? 122
Alfa Romeo ? 115
Jaguar ? 96
Hummer ? 85
Skoda ? 59
Maserati ? 21
Smart ? 18
Ferrari ? 15
Bentley ? 11
Aston Martin ? 7
Lotus ? 6
Lamborghini ? 4

To comment on this article click here