Strong new vehicle market continues in February

Thursday, 4 March 2004, 9:42 pm
Press Release: Motor Industry Association

Media Release

For Immediate Release
4 March 2004

The buoyant new vehicle market continued in February, boosted by a particularly strong performance by commercial vehicles. Although new car sales, at 5219, were slightly down on January’s figure, the short selling month of February produced a 7% increase in new car sales over February 2003. 1702 new commercial vehicles were sold in the month, 12% ahead of January, 11% ahead of February 2003 and the biggest February for new commercial sales since 1985.

The Motor Industry Association remains in confident mood. “The very strong sales for new commercial vehicles indicate that the business sector remains very positive about the future,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the MIA. “Passenger car sales also remain well ahead of last year’s levels and indications are that this level of strength in the market will continue.”

Toyota retained overall market leadership on a year to date basis but Holden hung on to their lead in passenger car sales. Ford made a charge in the month of February, taking out both total vehicle and passenger car leadership, but they remain in third place year to date.

Falcon displaced Commodore as the top selling car model in February, but Commodore is still 265 units ahead year to date.

ENDS

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