New vehicle market remains upbeat in February

6 March 2006

New vehicle market remains upbeat in February

The new vehicle market continued its strong start to 2006 with 5945 new cars sold in February (up 3% on February 2005), and 1829 new commercials finding owners (just one unit less than the same month last year). Year to date, new vehicle sales were 4.5% ahead of the same period last year, representing a continuation of the growth pattern of the last three years.

Despite still running at 20 year record monthly levels, the new vehicle industry isn’t counting its chickens. “The economy’s sending out warning signals,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association, “but despite the fact that trading conditions aren’t getting any easier, consumers are recognising the excellent value represented by fuel-efficient and safe new vehicles and are responding accordingly.”

Although Ford sneaked in front in new passenger car sales for the month of February, Toyota remained ahead for total vehicles, thanks to another very strong month for light trucks.

Normal service was resumed in the individual model stakes, with Commodore, Falcon and Corolla assuming their usual order for February.

Sheet 1: Top fifteen distributors, full year 2005, month of February and YTD 2006, total vehicles, new cars, new commercials.

Sheet 2: Top fifteen sellers by model, full year 2005, month of February and YTD 2006, top ten rental cars February 2006.

ENDS

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