New car sales rebound in May

Media Release
4 June 2006

New car sales rebound in May

New car sales resumed their record trend in May. 6241 units were registered during the month, 22% up on April’s figure and 3% ahead of May 2005. It was the biggest May for new car sales since 1990. New commercial vehicle sales have come slightly off their 2005 peak – although May sales of 2180 were a massive 45% up on April, they were 7.5% down on May last year. It was still the second biggest May for new commercials since 1982.

Year to date May, new car sales were 4.0% up on last year and commercials were 6.5% down.

“Despite the problems affecting the lower end of the used vehicle market, new vehicle sales are continuing at a buoyant level,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “Buyers are recognising that new, more efficient vehicles are less costly to operate, and will ultimately have better resale value.”

Ford took passenger market leadership from Toyota in May, but Toyota is hanging on to year to date honours in all categories, helped by their continuing strong commercial vehicle performance.

In the individual model stakes, Falcon edged out Commodore in May, but Commodore remains in the lead year to date with Corolla second and Falcon third.

ENDS

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