New vehicle sales report – October 2010

According to official VFACTS data things pretty much stood still last month in regards to new car sales. That is, sales rose by a tiny 0.1% (112 vehicles) compared to October 2009. Little surprise, then, that most manufacturers have kept quiet.

Although, FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar, tells us not to worry because last October was a ball tearer, “It needs to be acknowledged that sales this time last year were being boosted by the stimulus of the business tax break so it is encouraging to see that the market is maintaining that momentum.”

Toyota rules the roost, as usual, followed by Holden and the Ford–Mazda flip-flop for third has ended in Ford’s favour this month.

New Car Sales Hold The Line In October

Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) showed that 80,925 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in October, up 0.1 per cent (or 112 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.

“This is a solid result with sales on a par with the good figures recorded in October last year,” FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

“It needs to be acknowledged that sales this time last year were being boosted by the stimulus of the business tax break so it is encouraging to see that the market is maintaining that momentum,” he said.

“The market is on track for an impressive yearly total and this confirms the industry can achieve our projection of more than one million vehicle sales,” Mr McKellar said.

The SUV segment was the only area to record an increase during October – up 22.9 per cent. The passenger car segment slipped 2.7 per cent and light commercials were down 13.3 per cent.

Toyota was the top selling marque in October with 16,329 sales; followed by Holden with 9,956 and then Ford with 7,150 units.

Year-to-date, 861,645 vehicles have been sold – an increase of 13 per cent compared to the same period in 2009.

Holden Strong In Small And Large Car Sales

• Commodore still Australia’s best-selling car
• Barina has best October sales since 2006
• Strong demand for Holden small and large vehicles

Holden recorded strong sales across its small and large car families in October, according to figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).

Sales of the ever-popular Commodore, as well as Barina and Cruze, contributed to a total sales figure of 9956 for the month. Year-to-date Holden’s sales are up 15.3 per cent, taking its market share to 12.9 per cent for the year.

Holden Executive Director, Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, John Elsworth said Commodore continued its reign as Australia’s most popular car, selling 3787 units for the month – its highest October sales figure since 2008.

“October was the first full month of VE Series II sales and the new technology and styling changes have been embraced by buyers from Omega to Caprice V,” Mr Elsworth said.

He said while Commodore accounted for just over half (51 per cent) of the large car market, Holden was also seeing steady growth in its small car sales.

Barina continues to be a popular and affordable choice for small car buyers. With 1071 sales this month Barina had its best October result since 2006, boosted by the all-new Barina Spark which sold around 300 units since launching at the Australian International Motor Show.

“The recent launch of the Barina Spark, which offers stand-out styling, safety and fuel economy, has enhanced the Barina line-up and will appeal to a new generation of Holden customers,” Mr Elsworth said.

“Holden’s small cars are proving a real strength for the brand with Cruze again among the top 10 highest-selling vehicles for the month with 2135 sales in October.”

Mr Elsworth said Holden’s small car portfolio would also continue to expand over the next 12 months, to include an all-new Barina and the localised Cruze and Cruze hatchback.

“Next year will be an exciting time for Holden. Our Australian made line-up will grow next year to include the Cruze sedan and hatchback, making Cruze the only locally-built small car when it starts to roll off the production line along side Commodore in 2011.

“With the expanded range of world-class vehicles from Holden, there will be a Holden to suit new car buyers in every market segment.”

Hyundai Motor Company Australia Posts Best-Ever October Sales

Hyundai has posted a sales result of 6,359 units, its best ever October result since the brand started selling cars in Australia in 1986, achieving a monthly market share of 7.9%.

The Hyundai October year-to-date 2010 sales total of 67,941 represents a 26% increase compared with the same period last year, surpassing the brand’s best-ever annual sales record.

Nationally, Hyundai ranked fourth for the month (fifth October YTD) in total sales and third for the month (fourth October YTD) in passenger car sales with a market share of 10.8%.

“This is yet another outstanding result for the team at Hyundai and the Hyundai Dealer network. We are excited to have surpassed our best-ever annual sales record in the first ten months of this year,” said Damien Meredith, Hyundai’s Director of Sales. “Our new models i20 and i45 have performed well alongside our all-star performers Getz and i30. This is a great result as we head towards the end of the year.”

Overseas, Hyundai Motor Company’s global sales increased +10.4% (October 2010 v. October 2009) to 320,291units. Hyundai Motor America (HMA) posted an all-time record October result with total sales of 42,656, up 38% percent versus the same period in 2009. HMA has already exceeded total and retail volumes for the entire 2009 calendar year.

Hyundai’s Australian highlights include:

• Getz ranked first in the light car segment achieving 1,575 vehicle sales and a 14.6% market share.
• The i30 range ranked third in the small car segment achieving 2,165 vehicle sales and a 12.3% market share.
• iMax ranked second in the people mover segment after posting a sales result of 169 units and a 15.5% market share.
• iLoad ranked second in the van segment after posting a sales result of 421 units.
• i20 and i45 both achieved their highest monthly sales volumes since launch of 522 and 363 units respectively.

Record October For Impreza And Forester

Subaru achieved sales of 3210 vehicles last month, including October records for Impreza and Forester, according to official VFACTS sales figures released today.

Impreza retailed 1046, up 8.4 per cent for the month, and Forester 1230, up 18.4 per cent.

Sales of Forester and Outback diesel variants continue to attract new buyers. Subaru sold 276 diesel models in the month.

Liberty sales of 440 place the model 27.2 per cent up year-to-date (YTD) and Outback sold 406 and is now up 80.8 per cent YTD.

The October result was rounded out by sales of 88 Tribecas.

Subaru’s monthly market share was 4.0 per cent and its sales are now up 11.1 per cent YTD.

Another Record Month For Suzuki

Suzuki records continue to tumble after another best ever sales month in October.

Suzuki sold a total of 2248 vehicles last month – its best ever October on record – representing a 7.5 per cent increase on the 2010 figure, against a total market up just 0.1 per cent.

Year to date Suzuki sales are up 25 per cent, easily outstripping the 13 per cent market rate.

The record October came on the back of another strong result by Alto, with 403 sales, Swift and Grand Vitara.

Importantly, Suzuki not only increased volume but also market share, up 2.4 per cent to 2.8.

The company remains on track to sell 25,000 cars in Australia for the first time in its history.

Suzuki’s major local subsidiary – Suzuki Australia P/L – has already exceeded the annual record it set in 2008.