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Mazda No.1 car, Toyota No.1 overall, SUV sales rise!


Mazda No.1 car, Toyota No.1 overall, SUV sales rise!

Author: Trent NikolicDate: 6 January 2012

Bold predictions were once again made at the start of the year. And they were bold even before natural disasters on home soil as well as the Tsunami in Japan that for some companies almost entirely stopped production. However, new vehicle sales in Australia for 2011 ended the year at 1,008,437. Pretty impressive when everything is considered.

It’s only the fourth time the market has exceeded one million and it’s further evidence of a strong economy and keen new car buying public from fleet buyers right through to households and everything in between. The state of Queensland alone delivered sales that were up 1.4% from 2010. That figure comes, despite floods and natural disasters that devastated the state.

The main drive for the impressive overall figure were the states of Queensland and NSW. Interestingly, we looked at some factual data that raised some eyebrows when the FCAI showed us the increases.

In the past 50 years, there has been a 100 percent increase in population. So that means since 1961, out population has slightly more than doubled. However, there has been a 690 percent increase in new car sales over the same period showing just how keen the Australian car buying public has become.

The sales data also shows another significant change. Cars are getting smaller around Australia. Or rather, the general public is buying smaller cars in larger numbers. Small cars overall were up 2.1 percent for 2011. Mazda 3 was the end of year top seller above Holden’s Commodore. And that trend towards smaller cars doesn’t look likely to change anytime soon either. Toyota’s HiLux came in third, with Corolla fourth and Holden’s Cruze in fifth spot.

Despite the car buying public looking for smaller options, it’s not the case in other segments such as offroad. Significantly, SUV sales were up 3.8 percent and that comes despite rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.

4x4 ute demand also outpaced the overall market significantly. There is heavy demand for these vehicles in NSW and Queensland.

Outright, it was Toyota's ninth successive year as overall sales leader. Another impressive result for the Japanese powerhouse which comes despite a lack of supply and stock due to the Tsunami in Japan and flooding in Thailand.

The FCAI tells us that the outlook for 2012 is ‘cautiously optimistic’. The FCAI forecasts more than one million sales again. But they also tell us it’s not a target. More an outlook based on 2011 and the Australian economy. Low interest rates and moderate inflation are positive and will help ensure the public can consider new vehicles once again.

 

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