FCAI releases February new car sales results
New car sales figures suffered an 8.2 per cent decline in February as consumers struggle through another month of tough conditions.
In the latest figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), 79,940 vehicles were sold in February, 7,162 fewer than the same month in 2019.
Following a catastrophic bush fire season and on-going difficult socio-economic conditions, the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) had a further impact on sales in February according to FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber.
“The Australian new vehicle market has now seen a downturn each month for the pas 23 months,” said Weber.
“In economic terms, a recession is declared after two quarters of negative growth – and this industry has now seen seven consecutive quarters of negative growth.”
While results were bleak across the board in February, Toyota were one of few brands to buck the trend and post a sales increase.
On the back of ever reliable HiLux sales (3,421 sales), Toyota was once again the most popular brand for the month, recording 17,679 sales.
Toyota was also helped by the rise of the RAV4, which was the second most popular vehicle, overtaking the Ford Ranger. The RAV4 sold 3,375 units, just ahead of the Ranger (3,202), Toyota Corolla (2,520) and Hyundai i30 (2,152). The Toyota LandCruiser (eighth – 1,839) and Camry (tenth – 1,445) also featured in the top ten vehicles.
In the manufacturers race, Mazda claimed second spot behind Toyota with 7,230 sales despite poor showings from the 2, 3 and CX-5 models, while Hyundai finished third with 5,945 sales.
Kia continued its strong start to 2020, recording a 5.4 per cent increase in sales to finish fifth with 5,120 sales, just behind Mitsubishi who claimed fourth (5,513).
The top ten was rounded out by Ford (4,856), Nissan (3,814), Volkswagen (3,633), Honda (3,522) and Mercedes-Benz (2,673).
Subaru just missed out on a top ten berth, finishing 11th with 2,613 sales (up 28.2 per cent) thanks to the arrival of the all-new hybrid XV and Forester models.
SUVs finished on top once again in terms of vehicle make, accounting for 49.4 per cent of the market.
Top 10 brands:
- Toyota – 17,679
- Mazda – 7,230
- Hyundai – 5,945
- Mitsubishi – 5,513
- Kia – 5,120
- Ford – 4,856
- Nissan – 3,804
- Volkswagen – 3,633
- Honda – 3,522
- Mercedes-Benz – 3,203
Top 10 models:
- Toyota HiLux – 3,421
- Toyota RAV4 – 3,375
- Ford Ranger – 3,202
- Toyota Corolla – 2,520
- Hyundai i30 – 2,152
- Mazda CX-5 – 1,969
- Kia Cerato – 1,873
- Toyota LandCruiser – 1,839
- Mitsubishi Triton – 1,673
- Toyota Camry -1,445
Source: Carsales | VFACTS February: Market woes worsen
4 March 2020
