The Australian automotive industry’s positive start to 2010 continued in February with a significant increase in sales of new vehicles over last month as well as February 2009.
Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that 82,219 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in February, up 17.1 percent (11,978 vehicles) on the same month in 2009.
The biggest mover by marque was Hyundai, stepping up into third position for the first time in the brand’s history, leap-frogging both Ford and Mazda in the past month.
Top 10 sales by marque:
- Toyota – 16,814
- Holden – 11,213
- Hyundai – 7208
- Ford – 7148
- Mazda – 7003
- Mitsubishi – 5026
- Nissan – 4596
- Subaru – 3278
- Honda – 3102
- Volkswagen – 2998
The Korean’s charge was led by the i30, with sales jumping 810 from January alone. Year-to-date (YTD) sales of the i30 are currently 128 percent above 2009.
The Commodore strengthened its lead over the Mazda3 and the Toyota Hilux while the Falcon slipped out of the top five.
The Toyota Yaris was the only vehicle to drop outside the top ten compared to last month, replaced by a resurgent Camry which climbed 1201 sales over January.
Top 10 sales by model:
- Holden Commodore – 3914
- Mazda3 – 3390
- Toyota Hilux – 3271
- Toyota Corolla – 3042
- Hyundai i30 – 2926
- Ford Falcon – 2514
- Toyota Camry – 2116
- Holden Cruze – 2075
- Mitsubishi Lancer – 2016
- Hyundai Getz – 1927
FCAI Chief Executive, Andrew McKellar, said private buyers returned to the market in stronger numbers in February (up 9.3 percent compared to 2009), while business sales (up 22.7 percent) and sales to rental companies (up 175 percent) were also positive.
“This is a very strong result and provides further evidence of renewed growth in vehicle sales. It is encouraging to see private buyers edging back into the market following the financial concerns of the past year.
“Deliveries of vehicles purchased under the business tax break are gradually phasing down and we need to examine how the market will look without the impact of economic stimulus,” he said.
Looking ahead, Mr McKellar said sustaining the confidence of private buyers was the key challenge for the economy.
“For that reason we continue to be cautious about the impact of interest rate increases,” he said.
The light and small car segments stretched their lead at the top of the sales charts, with their combined 30,110 units accounting for 45.7 percent of all passenger vehicles sold (including SUVs).
The upper large segment was the only one to lose ground on February 2009, dropping 15.5 percent. The Holden Statesman/Caprice continues to dominate this segment, with its sales accounting for 157 of 240 upper large vehicles sold in February 2010.
Locally manufactured vehicles made up 12,391 of the total 82,219 market, with Japan (28,864), Korea (13,870) and Thailand (11,863) leading the imports.
Holden’s 5233 locally manufactured sales result was up 1039 over last year as was Toyota’s (3014 from 2532), however Ford dropped 66 units to 4143.
And in perhaps the most surprising result of the month, Mitsubishi incredibly sold one 380 sedan, almost two years after production ceased in March 2008.
Ford and Honda falling VW holding and Hyundai going up.
Subaru also leapfroged Honda to take position no 8.
I’d bet theres hardly any v8 falcons being sold,I’d rekcon the Falcon will come back up when the new v8 is released.Stealing buyers directly from Holden.
I think you underestimate brand loyalists. The only time fans have ever gone from one brand to the other was when Ford scrapped the V8 back in the eighties. They had no choice but to change.
Interesting statistics
2008 Production Statistics
Country Total % change
Argentina 597,086 9.60%
Australia 329,556 -1.50%
Austria 150,877 -33.80%
Belgium 724,498 -13.20%
Brazil 3,220,475 8.20%
Canada 2,077,589 -19.40%
China 9,345,101 5.20%
Czech Rep. 945,822 0.90%
Egypt 114,782 9.90%
Finland 18,376 -24.40%
France 2,568,978 -14.80%
Germany 6,040,582 -2.80%
Hungary 346,055 18.50%
India 2,314,662 2.70%
Indonesia 600,844 46.00%
Iran 1,051,430 5.40%
Italy 1,023,774 -20.30%
Japan 11,563,629 -0.30%
Malaysia 530,810 20.20%
Mexico 2,191,230 4.60%
Netherlands 132,494 -4.40%
Poland 950,908 20.00%
Portugal 175,155 -0.60%
Romania 245,308 1.50%
Russia 1,790,301 7.80%
Serbia 11,628 17.40%
Slovakia 575,776 0.80%
Slovenia 197,843 -0.30%
South Africa 562,965 5.30%
South Korea 3,806,682 -6.80%
Spain 2,541,644 -12.00%
Sweden 309,034 -15.60%
Taiwan 182,969 -35.40%
Thailand 1,393,742 8.30%
Turkey 1,147,110 4.30%
Ukraine 423,127 5.10%
UK 1,649,515 -5.80%
USA 8,705,239 -19.30%
Uzbekistan 208,038 12.50%
Supplementary 503,910 -15.80%
Total 70,526,531 -3.70%
and Jan 2010 sales in Germany
Rank Jan-10 Qty
1 VW GOLF, JETTA 18,375
2 VW POLO 8,168
3 OPEL ASTRA 4,065
4 AUDI A4, S4 3,881
5 AUDI A3, S3 3,741
6 FORD FIESTA 3,713
7 OPEL CORSA 3,710
8 NISSAN MICRA 3,648
9 MERCEDES C-KLASSE 3,566
10 VW PASSAT 3,407
11 SKODA OCTAVIA 3,296
12 BMW 3ER 3,178
13 MERCEDES E-KLASSE 3,142
14 BMW 1ER 2,941
15 VW TOURAN 2,819
16 RENAULT CLIO 2,815
17 SKODA FABIA 2,813
18 FORD FOCUS 2,799
19 VW TRANSPORTER, CARAVELLE 2,652
20 BMW 5ER 2,145
21 OPEL INSIGNIA 1,977
22 MERCEDES A-KLASSE 1,955
23 MERCEDES B-KLASSE 1,900
24 VW TIGUAN 1,858
25 AUDI A6, S6 1,765
26 PEUGEOT 206 1,730
27 VW FOX 1,717
28 BMW MINI 1,706
29 RENAULT TWINGO 1,678
30 RENAULT MEGANE 1,651
Nissan Micra in 8th place in Germany… What the???
very interesting…what website did you get that info from?
kba.de
In 2009 overal finished 32nd.
Whats also amazing is that the nissan micra is the only japanese vehicle in the top 30.
Quite interesting that Toyota can dominate the world sales, yet cant even put a single model in the top 30.
On the flip side though, Japans sales prob wont show any non asian vehicles in their top 30.
Here in OZ we must be the least loyal……
very interesting. Thanks for sharing.
VW group owns the German sales chart!
and here is the sale for Oct-Dec 2009
Ranking Oct – Dec 2009 Units
1 VW Golf, Jetta 90 798
2 VW Polo 24 923
3 Opel Corsa 24 270
4 Opel Astra 20 529
5 Ford Fiesta 19 952
6 Skoda Fabia 19 516
7 Mercedes C-Klasse 19 323
8 Audi A4, S4 17 696
9 Audi A3, S3 17 421
10 VW Passat 16 767
11 BMW 3er 16 075
12 BMW 1er 15 357
13 Ford Focus 15 099
14 Mercedes A-Klasse 13 221
15 VW Caddy 12 434
16 Mercedes E-Klasse 12 037
17 Fiat Panda 11 693
18 VW Touran 11 221
19 Dacia Sandero 11 161
20 Nissan Micra 10 892
21 Renault Clio 10 813
22 Skoda Octavia 10 753
23 BMW 5er 9 703
24 Mercedes B-Klasse 9 522
25 VW Tiguan 8 447
26 Ford Ka 8 345
27 Toyota Yaris 8 078
28 Audi A6, S6 8 057
29 Smart Fortwo 8 047
30 Opel Insignia 7 477
Could you provide a link next time?
Holden 3914 x 0 still equals 0 with your fleet sales!
And?
So now we have the explanation why Hyundai sales jumped up: “sales to rental companies up 175 percent”. Have you seen the number of rental companies trying to flog Hyundais to renters? The point there though is that, whilst the numbers look good, those sales are pretty much all no profit (and often even a loss), just to get cars out onto the streets. It’s a common marketing strategy that Hyundai are using.
BTW, who gives a rats about lengthy German sales stats.
You “sharing” them is appreciated as much as you “sharing” your STD’s.
Bloody hell! Mitsubishi sold a 380, 2 years after they stopped making them. I wonder where the car was for the last 2 years – and how much it sold for.
Mitsubishi still had a 380 with Zero k\’s ( bran new car ) LOL omg haha its a 3 year run out model sale on that one geeezzz
I heard Mitsu Aus did a limited run of 50 380 Ralliarts when it started shutting down. It’d be great to read a buyers review of one, because reviews on the net are scarce.
Wow Hyundai third. They will take Holden’s spot within two years. I told you the Koreans are coming.
380 is a great car. the only problem is it doesnt look like one. its all perception.
Had a 380 VRX series 3 till last month and sold it. Had it for a year and made money on the resale!!! Actually miss it now. Agreed – great car. All the best to that one person that bought it new – good choice.
And for those interested in the top 10 sellers in Italy in January:
1. FIAT PUNTO 20.496
2. FIAT PANDA 14.992
3. FORD FIESTA 13.770
4. FIAT 500 7.358
5. RENAULT CLIO 5.432
6. CITROEN C3 6.123
7. VOLKSWAGEN GOLF 5.767
8. VOLKSWAGEN POLO 5.402
9. OPEL CORSA 5.177
10.LANCIA YPSILON 3.845
As you can see from Fiat’s sales, patriotism isn’t just an Australian phenomenon.
Interesting to see the Skoda Octavia right up there only 111 cars behind the Volkswagen Passat….. in Germany!
I left a Passat for an Octavia and this is a valid indication
of just how good they are.
Overall though when you add up all the VAG product on that list
they have SMASHED the competition.
What were the sale figures for Statesman & Caprice in January 2010?