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Car sales drop again in April

New vehicles sales in Australia officially dropped 23.9 per cent in April continuing a trend of recent months, but car companies are starting to become more confident that the market will turn around in the next few months


Official VFACTS data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) shows that 63,965 passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in April, down 23.9 per cent or 20,096 vehicles, compared to the same month in 2008.

"While the figures confirm that market conditions remain soft, the extent of the fall has been compounded by the timing of the Easter holidays," FCAI Chief Executive Andrew McKellar said.

Year-to-date 276,935 new vehicles have been sold, down 20.3 per cent compared to the same period last year.

"After adjusting for seasonal factors, sales in April appear to be broadly consistent with results of recent months and we remain hopeful that conditions will soon stabilise," Mr McKellar said.

The automotive industry will continue to promote the opportunities that exist in the next two months for businesses to take advantage of the Federal Government's enhanced tax break for new vehicle purchases.

"There are signs of increased buyer interest in, and awareness of, the incentive programme, which certainly underpins the need for speedy passage of the legislation," Mr McKellar said.

Toyota was Australia's best-selling brand in April with 13,033 vehicles, followed by Holden with 7829 and Ford with 6836 vehicle sales.

Toyota, with a market share of 20.7 per cent, holds market leadership in year-to-date terms. Holden’s April result sees it in second position with a market share of 12.6 per cent, with Ford's market share of 10.0 per cent placing it third.

Mazda, with sales of 5121 and with a market share of 8.7 per cent, hold fourth position. Hyundai, the only company in the top 10 to show a sales growth, achieved 4136 vehicle sales in April and with a share of 6.1 per cent, is in fifth place ahead of Nissan, on 5.9 per cent market share

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