Australian Vehicle Market Keeps Humming in April

Toyota Australia had the two best-selling vehicles in April, as the industry continued to see soaring demand with sales up 7.6% to 85,117 units.

The Corolla sedan led the pack with 3,504 units, followed by the Hilux pickup with 2,932.

The previous best-seller, the Mazda3, sold 2,842 units, ahead of the Holden Cruze (2,290) and Hyundai i30 (2,150).

Four of the 10 best-selling models in April were light-commercial vehicles, while five were small cars including two that were locally produced.

New-car sales rose 6.1% in April to 42,844 units, but remained down 1.8% year-to-date to 176,803. SUVs climbed 11.1% to 24,384 units for a 4-month total up 12.6% to 106,989.

The LCV market increased 6.9% in April to 15,471 units, with year-to-date volume up 17.6% to 65,113.

Sales of passenger vehicles represented about 50.3% of the total market. SUVs took 28.6%, LCVs 18.2% and heavy trucks 2.8%.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries says sales were up 5.6% in the first four months to 358,165 units.

Toyota was, as usual, the market leader with 16,902 deliveries in April, ahead of GM Holden (7,994), Mazda (7,833), Hyundai (7,315) and Ford (6,828).

Toyota’s monthly total gave it a 19.9% market share as 10 of its models led their segments. It was the only brand whose share was in double figures.

The Japanese auto maker’s year-to-date sales of 64,947 units were about 1,000 more than like-2012 more than 30,000 ahead of any other brand.

Toyota Australia Sales and Marketing Executive Director Matthew Callachor says the 1-2 result for the Corolla and HiLux in April demonstrate their perpetual appeal.

Fiat Chrysler Group turned in another strong month, with deliveries growing 13% year-on-year to 1,681 units for a 4-month total up 32.8% to 8,044. CEO and President Veronica Johns says it’s an exciting time for the group’s American brands.

“Despite short-term stock constraints, the continued sales success is a result of sharp pricing and the fantastic commitment and support we enjoy from our dealership network,” Johns says in a statement.

Mazda delivered an April-record 7,833 units for a year-to-date total up 1.1% to 34,585 to maintain its position as Australia’s No.2 brand and leading full-line importer.

Hyundai posted its ninth consecutive month of record sales, with its best-ever April total up 4.2% from year-ago to 7,315 units.

Nissan’s April sales increased 9.2% from like-2012 to a record 5,114 units, raising its 4-month result 17%.

Audi notched the most successful April in the brand’s history Down Under, with April deliveries of 1,221 units topping the previous record of 1,067 set in 2011. The result boosted its year-to-date result 21.8% to 5,285.

Audi Australia Managing Director Andrew Doyle says the strong growth in a fiercely competitive premium retail environment is a good signal the brand is heading toward its target of a record 15,000 units this year.