After a blip in February where the stink bug - shipping crisis affected new vehicle availability March has bounced back to the normal record setting trend. David Crawford, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association says “March new vehicle registrations of 14,028 vehicles were up 1% (159 units) on March 2017 reflecting a stable market. Year to date the market is up 2% (916 units) compared to the first three months of 2017.”
Registrations of 9050 passenger and SUV vehicles for the month of March were down 2% (180 units) on March 2017. However, registrations of 4,978 commercial vehicles continues to grow strongly being up 7% (339 units) on March 2017.”
Toyota remains the overall market leader with 17% market share (2,421 units), followed by Ford with 11% (1,551 units) and Mitsubishi with 8% market share (1,104 units).
Toyota was also the market leader for passenger and SUV registrations with 13% market share (1,196 units) followed by Mazda with 9% (858 units) and Mitsubishi with 8% market share (722 units).
In the commercial sector, Toyota remained the market leader with 25% market share (1,225 units) followed by Ford with 21% (1,047 units) and Holden with 9% market share (427 units).
The top four selling models for the month of March were all light commercial vehicles. The Toyota Hilux was back at the top of the bestselling vehicle model table with 915 units. This was closely followed by the Ford Ranger with 912 units and the Holden Colorado with 427 units.
The SUV medium segment regained the top segment for the month of March with 18% market share. This was followed by the Pick Up/Chassis Cab 4x4 segment also with 16% of the market, and the SUV compact with 13% market share.
“The market for new vehicles is mature and remains strong. The economic factors of the past two years are still largely present with strong net immigration, affordable prices and strong economy.” said Mr Crawford.
