The new vehicle industry ended the year with total sales of 70,048, some 28% below 2008 volumes.

New commercial sales suffered the biggest drop with 15,644 registrations, compared with 23,933 the previous year (down by 34.6%). Passenger cars totalled 54,404, a 25.9% reduction on 2008 volume.

The calendar year finished with 3,973 new passenger cars registered in December (once again aided by high rental car sales) and 1,012 commercials, both figures well down on the comparable numbers for 2008.

"Clearly the financial crisis has had a dramatic impact on new vehicle sales and last year was no exception" said Mr Perry Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association. Mr Kerr said the new car industry had weathered the storm well; MIA members had reduced stock with the number of unsold new vehicles at an all time low, to a point where customers are waiting for some of the more popular models.

With the anticipated influx of new vehicles from China in 2010, the competition for sales going forward will only increase amongst the mainstream brands. While the Chinese brands will compete strongly with the used imports the new car industry will be unable to ignore their presence in what will be a super competitive market.

While pricing will be an important factor going forward, it is hoped occupant safety is also high on the priority list in any future buying decision.

Interestingly the luxury brands weathered the economic conditions well in 2009, with Audi taking the top spot and both BMW and Mercedes Benz increasing their market share.

Highlights:

  • December saw Mazda jump into number two spot for passenger car registrations with 476 sales - an all time high for the company.
  • Hyundai has been a big mover in 2009 claiming a healthy 8.55% market share YTD in passenger sales.
  • Not to be outdone, Kia has also increased their presence, finishing the year with an impressive 3.86% new car market share.
  • Toyota dominates the market in total sales with a 21.76% (including commercials) market share.
  • The Toyota Corolla was the top selling model for the year followed by the Holden Commodore with the Suzuki Swift taking out third place.

More information
December 2009 new car sales stats - (209 Kb PDF)