Australian & New Zealand February 2006 Car Sales Results

[JoeT]

Small Cars Lead In Softer January Motor Vehicle Market

Federal Chamber Of Automotive Industries
3 March 2006
www.fcai.com.au

The growth in sales of light cars continued in February against the background of a general softening in the Australian motor vehicle market.

Official VFACTS figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that 77,466 vehicles were sold last month – a drop of 3695 or 4.6 per cent on February 2005.

Sales in the Light passenger car segment, however, grew by 1097 or 13.8 percent.

It is the 31st month in a row that Light car sales have set a new record.

A slight (0.4 per cent) drop in Small car sales in February compared to the same month last year interrupted a 12-month run of strong sales growth in the segment.

"For the last few years the Light car segment has contributed significantly to the market’s overall volume growth," said the Chief Executive of the FCAI, Peter Sturrock.

"That Light cars posted another significant gain February against the run of play is probably due to continuing consumer fuel economy concerns combined with the recent introduction of some significant new models to the segment."

Mr Sturrock said last month’s overall sales result was excellent even though it did not set a record.

"It’s still the second best February result ever and it’ s far too early to extrapolate any trend for the year from this result," he said.

"We are confident that the market remains very robust and on track to reach our annual sales forecast of 980,000."

The overall passenger car market fell 1.6 per cent in February, while the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) market fell 9.0 per cent.

The Light Truck market, however, rose by 4.4 per cent of February last year.

"The market for light commercial vehicles continues to be very healthy and there is some evidence that some of these vehicles are being purchased by private buyers for recreational purposes," said Mr Sturrock.

Toyota remained market leader in February with 16,173 sales, ahead of Holden (13,305) and Ford (10,426).

Year to date, Toyota now leads Holden by 5748.


VFACTS INDUSTRY SUMMARY- FEBRUARY 2006

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries issues the following summary for the retail sales performance of the automotive industry for February 2006, based on the industry's standard retail report, VFACTS.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries advises that the forecast for 2006 is 980,000 vehicles.

The February 2006 industry volume of 77,446, although very strong for a February month fell short of last years record by 3,695 vehicle sales or 4.6% on February 2005 (81,141 vehicles). February 2006 had the same number of selling days as February (24.0) 2005, resulting in a reduction of 154.0 vehicles per day.
The February 2006 market is up 7,443 (10.6%) on January (70,003 vehicles). February (24.0) had same number of selling days as January (24.0), resulting in an increase of 310.1 vehicles per day. The February volume equates to a SAAR of 0.99 Million vehicle sales.
The Passenger Vehicle Market fell by 2,157 vehicle sales (-4.3%) over the same month last year, the Sports Utility Vehicle Market, fell by 2,020 vehicle sales (-13.%), whilst the Light Truck Market, increased by 568 vehicle sales (4.4%), the Heavy Commercial Vehicle Market fell by 86 vehicle sales (-4.0%) over February 2005.
Toyota was market leader in February, followed by Holden and Ford. Year-to-date Toyota leads Holden with a margin of 5,748 vehicle sales, or 3.9 market share points.

The year-to-date 2006 market of 147,449 vehicles is running below the same period in 2005 by 2.3% or 3,405 vehicle sales. With the same number of selling days as 2005, the daily selling rate fell by 70.9 vehicle sales per day. This equates to a YTD SAAR of 1.01 Million vehicles. The Passenger Market at 92,244 vehicles is down by 1,471 vehicles (-1.6%). This equates to a YTD SAAR of 0.619 Million vehicles. Mixed results by segment show that, whilst increases were returned by, the Light car segment up, 3,476 (23.7%) and the Small car segment up, 253 (0.8%), the Large car segment down, 3,948 (-15.5%); the People mover segment down, 644 (-26.2%); the Medium car segment down, 361 (-2.5%); the Sports car segment down, 232 (-7.2%), and the Upper Large car segment down, 15 (-1.5%), failed to improve on their volumes for the same period last year. The Sports Utility Vehicle Market at 26,757 vehicles is down by 1,471 vehicles (-1.6%), in year-to-date terms. This equates to a YTD SAAR of 0.178 Million vehicles. All segments except the SUV Luxury segment which is up, 508 (23.1%), failed to improve on the same period in 2005, with the Medium segment down, 1,463 (-13.6%); the SUV Large segment down, 1,309 (-38.1%) and the SUV Compact segment down, 382 (-2.9%). The Light Truck Market at 24,463 vehicles is running 789 vehicles (3.3%) ahead, in year-to-date terms. This equates to a YTD SAAR of 0.179 Million vehicles. Only 2 segments, are not experiencing growth, the Van segment down, 148 vehicles (-4.7%) and the Pick-up/Cab Chassis 4X2 segment down, 80 vehicles (-0.7), whilst the Pick-up/Cab Chassis 4X4 segment up, 787 (9.1%) the Light bus segment up, 162 vehicles (97.6%) and the 2.5 Tonne truck segment up, 68 vehicles (34.5%) improved on their 2005 volumes. The Heavy Truck Market at 3,805 vehicles is down on the same period in 2005 by, 77 vehicles or 2.0%.


MONTHLY RESULTS

The Passenger Vehicle Market is down 1,471 vehicle sales or 1.6%. The PMV market volume equates to a SAAR of 0.625 Million vehicle sales. Mixed results were experienced amongst the segments with improved performances shown in the Light car segment, up 1,097 vehicle sales (13.8%) and the Upper Large car segment, up 50 vehicle sales (9.4%), whilst the Large car Segment, down 1,686 vehicle sales (-15.6%); the People mover segment, down 399 vehicle sales (-30.2%); the Medium car segment, down 373 vehicle sales (-5.0%); the Sports car segment, down 205 vehicle sales (-12.4%) and the Small car segment, down 65 vehicle sales (-0.4%), all failed to achieve their 2005 volumes. The Sports Utility Vehicle Market is down 2,646 vehicle sales or 9.0% versus February 2005. The SUV market volume equates to SAAR of 0.173 million vehicle sales. Again mixed results by segment were evident, with all segments except the SUV Luxury segment which is up 270 vehicle sales (23.8%), failing to improve on their 2005 result, with the SUV Medium segment, down 974 (16.4%); the SUV Large segment, down 735 vehicle sales (-38.3%) and the SUV Compact segment, down 581 vehicle sales (-8.9%). The Light Truck Market returned an increase of 568 vehicle sales or 4.4% over February 2005. The LCV market volume equates to SAAR of 0.178 million vehicle sales. All segments contributed to this increase with the Pick-up/Cab Chassis 4x4 segment up 313 vehicle sales (6.5%); the Light Bus segment, up 111 (165.7%); Pick-up/Cab Chassis 4X2 segment, up 72 vehicle sales (1.2%); the 2.5 Tonne truck segment, 60 vehicle sales (7.6%) and the Van segment, up 12 vehicle sales (0.7%) on their 2005 volume levels. The Heavy Truck Market is down 86 vehicle sales or 4.%, when compared with the same month in 2005. This equates to a SAAR of 0.029 Million vehicle sales.


TOP TEN MAKES

Toyota gained the top sales position in the February monthly market with 16,173 vehicle sales, ahead of Holden with 13,305 and Ford third with 10,426. Toyota, with a market share of 20.7%, holds market leadership in year-to-date terms. Holden's January result sees it in second position with a market share of 16.8%, with Ford's market share of 12.1% placing it third. Mazda, with sales of 5,481 and with a market share of 7.4%, hold fourth position. Honda achieved 3,484 vehicle sales in February and with a share of 5.6%, is in fifth place ahead of Nissan, on 5.4% market share.

NZ New Vehicle Market Remains Upbeat In February

Motor Industry Association New Zealand
6 March 2006
www.mia.org.nz

The new vehicle market continued its strong start to 2006 with 5945 new cars sold in February (up 3% on February 2005), and 1829 new commercials finding owners (just one unit less than the same month last year).

Year to date, new vehicle sales were 4.5% ahead of the same period last year, representing a continuation of the growth pattern of the last three years.

Despite still running at 20 year record monthly levels, the new vehicle industry isn’t counting its chickens. “The economy’s sending out warning signals,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association, “but despite the fact that trading conditions aren’t getting any easier, consumers are recognising the excellent value represented by fuel-efficient and safe new vehicles and are responding accordingly.”

Although Ford sneaked in front in new passenger car sales for the month of February, Toyota remained ahead for total vehicles, thanks to another very strong month for light trucks.

Normal service was resumed in the individual model stakes, with Commodore, Falcon and Corolla assuming their usual order for February.


Top 8 New Zealand Brands February 2006

Toyota - 1313
Ford - 1108
Holden - 1047
Nissan - 639
Honda - 519
Mazda - 454
Mitsubishi - 375
Hyundai - 305

Australian & New Zealand January 2006 Car Sales Results

[Butz]

Daewoo sourced cars will help increase Holden's volume, lets hope they don't tarnish Holden's image.

[Bravada]

How I HATE "numbers pasted as text"! Tables please!

Anyway, from the only table we've got here I see (with a big smile on my face) that good ol' Mazda is Australia's fourth most popular make, outsold only by three "domestic" makes and outselling the fourth (and Nissan, which has a bit of "domestic" heritage) without even having a large car! Combined with Mazda, for is bigger than GM, but unfortunately loses out to Toyota - I hope it changes once people will fall asleep while trying to buy their Aurions.

It's sad for me not to see a single European badge in top ten. PSA, VW and Fiat should better do something about it!

[FISH]

VW's just cost to much here for it to sell in larger numbers.

[Bravada]

Then GM should go and make them in China (some of which they actually do). Same applies to PSA (the problem is that China gets sedan versions which are unbearable to anybody but the Chinese). Fiat, well, Fiat has a problem here Perhaps they can get into this Proton-Mitsubishi thing?

[Martino_z]

That hideous proton mitsubishi is not something anyone wants to get in on. That satria/mirage thing is still there best model after all these years. But sales figures tell me that most men have become more feminine with there view to cars. Honestly though how can the corolla sell so well? What makes a normal person wake up and say Im gonna buy a corrolla? I drove a new one and they are a terrible car! gutless, handling issues (fwd thing), very poor vision, blind spots galore, ugly, expensive compared to european rivals and check the NRMA website for more. Ok ive said enough.

[EGG]

Frankly I don't know why people drive corollas either.

Someone said a while ago that in Britain, your average driver spends 4 years of their life behind the wheel. That might be a bit higher in Australia, but why would you want to spend 4 years in a corolla or some other ****-box?

[Bravada]

Originally Posted by Martino_z

That hideous proton mitsubishi is not something anyone wants to get in on.

I'm not saying Fiat should be anyhow involved with the Satria, Wira or any other Proton model, I meant that they could start assembly at Proton. Given Mitsu's troubles in Australia, they could even start assembly there, if Chrysler won't make the obvious move.

[tgagneguam]

I wonder why Holden seems satisfied with its #2 sales status in Australia. (Cuz if they weren't satisfied, they'd be doing more to put Toyota in its place.)

[Geotpf]

Originally Posted by EGG

Frankly I don't know why people drive corollas either.

Someone said a while ago that in Britain, your average driver spends 4 years of their life behind the wheel. That might be a bit higher in Australia, but why would you want to spend 4 years in a corolla or some other ****-box?

Because they prefer to be driving it than sitting in it waiting for the tow truck? Even if you think that GM's reliability is now equal to Toyota's, conventional wisdom at the very least is that it is not.

Besides, the majority of people aren't car enthusiasts, but use a car to get from point A to point B, in a comfy seat with the radio playing. A Toyota is as good at doing that as anything else-better if you think the competition might break down at point C in between.

I'm mildly surprised that Toyota hasn't tried to make performance cars again. Other than some Lexuses, they have pretty much written off that segment. It may be the small sales numbers don't justify thier bothering with the segment-they mostly make money by selling the same car to a billion people, instead a bunch of small selling vehicles. They don't see the need for a "halo car", one that gets people into the showroom to gawk at, who then turn around and buy something more practical, even though the small sales numbers means they lose money on every sale (because they never recoop development costs).

[Bravada]

Originally Posted by tgagneguam

I wonder why Holden seems satisfied with its #2 sales status in Australia. (Cuz if they weren't satisfied, they'd be doing more to put Toyota in its place.)

Well, given the possibilites Holden have and GM's usual level of execution, Holden seems to have gone out of their way to regain market share. Toyota doesn't really excel in the large vehicle class, but they are preparing an all-new lineup of cars here. They are replacing slow-selling Euro-imported models with bargain-basement Koreans to fight Toyota's (and others') "value" offerings, they are bringing about a compact SUV (they could've perhaps tried harder and acquired the Vitara, but I credit them for stopping badge engineering). I don't know about other things like dealership networks, sales policies etc. but Holden's model lineup for the coming years seems to be more Toyota-oriented than ever.

[mikmak]

Not only is the line up oriented with fighting Toyota, it is possibly better armed.
The small car shift has arrived about 12 months before holden started packing its showrooms with the Daewoo sourced cash generators. Now there are the Barina, Viva and Astra. They have diversified a segment from 1 to 3;small, medium and large-small cars.
Instead of relying on a Hero car to attract buyers in to the showroom who will probably buy something cheaper, they have attracted bargain buyers with cheap candy who will hopefully realise that a slightly better car is quite accessible.
The medium size econobox (New vectra) will take care of camry fans and probably a small chunk of fleet sales, regardless of what I think of it (the less I expect, the less disappointed I will be).

The arrival of the VE commodore will arrive with so much fanfare and marketing hoopla, that no one will even notice the Aurion.

Upsizing of the Rodeo donk to an alloytech should sufficiently boost and already competitive platform. The only real hole is commercial vehicles (vans and the like)

If anything, I think Toyota is in for a battering over the next 3-4 years at least. Look for big discounts on what is an old generation vehicle (Corolla)
Sporty Corolla; you still kill me Martino_z

[JoeT]

I've just posted the New Zealand February 2006 Car Sales Results under the Australian results.

Bloody Ford overtook Holden in overall NZ sales last month!

You'll never see such a result in Australia.... I hope

[JoeT]

Mitsubishi 380 Sales Spike As Large Car Market Fall Again

Byron Mathioudakis
7 March 2006
www.goauto.com.au

Large car sales continued to fall during February despite widespread incentives from all players in this segment.

And at 77,466, overall new vehicle sales were down 3695 units (or 4.6 per cent) on February 2005’s record 81,141.

Yet last month’s tally was still the second-best February total ever.

Mitsubishi’s highly publicised 380 LE special offer – unveiled in the second week of the month – saw a 41 per cent spike in sales for the newest large car contender.

It’s a result the company says is the best since the Magna replacement’s first full month on sale last November.

But at 1011 vehicles, up from a dismal 719 units in an admittedly slow January retail month, this was still well down on the 2500 monthly units the company forecast at the 380’s launch last September.

It’s also worth noting that Mitsubishi sold 1782 of the Magna/Verada models in February ’05 (and 100 still last month).

Mitsubishi now says it will take some time for 380 sales to reach "an acceptable level and role within the total model range."

Nevertheless Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited president and CEO Rob McEniry is cautiously optimistic that the 380 LE’s retail impact and fleet penetration are still gathering sales momentum.

Month-on-month, the 380’s 41 per cent growth rate exceeded that of the large car segment’s expanse from January’s alarming 12.3 per cent to 15.5 per cent (February ’05: 17.6 per cent), by nine per cent.

"I am looking forward to the next couple of months as we get the full effect of the LE campaign and also fleet sales continue to kick in," he said.

In other large car under $80,000 news, Holden Commodore sales slid almost 19 per cent to within just 39 units of the Ford Falcon’s slightly improved 4743 tally, at 4787 units.

Nissan’s Maxima sales are down to 142 (down 32 from January and half of February 2005’s result), Camry V6 nosedived 200 units to 736 cars, while the all-new Hyundai Grandeur recorded a healthy 117 sales.

Year-to-date, large car sales represent just 14 per cent of the passenger car market, compared to 16.4 this time last year.

Holden CEO Denny Mooney told GoAuto last month that, on the eve of the VE Commodore, it’s figures like these that keep him awake at night.

Holden Barina sales should please him though, with its 1369 sales almost catching the Hyundai Getz’s 1409 tally (down from January’s strong 1906 total), although Toyota’s ruling new Yaris’ 1757 – though slipping from 1833 – is proof that the change from Echo has been seamless.

Suzuki Swift (858), Kia Rio (661) and VW’s refreshed Polo (110) have also shown good progress.

Up in February but down on the same time in 2005 small car sales may have been, but their market share increased to 21.8 per cent against last year’s 20.9 overall.

With 3396 Toyota Corolla, 2577 Mazda3 and 1646 Holden Astra sales, this triumvirate accounted for almost half of all new small car sales under $40,000.

But Nissan must be concerned with only 708 Tiida cars finding homes in its February debut month. Running at around half of those projected, it’s also 384 units down on February 2005’s 1420 Pulsar total even with the 328 Pulsars sold last month included.

Holden’s small-car share dropped 2.1 per cent month-on-month despite the new Viva’s arrival, Ford’s Focus is up slightly but not enough, while the Honda Civic’s 4.7 per cent share – up from 2.8 in February ’05 – is impressive considering the new model’s on-sale date was February 23.

Medium cars below $55,000 tripped to 7.1 per cent of the total passenger car market (down from 7.7), with the recently revamped Hyundai Sonata and new VW Jetta being the only sunny spots here.

Meanwhile in the Medium $55K-plus sector money talks, because the suddenly more-affordable Alfa 156, Saab 9-3 and Volvo S40/V50 duo all increased their sales.

And so does fresh metal, since the BMW E90 3 Series, Lexus IS250 and the Audi A4 all increased their market share.

Chrysler’s 130 300C sales outdid Ford’s Fairlane but not the 204-selling Holden Statesman, while the new Mercedes S-class’ 41-unit result topped the $100K-plus Upper Large dominion.

Toyota is dominating both SUV Compact and SUV Large sales with its RAV4 and LandCruiser respectively.

Ford’s reigning Territory gained sales in February but is down almost 25 per cent year-on-year in the medium SUV sector, with Toyota’s Kluger and Prado also recording similar drops.

Meanwhile, the Holden Adventra has doubled its meagre market share to 5.1 per cent year-on-year while the Nissan Pathfinder is performing strongly.

With passenger vehicle and SUV sales down 4.3 and 13 per cent respectively, only the light truck segment grew year-on-year in February.

Star performances here came from Toyota’s refreshed HiLux ute and HiAce van models, Holden’s Crewman and the golden-oldies Mitsubishi Triton and Nissan D22 Navara.

Reflecting fuel price concerns, while the rear-drive Falcon and Commodore utes continue their slide, the 4x2 Triton and 4X2 Ford Courier picked up some of their slack.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries still predicts 980,000 sales for 2006, which would about match the record ’05 result.

Mitsubishi 380 sales were up in February

[TKR]

Originally Posted by JoeT

I've just posted the New Zealand February 2006 Car Sales Results under the Australian results.

Bloody Ford overtook Holden in overall NZ sales last month!

You'll never see such a result in Australia.... I hope

...because we can't get enough b.....dy stock! Ask any HNZ dealer for a Viva Wagon and watch the salesman cringe (or SS or SV6 or......).