Sales of new motor vehicles reach highest level since 1985 on a rolling 12-month basis

Sales of new motor vehicles remained strong in July, with a 29-year 12-month high reached, however sales of both passenger cars and commercial vehicles were down month-on-month.

Based on Motor Industry Association (MIA) figures, sales of new passenger vehicles on a rolling 12-month basis were the highest since 1985 in the year to July at 87,203.

And sales of new commercial vehicles on a rolling 12-month basis reached 34,605, the highest since the MIA started collecting records in 1981.

“July sales of 10,313 new passenger and commercial vehicles is up 10% on July 2013 and 13% year to date (8,594 units) on this time last year," says MIA CEO David Crawford.

"Registrations of 3,242 new commercial vehicles for the month of July reflects continued strong demand, being the strongest July sales since the MIA began collecting records for commercial vehicles in 1981."

He says there were 7,071 new passenger vehicles sold in July, which is an increase of 4.5%, or 303, from July 2013. So far in 2014 passenger vehicle registrations are up 4,853 vehicles, or 10.4%, on 2013.

In terms of commercial vehicle registrations, July's 3,242  were 610, or 23%, higher than July last year. And year-to-date commercial vehicle registrations are 3,744, or 21.5%, above July 2013.

Both sales of passenger cars and commercial vehicles were down, month-on-month however, with passenger car sales having been 1,446, or 17%, higher at 8,517 in June, when commercial vehicle sales were 4,002, which was 760, or 19%, higher than July.

The MIA says Toyota had 16% overall marketshare in July, equivalent to 1,665 vehicles, making it the market leader ahead of Ford with 1,210 vehicles and 12%, and Holden with 1,157 and 11%.

Sales of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) remained the strongest selling market segment, comprising 28% of all vehicle sales in July.  Second was pick-ups/chassis-cabs with 23%, and small passenger cars at 16%.