New vehicle sales vary widely

While new vehicle sales continue to race ahead in 2012, growth rates vary greatly from state to state.

Leading the way on a year-to-date basis is, Western Australia and, somewhat surprisingly, Northern Territory which have experienced 14.8% and 14.7% growth respectively so far this year, compared with the same period in 2011.

At the opposite end of the scale is Tasmania, which has experienced negative growth this year, with sales down -5.1% on 2011.

In between come Queensland (+11%), ACT (9.7%), Victoria and NSW (+8.5%) and South Australia (+5.8%).