Sales continue to decline in 2020

The new vehicle sales figures for January this year shows a decline in sales once again.

Totalling 71,731, this number is a 12.5% decline from this time last year, and comprised of 20,494 passenger vehicles, 35,393 SUVs and 14,035 light commercial vehicles.

January 2020 marks the 22nd month of declining sales.

The results from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), the peak body for the automotive industry in Australia, confirms these results.

“Given the broad range of environmental, financial, international and political issues facing Australia during January, it is no surprise to see the new vehicle market has reported a conservative start to the year,” FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says.

Toyota lead the chase in January with 14,809 sales and 20.6% market share, followed by Mazda with 6695 sales and 9.3%, Hyundai with 5443 and 7.6%, Mitsubishi with 5108 and 7.1%, and Kia with 4705 and 6.6%.

The Toyota Hilux was January’s top selling vehicle, with 2968 sales, closely followed by the Ford Ranger with 2624.

The Toyota Corolla was third with 2370, fourth was the Toyota RAV4 with 2290, and the Mitsubishi Triton with 2075.

January this year had one less selling day than January 2019, resulting in a decrease of 291 vehicle sales per day.

Weber commends the updated VFACTS reporting system.

“VFACTS is the most accurate source of data for the automotive industry. The updated VFACTS system is working well and automotive brands have welcomed its release,” Weber says.

“The benefits of the new system include improved data accuracy and more timely reporting lines.”