2010 continues to look bright for new car sales

The new car market has maintained its improved start to the year, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA). .

March passenger vehicle sales of 5392 units is ahead of February’s 4302 units by 25%. For the year to date, the 2010 passenger car sector is ahead of 2009 by more than 1300 units, or 9%.

MTA Marketing and Communications General Manager, Ian Stronach says, “This improvement now seems to be something of a trend. The indicators from other sectors of the economy are also pointing the right way, so while it’s unlikely that the market will reach great heights, everyone we are speaking to is happy with the direction it’s headed.”

Toyota retained its new car market leadership with 854 units and a 15.8% share, followed by Holden on 587 units (10.9%), Ford 497 units (9.2%) and just ahead of Mazda on 495 units (9.1%); who in turn narrowly headed Hyundai in fifth spot with 484 units (9%).

Smaller cars again dominated, with Toyota Corolla leading with 296 units ahead of Suzuki Swift 270 units, Holden Commodore 224 units, Mazda3 187 units and Holden Cruze and Mazda6 tying for fifth spot with 175 units each.

Used import registrations also continued to show recovery, and at 7800 units were at their highest level in nearly 18 months. And, for the first quarter of 2010 arrival volumes were more than double last year’s levels.

Change of Ownerships are at their highest levels in over a year.

Stronach adds “With more new models, new power-plant options, and even more manufacturers represented than there were a year ago, customers across almost all sectors are responding as the industry hoped. The balance of 2010 looks a lot better than it did even six months ago.”

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