New vehicle sales slip slightly from record levels

Media Release

For Immediate Release
5 December 2005

New vehicle sales slip slightly from record levels

New vehicle sales slipped slightly in November from recent record levels. Although new commercial vehicle sales were marginally ahead of November 2004, new car sales at 6304 were 387 behind the level of November 2004. It was still the second biggest November for the industry since 1990.

Year to date, 96,112 new vehicles have been delivered, 5.6% ahead of year to date November 2004. 2005 will be the first year since 1989 that over 100,000 new vehicles have been sold. Not only will 2005 beat 1989’s figure of 100,892, but it will also be the biggest market for at least 20 years.

“Although we’ve seen a slight tightening in purchasing behavior in recent weeks we believe that the new vehicle market has plenty of underlying strength.” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “After an unbroken four year boom we’re seeing a slight correction, but new cars are more affordable now than at any time in our history. We’re looking forward to finishing 2005 on a high and moving into the New Year with confidence.”

Although Ford just pipped Toyota for total vehicles for the month, Toyota still enjoys a big lead year to date. Falcon had a big month in November to take leadership in the model stakes but still lies third year to date behind Corolla. Both are well behind Commodore which seems set to remain the country’s top-selling car for the full year.

ENDS

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