New vehicle registrations have soared to record levels in May, exceeding year-on-year results by over 1000 units as the new car market continues to operate at 'historically high levels' according to the Motor Industry Association (MIA).
Strong registration numbers in all categories were bolstered by pre-Fieldays specials, resulting in a sharp increase in passenger SUV, commercial vehicles and rental registrations - with market leader Toyota accounting for 93 per cent (1097 units) of all rental registrations in May.
“May 2018 new vehicle registrations of 14,169 vehicles were up 7.9 per cent (1,037 units) on May 2017 on the back of pre-field day specials and is the strongest month of May on record," said CEO of the MIA, David Crawford.
Year to date, the market is up by 2.7 per cent (1,741 units) compared to the first five months of 2017.”
Registrations of 9,276 passenger and SUV vehicles for the month of May were up sharply on May 2017, an increase of 10.5 per cent (889 units) and registrations of 4,893 commercial vehicles were up 3.0% (148 units) on May 2017.”
Toyota remains the overall market leader with 18 per cent market share (2,569 units), followed by Ford with 11 per cent (1,619 units) and Mazda (8 per cent market share and 1,076 units) displacing Holden by the narrowest of margins (8 per cent market share and 1,072 units)
Toyota regained the market lead for passenger and SUV registrations with 19 per cent market share (1,779 units) followed by Mazda with 9 per cent (879 units) and Hyundai also with 9 per cent market share (831 units).
In the commercial sector, Ford retained the market lead with 23 per cent market share (1,132 units) followed by Toyota with 16 per cent (790 units) and Nissan with 10 per cent market share (466 units).
Four of the top five selling models for the month of May were utes with the Toyota Highlander splitting the list in third spot. The Ford Ranger was back at the top of the bestselling vehicle model table with 1,017 units. This was followed by the Toyota Hilux with 582 units and the Toyota Highlander with 467 units.
The SUV Medium segment came in as the top segment for the month of May with 16 per cent market share. This was closely followed by the Pick Up/Chassis Cab 4x4 also with 15 per cent of the market, and the SUV Large with 15 per cent market share.
The top five segments were all light commercial vehicles and SUV’s, reflecting the ongoing popularity of these vehicles. SUV’s accounted for 43 per cent total market share and light commercials 30 per cent reflecting the continuing shift in purchasing patterns.
As Fieldays ramps up in June, new vehicle registrations show no sign of slowing. June 2018 could see a new high set for total registrations, the current record was set in June 2017 with 15,985 vehicles.
“The market for new vehicles continues to operate at historically high levels with registrations underpinned by a range of positive economic factors and a wide choice of models at competitive prices” said Crawford.
Top 15 Vehicle Sales by model - May 2018
|
Marque and Model |
|
|
Ford Ranger |
1017 |
|
Toyota Hilux |
582 |
|
Toyota Highlander |
467 |
|
Nissan Navara |
466 |
|
Mitsubishi Tritorn |
437 |
|
Holden Colorado |
410 |
|
Toyota Rav4 |
391 |
|
Mazda CX-5 |
375 |
|
Kia Sportage |
324 |
|
Toyota Corolla |
295 |
|
Holden Captiva |
259 |
|
Suzuki Swift |
253 |
|
Hyundai Santa Fe |
213 |
|
Isuzu D-MAX |
206 |
|
Mazda BT-50 |
197 |