Australian new car sales in July dropped again compared to the same month in 2018, seeing the market year-to-date falling by 7.7 percent, according to FCAI data.

According to data released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Australian new car sales fell by 2.8 percent in July 2019 compared to the same month in 2018 (83,184 sales). With year-to-date sales down by 7.7 percent (637,650 total sales).

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, said: “The July sales figures continue to illustrate the tough market conditions facing the Australian automotive industry, and the sensitive nature of the economy over the past twelve months.

“Tight financial lending, drought, increasing Luxury Car Tax imposts and the Federal election have all contributed to make the Australian car market one of the toughest in the world.” 

Toyota remained the top selling marque for the month with 17,876 sales for 21.5 per cent market share (HiLux and Corolla finished one, two, respectively in July sales), followed by Mazda (8227 sales for 9.9 percent market share), Hyundai (6983 sales for 8.4 percent market share), Mitsubishi (5247 sales for 6.3 per cent market share) and Ford (4900 sales for 5.9 percent market share). Ford Ranger finished the month in third place with the RAV4 taking out fourth spot followed by the Hyundai i30.

SUVs continued as the most popular segment in Australia, with 37,894 sales, followed by Passenger vehicles with 25,386 sales, and Light Commercial Vehicles with 16,710 sales.