Australian new vehicle sales fell 7.8 per cent in July 2018 when compared to the corresponding month last year according to the latest data released by the motor industry’s statistical service VFACTS.

 

In July, new car sales totalled 85,551, down from 92,754 for the same month in 2017. For context, July is traditionally a slower month after the June push to cash in on end of the financial year.

 

Total sales for the first seven months of 2018 now sit at 691,073, which is 0.2 per cent below the same year-to-date result for 2017.

 

The swing away from passenger cars continued, the segment fell by a massive 20.2 per cent while SUV sales saw a 1.0 per cent contraction.

 

Going against the general market trend in July were sales of micro cars (+31.8 per cent), small SUVs (+3.4 per cent), 4x4 pick-ups (+6.4 per cent) and upper large SUVs (+4.1 per cent).

 

Toyota was again the market leader in July with a dominant 19.8 per cent share, followed by Mazda (10.4 per cent), Hyundai (8.3 per cent) and Mitsubishi (6.9 per cent). Not bad considering all suffered falls of between 1.9 and 6.4 per cent.

 

Holden continues its slide, the brand suffered a drop of nearly 40 per cent over July 2017. Holden’s new metal isn’t capturing the market’s attention. All eyes are now on Holden’s new boss.

 

Ford also saw a drop, the brand was down 12.6 per cent. 2019 updates to the Ranger and Everest along with a new Focus might square things up.

 

Of the top ten selling brands, only Kia, Nissan and Volkswagen achieved positive growth. All Kia needs is a ute!

 

Some smaller brands defied the July’s drop and posted strong results albeit from a relatively low starting point.

 

Chinese brands kicking goals included MG with 281 sales (up a staggering 540 per cent), LDV accumulated 511 units (up 147 per cent), while Great Wall saw 55 registrations (up 96.4 per cent).

 

MG should be confident of continued growth, the ZS SUV is one of the best Chinese cars we have seen Down Under. A larger dealer footprint is needed to here.

 

Volvo remains a brand in form, having a swag of SUVs obviously helps, the Swedish marque moved 528 cars (up 35 per cent), while Peugeot notched up 252 sales (up almost 140 per cent).

 

Australia remains spellbound by utes, the Toyota HiLux was the best-selling model followed by the Ford Ranger. The Toyota Corolla was the nation’s favourite passenger car.

 

More: All News

More: New Car Sales June 2018

More: New Car Sales May 2018

More: New Car Sales April 2018