The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) reported there were 99,442 new vehicle sales last month, which is 7,546 less than the number sold in March 2018.

It’s also the lowest number of sales for March since 2014.

Total sales over the year to date are 268,538 – down 7.9% on what it was at the same point last year.

Leading this slide is new passenger vehicle sales, which are down 17.8% with only 84,200 sold over January to March.

Chief executive of the FCAI Tony Weber said current economic conditions have played a part.

“We are seeing a cautious consumer approach at the moment, and this is not surprising given the number of economic headwinds in the Australian market,” Weber said.

Stagnant wage growth, falling house prices and slowing GDP growth are some of the issues that could be playing on the minds of the average Australian consumer.

Some, such as the RBA, have argued falling house prices have made Australian homeowners less willing buy new cars since some purchase them by borrowing against the value of their home.

But March new vehicle sales were up 14% on February’s 87,102 sales, although there are more selling days in March than February.

Top selling cars: Commercial vehicles and SUVs dominate

While passenger vehicle sales have fallen off significantly, March sales of SUVs and light commercial vehicles (LCVs) only suffered slight year-on-year dips of 3.5% and 0.4% respectively.

Only three passenger vehicles made the top 10 sellers list over the month, while the top three models were all utes (LCVs).

Top 10 selling vehicle models in March

Rank Model Category March 2019 sales
1. Toyota Hi-Lux LCV 4,527
2. Ford Ranger LCV 3,721
3. Mitsubishi Triton LCV 2,666
4. Mazda 3 Passenger 2,642
5. Toyota Corolla Passenger 2,499
6. Mazda CX-5 SUV 2,414
7. Hyundai i30 Passenger 2,402
8. Toyota Landcruiser SUV 2,307
9. Mitsubishi ASX SUV 2,236
10. Mitsubishi Outlander SUV 2,067

Source: VFACTS, FCAI

The Mitsubishi Outlander rounded out the top 10 sellers over the month with a remarkable 44.2% growth in sales compared to its March sales in 2018.

Around the states and territories, steep falls in March new vehicle sales were felt in Victoria (-11.5%), Northern Territory (-9.7%) and New South Wales (-8.4%), while there were higher March sales in South Australia (+9.4%) and Tasmania (+6.2%).

For feedback or queries, email dominic.beattie@savings.com.au

Photo by Justin Clark on Unsplash