In August 2020, just under 61,000 new vehicles were sold, down from more than 85,000 in August 2019, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI).
In the year to date, car sales figures are also down more than a fifth compared to 2019's period.
However, light SUVs continued to gain market share, up 12.2% in sales compared to August 2019.
This was aided by the likes of the the new Suzuki Jimny (+157.1%), Nissan Juke (+15.4%) and Mazda CX-3 (+3.6%).
SUVs now also make up 53.1% of all new vehicles sold, up 7.5% on August 2019, while passenger cars (sedans, hatchbacks) decreased 5.9%.
These figures are largely a continuation of the trend as seen in July's figures.
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FCAI chief Tony Weber said the evidence was clear the effect state lockdowns has on car sales, with Victoria's new car sales down nearly two thirds.
“We’ve seen 29 consecutive months of diminishing sales in this industry, and there’s no doubt our members are feeling the pinch," he said.
"The move to commence the reopening of industry and markets, especially in Victoria, needs to start as soon as possible."
In a rare bright spot on the FCAI report, hybrid SUVs increased their sales by 358.4%, aided largely by the likes of the new Toyota RAV-4 (+140.5%).
Fully-electric SUVs also increased their sales by 23.3%.
Luxury SUVs also enjoyed popularity, with the new BMW X6 up 800% in sales for August, and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class Coupe's up 81.8%.
The small Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class also increased sales by 37.7%.
In larger bodies, the Mercedes-Benz GLS-Class is also up 221.4% in the 'Upper Large' category, and the Nissan Patrol is up 13.3%.
No word yet on effectiveness of increased asset write-offs
Light commercial vehicles (vans, utes) and SUVs made up 71.5% of vehicle sales in August 2020.
However, with the small business instant asset write off quintupled to $150,000 and extended to the end of the year, it's unclear the effect it's having.
"It is really difficult to quantify what specific effect that stimulant is having on these sales," an FCAI spokesperson told Savings.com.au.
"In addition, every case of instant asset write off is different, so [it is] really hard to make a broad statement.
"Nonetheless, the industry is clearly in a challenging situation, so all support and stimulants are very welcome."
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