Australia's total new car sales were down by only 7.4 per cent (74,836 vehicles) in 2009 compared to 2008 - a good result in difficult economic circumstances.
Toyota retained its position as market leader, but of the top 10 best-selling brands, Hyundai was the star performer with sales growth of 17,798 units compared to 2008, lifting its market share to 6.7 per cent and into fifth place overall - ahead of Mitsubishi, Nissan and Honda.
Four of the top five best-sellers (Toyota, Holden, Ford and Mazda) sold less vehicles in 2009 than they did in '08.
Toyota sold 200,991 vehicles (238,983 in '08), Holden sold 119,568 vehicles (130,338 in '08), Ford sold 96,501 vehicles (104,715 in '08) and Mazda retained its position as our best-selling full-line importer with sales of 77,739 vehicles (79,826 in '08).
Of the market segments, ' Upper Large Passenger Cars' (-34.3%), 'SUV Large' (-26.0%), 'Large Passenger Cars' (-14.8%) and People Movers (-12.8%) were the biggest declines. Both the 'Pick-Up/Cab Chassis 4x4' and 'Van' segments delivered sales growth in 2009.
During recent weeks, Car Showroom has spoken with the leaders of many local manufacturers and importers and there is a general feeling of optimism regarding the current year, with most predicting annual volumes roughly the same as '09 (937,328) - despite the end of the Federal Government's tax incentives on 31 December.
