Vehicle Sales Rise in Australia

Vehicle sales in Australia grew 1% to 102,700 units in September, thanks to strong demand for commercial vehicles and SUVs that overcame a continuing sales slump for cars.

The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries reports deliveries of light commercial trucks and SUVs jumped 18% and 7%, respectively, last month. Passenger car sales slid 9%.

The market’s top brands in September were Toyota (16% share), Mazda (12%) and Hyundai (9%). General Motors and Ford market shares were 8% and 7%, respectively.

Vehicle sales in Australia through the first nine months of 2012 grew 3% to 887,100 units, according to the trade group. Full-year sales in 2015 reached a record 1.16 million units.