Figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that 71,305 vehicles were sold last month – up 3.5 percent on the previous record set in April last year.

Year-to-date sales are running 9.2 per cent or 25,142 vehicles ahead of the same period in 2003.

Last month the FCAI forecast that total vehicle sales will reach 960,000 in 2004, up from the previous record of 909,000 set last year.

“Vehicle sales continue to be very robust and there is every indication that the industry remains on track towards another record year,” said the FCAI chief executive Peter Sturrock.

The Light Truck Market increased by 18.0 percent over the same month last year, the Sports Utility Vehicle Market grew by 4.3 percent and the Passenger Vehicle Market fell slightly, by 1.2 percent month on month.

“The continued strength of commercial vehicles reflects improving business conditions and the resilience of the Australian economy,” Mr Sturrock said.

Toyota was the top brand in April with 15,068 sales, ahead of Holden 13,190 and Ford 9,547.

Year-to-date Toyota now leads Holden by 6,784 vehicle sales and has 21.1 per cent market share compared to Holden (18.8 per cent) and Ford (13.4 per cent).

“The overall market is also being influenced by the very strong performance of the two major importers – Nissan and Mazda,” said Mr Sturrock.

Nissan’s sales are up 16.3 percent for the year to date, while Mazda is up 13.1 per cent.

Within the Passenger Vehicle Market significant monthly gains were posted by the Prestige (+83.6 per cent) and Luxury (+4.8 percent) segments, Light (+19.5 per cent) and Medium (+5.8 per cent) cars and People Movers (+32.4 per cent).

Within Sports Utility Vehicle Market, Medium SUVs (+23.6 per cent) and Luxury SUVs (+26.3 percent) made the biggest gains.

In the Light Truck Market the Pickup Cab Chassis segments were entirely responsible for the growth – PU/CC 4x2 up 31.0 per cent and PU/CC 4x4 up by 24.6 per cent.

The Heavy Truck Market is up 30.6 percent over the same month in 2003.