VFACTS figures released today by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries show that 77,035 motor vehicles were sold last month - down 2,486 or 3.1 per cent on July 2003.

The FCAI says it is the first month since March 2003 that a sales record has not been set and that the car market overall remains extremely buoyant.

“Year-to-date sales are up 5.3 per cent and the industry remains on target to reach the FCAI’s annual sales forecast of a new record of 960,000 vehicles,” said FCAI Chief Executive Peter Sturrock.

“The Australian motor vehicle industry has enjoyed a significant long term growth in sales volumes - more than 15 per cent in four years - but this is not a sudden peak or aberration.

“We believe the market has now shifted into a higher gear and it will remain running at somewhere near its current pace for the foreseeable future.”

Mr Sturrock says that year to date increased sales of Light Commercials (up 14.6 per cent), Heavy Commercial Vehicles (up 19.9 per cent) and Sports Utility Vehicles (up 13.2 per cent) indicate that consumers are confident and business conditions remain strong.

The SUV Medium segment was boosted significantly in July by the success of Ford’s new Australian-made Territory, which topped the segment for the first time with 1,681 sales.

Year-to-date, Toyota remains the market leader with 116,926 sales, ahead of Holden (102,421) and Ford (75,885).

The FCAI says the long-term boom in motor vehicle sales will bring multiple benefits to Australian motorists and the wider community.

“New motor vehicles have never been safer and environmentally cleaner than they are now,” said Mr Sturrock.

“New technology to further improve safety and fuel efficiency which was once only available on premium-priced vehicles is now available on a wide range of models and that is very welcome."