Preliminary figures released recently by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) show that a total of 962,521 cars, trucks and buses were sold in Australia in 2006.

This figure is expected to rise by approximately 200 when the December sales results of a heavy commercial vehicle distributor are included.

The result is 2.6 per cent down on the record of 988,269 set in 2005, but still 7,292 up on the previous record set in 2004.

Chief Executive of the FCAI Peter Sturrock said that the result was excellent given the combined effects of interest rates and fuel prices.

"The rise and fall of fuel prices during 2006 was as unpredictable as it was dramatic and interest rate speculation created further uncertainty among consumers, so in those circumstances sales were encouragingly strong," he said.

The fastest growing brand in Australia in 2006 was Aston Martin, who reported their sales increase as a particularly healthy 91.4% during a very busy 2006. The brand registered 111 cars in 2006, compared to 58 in 2005.

Toyota was the best-selling brand in 2006 for the fourth year in a row with a 22.2 per cent share of the total market.

It was followed by Holden (15.2 per cent), Ford (11.9 per cent) and Mazda (6.6 per cent) – their finishing positions unchanged from 2005.

Mitsubishi (5.6 per cent), Nissan (5.5 per cent) and Hyundai (4.8 per cent) dropped one spot each – all three leap-frogged by Honda (5.6 per cent) in an extremely tight sales tussle.

Volkswagen moved into the top ten by taking the spot previously held by Kia.

The 2006 results show some significant changes in the sales mix between vehicle segments.

Light car sales rose by 20,196 or 21.1 per cent while Small car sales remained much the same, up 1,345 or 0.6 per cent.

"Light cars became more popular last year, not just because they were more fuel-efficient, but because they were roomier, more practical and better specified for the money than ever before" said Mr Sturrock.

The Large car segment and the Medium SUV segment both suffered significant slowdowns – falling by 30,775 and 10,632 sales respectively.

In contrast to the apparent move to smaller vehicles was the strength of the Luxury SUV segment, which grew 1,739 or 10.5 per cent.

"Australians have not fallen out of love with large cars and in common with almost every other market in the world it is likely that we will continue to buy the most space, power and performance that we can afford."

Mr Sturrock pointed to the success of the 4X4 utility/Cab Chassis segment which grew by 4,911 vehicles or 7.8 per cent.

"We think many of these four-wheel drive utes are being bought as much for private use as a tool-of-trade," he said.

The buoyancy of the segment was in contrast to the Light Truck market as a whole, which declined slightly by 6,087 vehicles or 3.6 per cent.

The FCAI is forecasting a steady outlook for 2007 with motor vehicle sales of 970,000. This would make 2007 the second best year of sales ever, if the projection is met.

"Notwithstanding recent rises, interest rates remain relatively low by historical standards and most new motor vehicles offer consumers compelling value for money, so we believe the market will continue to travel at its current high speed," he said.