Holden has rounded off the first half of 2004 with its best monthly sales result since December 1982 and leadership in the passenger and light truck segments.

Holden sold 17,502 vehicles during June led by its barnstorming light commercial range which reached an all-time high of 5354, now 38 per cent higher for the year to date than 2003.

Rodeo headed the charge with an all-time monthly record of 2553 sales, closely followed by 2216 Ute range sales.

Holden has now sold 88,381 vehicles during 2004, almost 2000 units higher than in 2003, for overall market share of 18.7 per cent.

Holden Sales Director, Megan Stooke, said Holden’s first half result was pleasing given the fierce competitiveness of the marketplace.

Ms Stooke said Holden had been able to progressively build on its passenger car strengths with light commercial and all-wheel-drive capability.

She said Holden’s launch programme for 2004 was all based in the second half, providing the drive for even stronger performances towards the end of the year.

"The market is running at record pace and everyone is working hard to ensure we have cars available for buyers," Ms Stooke said.

"Commodore had its strongest month for the year with 7746 sales and now leads its nearest large car rival by more than 5000 units or almost 15 per cent.

"Astra and Barina also had their best months for 2004 with 2756 and 646 sales respectively and Caprice completed a record first half. However, these sorts of records will need to keep falling to keep pace with the market for the rest of the year.

"Holden is currently forecasting 950,000 for the market although tariff reductions in January 2005 may have a dampening effect in the second half of 2004."