Holden has produced its second best October sales in history, leadership of the passenger and light truck markets and the largest large car segment victory for two years.

The results, released this week by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, included Holden's tenth consecutive monthly sales record in light trucks where it commanded 28.2% per cent share.

Holden recorded total sales of 16,340 units in October, achieving 20% market share for the first time this year, and reached 148,352 for the year which is 1% higher than 2003.

The new VZ range led Commodore to 7869 sales, scoring a resounding win with 49.8% share of the large car segment, 3357 units ahead of Ford, the highest margin since October 2002.

Holden continued to hold the title of Australia's most popular Ute range, outselling its main competitor by 458 during October and 1673 for the year.

Holden Executive Director Sales and Marketing, Ross McKenzie, said the result reflected the arrival of Holden's many new models into showrooms during October. Launches including VZ Commodore, Monaro and light commercials, WL Statesman and Caprice and AH Astra all helped to generate significant interest last month.

"Holden has spent several months rolling out a vast array of new sedans, wagons, utilities and coupes which are now with dealers and customers," Mr McKenzie said.

"Three of Australia's most popular ranges, Commodore, Astra and Ute, have all been substantially upgraded and this is being reflected in our sales. Commodore, Statesman, Monaro and Barina all returned their best monthly sales for 2004 during October."

Mr McKenzie said the automotive market remained buoyant and Holden expected market forecasts of 960,000 to be achieved. Australians bought 81,667 vehicles in October, a new monthly record. Year-to-date sales of 791,914 were up 36,001 units or 4.8% on 2003.

"There has also been little evidence of any change in buyer patterns due to tariff changes in 2005 and we expect this is due to some carmakers pre-emptively revising their pricing in anticipation of new market conditions.