Race for the Top; Which Small Car will End Year as #1 Seller?

Overall, passenger car sales were down for the month of November; a discouraging trend that has been spiralling for months. However, two cars in particular are still selling strong, and have found themselves in a race for the finish.

Toyota Corolla vs. Mazda3

“Only 679 sales separate the Toyota Corolla and the Mazda3. While the Corolla is ahead in sales for 2014, the Mazda3 was the top selling vehicle in November,” notes FCAI Chief Executive, Tony Weber.

With one month to go in the calendar year, the Toyota Corolla has sold 40,189 units while the Mazda3 has sold just under, at 39,510. During the month of November, the Mazda3 actually sold more than the Corolla, edging in closer for the year end win.

Small cars were once again hit hardest in WA and Queensland, and even down in New South Wales this month, but only by .3%.

In terms of brands, the biggest mover of the month was Hyundai, which sold more vehicles than any brand except Toyota. Mitsubishi also proved strong with a 37% sales rise in November overall. And always one to watch, Mercedes-Benz almost made history as it teetered on the edge of the top 10 sales list, putting themselves in position as the first luxury brand to do so.*

As expected, new car sales in Australia have now passed the million mark and are expected to finish up 2014 with over 1.1 million.

SUV Sales Up Again

Last month, SUV sales once again surpassed YTD comparison with an impressive 7.3% growth over last year’s figures; small and medium sized SUVs even pushed a massive 20% increase in the space. It’s quite a different trend we’re seeing in SUV sales compared to other areas of the industry and predict it will continue holding strong into the New Year.

Overall, new vehicle sales in Australia could be worse but could be better.

There are many predictions to be made - a possible turnaround for small passenger cars? or potential plateau for SUV sales? Stay tuned next month to see how the calendar year wraps up, along with our solid predictions for 2015.

*Source: AutoTalk