Australia August 2013: Mazda3 #1, Toyota RAV4 hits all-time high

Toyota RAV4

* See the Top 15 best-selling models and Top 46 All-brands by clicking on the title! *

As predicted last month, the proposed changes to the fringe benefit tax (FBT) pending the September 7 Prime Minister election have slowed the Australian new car market, down 0.2% year-on-year in August to 93,336 registrations. The FBT change makes it harder to save on tax through novated leases, and as a result some businesses have stalled the purchase of new cars, with light commercials down 23% on August 2012 (see a view on FBT changes here). However the year-to-date sales total is evolving at record levels for now, up 4% on 2012 to 757,282 units.

4 more months until the all-new Mazda3 arrives in Australia…

Just when we thought the Toyota Corolla was moving towards an effortless first year in pole position (check out Australia: Could 2013 be the year of the Toyota Corolla?), the cards are redistributed once again! Boosted by Mazda’s annual M-day promotion and now in full run-out mode before the new generation comes in next January, the Madza3 delivers none other than its highest monthly volume and share so far in 2013 at 4,188 sales and 4.5%, up 40% year-on-year and relegating the Corolla to #2 at 3,681 units and 3.9%. With the Toyota Hilux hit full frontal by the FBT changes (-29% at #3), the Mazda3 is back up to #2 year-to-date with 27,729 sales vs. 28,596 for the Corolla… Which of the two do you think will win the 2013 race? Comment on here to let us know.

Holden Commodore

The Holden Commodore is 75 units short of reclaiming a spot on the Australian podium, a feat it has not managed since March 2012. It ranks 4th for the 2nd month running but already sees its score curb: from 2,827 sales and 3.1% (+18%) last month to 2,809 and 3% (+15%)… Is this all the new Commodore has to offer? At the other end of the scale, the Ford Falcon hits its lowest-ever monthly volume for the 5th time this year, down 58% on August 2012 to a paltry 573 sales – it is now outsold by the Toyota 86 at 753 units this month (Falcon chronology: Jan 778, Apr 717, May 707, July 594).

The Mazda CX-5 is above 2% share in Australia for the first time this month.

The Toyota Camry at #7 makes it 3 locally-produced models in the Top 7 for the 2nd month in a row. The Mazda CX-5 is above 2% share for the first time at 2.1% thanks to 1,914 sales, ranking at a best-ever #8, also reached last May. Helped by the new generation, the Toyota RAV4 is up 64% year-on-year to land at #9 with 1,780 sales and 1.9%, all-time ranking and share highs for the 20-year old nameplate in Australia. Finally, notice the record months of the Jeep Grand Cherokee at 1,319 units and 1.4% (potentially #17) and the Mercedes C-Class at 1.153 sales and 1.2%, potentially inside the Top 20 for the first time ever.

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Previous month: Australia July 2013: Holden Commodore at highest in 16 months

One year ago: Australia August 2012: Toyota Hilux leads for 5th time, Mazda CX-5 in Top 10

Full August 2013 Top 15 models and Top 46 All-brands Ranking Tables below.