New-car sales were up 13 per cent to 304,452 in the first quarter of this year, a stunning result given that last year was an all-time record for the industry.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said the result was “remarkable” but warned that economic headwinds could eventually catch up with the car industry. The FCAI is concerned that the Federal Government’s fuel standard will drive up prices of utes. Picture: Mark Bean. “A fuel efficiency standard is long overdue. However, we remain concerned at the speed and magnitude of the change for both manufacturers and more importantly, consumers,” Mr Weber said.
But hybrids proved even more popular. Sales almost tripled over last March and doubled in the first quarter of the year, as market leader Toyota improved supply of its top-selling RAV4 Hybrid.