The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has published the national trend and seasonally adjusted estimates for the month of April.

Key points:

  • The Total New Motor Vehicle Sales trend estimate decreased by 0.1% (84,511) and the seasonally adjusted estimate decreased by 3.5% (84,332) when compared to March 2011 figures.
  • When looking at sales by type of vehicle, the national trend estimates for April show sales of passenger vehicles decreased by 0.5%. Sports utility and other vehicles increased by 0.3% and 0.8% respectively on March 2011 figures. Whilst seasonally adjusted estimates for April 2011 indicate sales of passenger vehicles increased by 22 units (0.0%), sports utility and other vehicles decreased by 9.6% and 5.5% respectively compared to March 2011 figures.
  • Six of the eight states and territories have experienced a decrease in the trend estimate for new motor vehicle sales when comparing April 2011 with March 2011. Tasmania recorded the largest percentage decrease with 2.2%, followed by South Australia (0.9%) and Victoria (0.6%). Queensland recorded the largest increase of 1.7% over the same period. While in seasonally adjusted terms, sales of new motor vehicles decreased in seven of the eight states and territories for April 2011 compared to the previous month. The largest percentage decrease of 5.1% was recorded for NSW, followed by Victoria (3.5%) and Queensland (3.4%). Over the same period the Northern Territory recorded the only increase (1.6%).
  • The impact of recent flooding and cyclone events in Queensland on new motor vehicles sales has improved trend estimates for Queensland. For both March and April 2011, Queensland recorded the largest percentage increase in the trend estimate (1.5% and 1.7% respectively). Minimal or negative growth over the same period was recorded in other States. It is expected that these events will continue to have an impact on trend and seasonal estimates for Queensland, as well as other states, as damaged vehicles are replaced.

For more detailed information visit http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/mf/9314.0?OpenDocument

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