The first quarter of 2013 has continued the positive trend of 2012; with 273,048 cars sold during the March quarter, up 5% from 2012. This increase collectively represents strong months of January and February with increases in sales units of 11.3% and 8.1% respectively. March 2013 sales were in line with March 2012.
The domestic manufacturers have lost a considerable 28.8% of market share compared to the March 2012 quarter last year. This is substantiated by the dwindling large car unit sales performance from Ford and Holden, the latter of which gave away the most ground. Whilst Holden is cutting up to 500 manufacturing and development jobs, YTD it has lost 35.9% of the market share it held in the 2012 March quarter. This is largely due to the Commodore slipping out of the top 10 sales models for the first time in 34 years, selling 3,353 units less than this time last year. The one positive for Holden is that its buyers may be waiting until the arrival of the new VF model set for release mid year.
The Mazda 3 has continued its success as the nation's top selling car for the March quarter with 10,509 units delivered. It is this consistent sales performance; coupled with Holden's recent reduction in sales that has secured Mazda second position for overall market share.
The Tasmanian market received an overdue boost, posting the largest year on year unit performance of the nation – up 21.6%.
Following on from the strong 2012 results posted in the SUV and light commercial segments; this trend is continuing with year on year increases of 13% for SUV's and 21.4% for light commercials in the March 2013 quarter. The passenger segment had mixed results. Year to date comparatives for Private and Business purchases were up 11.6% and 2.4% respectively while Government and Rental purchases reduced by 30.1% and 5.9% respectively.
Top Performers - March YTD
Top Selling Cars - Units| Mazda 3 | 10,509 |
| Toyota Corolla | 9,630 |
| Toyota Hilux | 6,851 |
| Nissan Navara | 6,705 |
| Hyundai i30 | 6,656 |
Top Manufacturers - Market Share
| Toyota | 17.6% |
| Mazda | 9.8% |
| Holden | 9.0% |
| Nissan | 8.7% |
| Hyundai | 8.3% |
Selection of Major Movers – March YTD 2013 V March YTD 2012
| Mitsubishi Triton | +62.9% (1,785 units) |
| Hyundai ix35 | +71.5% (1,819 units) |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | +83.6% (1,289 units) |
| Mazda BT-50 4x2 | +90.3% (584 units) |
| Holden Colorado 4x4 | +95.7% (1,458 units) |
| Ford Ranger 4x4 | +143.9% (2,253 units) |
| Mazda CX-5 | +216.4% (3,265 units) |
| Honda Civic | +226.8% (2,923 units) |
| Nissan Navara 4x2 | +274.2% (669 units) |
| Honda CR-V | +702.8% (3,226 units) |
| Holden Commodore | -40.2% (3,353 units) |
| Hyundai i45 | -86.8% (900 units) |
| Honda Accord Euro | -69.3% (1,511 units) |
| Subaru Liberty | -56.3% (834 units) |
| Mitsubishi Lancer | -50.3% (2,299 units) |
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