April breaks three year record for SUV sales in Australia

The car industry is delighted, amid threats to job losses, that April saw a 2.6% spike in SUV and light commercial vehicle sales to 87,571 in Australia.

“This provides further evidence that the industry is price-competitive, offering great value to buyers, delivering jobs and investment, and in no need of change,” said Tony Weber from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries in a statement yesterday.

Even though all remaining car manufacturing plants in Australia are expected to close their doors in October, figures show vehicle sales are still going strong.

“We are just a handful of months into 2016 and already the market is on target for another record,” Weber said.

“The changes announced in the Federal Budget could further encourage business purchases of new motor vehicles.”

As detailed in the Federal Budget announcement this week, small businesses with an annual turnover of less than $10 million can claim deductions of up to $20,000 for items such as company vehicles.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries revealed business purchases of motor vehicles in the country went up by 15.6% last month for passenger vehicles, SUVs increased by 15.2% and light commercials jumped up 32.6% compared to April 2015.

Toyota was the most popular car brand for new car buyers last month, with Hyundai far behind, followed by Mazda, then Holden.

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