Toyota News
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Plug-in Prius tests in UK
Toyota extends plug-in hybrid program ahead of 2009 production debut
Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) has expanded its development program of plug-in hybrid vehicles to the UK, commencing a 12-month trial last week using modified versions of the current Prius ahead of a production debut late in 2009.
While Japan, Europe and the United States will be the fi rst markets to sell the vehicle– to fleet customers initially, extending to private buyers in 2010 – the UK program will provide an important platform for the vehicle’s introduction into Australia.
Testing began last week in conjunction with EDF Energy, the British subsidiary of the French electricity supplier EDF,
and involves setting up the necessary infrastructure, evaluating vehicle performance and ease of use, and surveying
participating vehicle users.
The UK program follows similar trials already underway in Japan, the US, France and Belgium. The vehicles are using nickelmetal hydride batteries, although TMC has confirmed that the production version will feature lighter, more powerful lithium-ion batteries.
These batteries can be fully recharged using a standard electric plug or an electric charging post (40 of which are already
installed in the UK) to extend its driving range in electric mode. It can manage the latter for short distances, while for longer distances the vehicle works as a conventional hybrid that relies on the combination of an internal combustion engine and electric motor.
According to EDF, which is also TMC’s plug-in hybrid partner in the French program, test results in other markets have
found that fuel effi ciency for the plugin Prius is “signifi cantly higher” than the current model. For trips up to 25km, the
plug-in version reportedly consumes about 60 per cent less fuel than the hybrid Prius.
EDF said that one of the research objectives of the UK tests was to confirm such performance.
“Today’s announcement represents a stepchange towards acceptance of electricity in combination with hybrid technology as a viable and sustainable transport solution,” said TMC managing offi cer Koei Saga, who is in charge of hybrid system development.
EDF Energy chief executive Vincent de Rivaz said: “Incorporating this vehicle into our fleet complements our work in developing electric charging posts for vehicles in the UK and in France. It supports our ‘climate commitments’, in which we have committed to cutting our CO2 emissions from our transport by 20 per cent by 2012.”Click here to Make an Enquiry or Call 1800 DVG 123 (1800 384 123)
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Workin’ on HiLux
Toyota’s overhauled onetonner emerges in the UK
- and is headed our way
TOYOTA has provided a glimpse of what we could expect to see on sale in Australia next month by revealing its facelifted HiLux in the UK.
GoAuto understands Australia’s 2009 HiLux entered production last month and will be revealed at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney on October 9, featuring many of the cosmetic updates pictured here.
Apart from a new trapezoidal grille with grey bar and wider-mouthed front bumper, the UK’s HiLux facelift also includes a range of mechanical, safety and equipment upgrades, which may or may not apply to our version. Drivetrain changes are led by the option of an adaptive fi ve-speed automatic transmission for Double Cab turbo-diesel models, matching petrol models and replacing the four-speed self-shifter currently available with the 3.0- litre D-4D engine.
The latter comes in for performance and economy upgrades as a result. Automatic versions of the D-4D produce an extra 17Nm of peak torque, with 360Nm (up from 343Nm) available between 1400rpm and 3400rpm (up 200rpm).
Toyota UK claims its Double Cab D-4D will offer class-leading power-to-weight and emissions, with its combined average CO2 output and fuel consumption also dropping slightly, to 236g/km and 8.9L/100km (down 0.5L/100km) respectively.
All UK HiLux variants score new doublerow roller-type rear axle bearings, revalved front shock absorbers and new bushes, while 4x4 versions enjoy a brake upgrade via larger 295mm vented front discs and 295mm rear drums.
Range-wide interior updates for the British HiLux include a new four-spoke steering wheel with audio controls, a new push-button air-conditioning system with digital display, a revised instrument cluster, new wiper and headlight controls and a new manual shift console.
Extra Cab and Double Cab models score a lockable tailgate when a hard-top is specified in the UK, where the workhorse HiLux grades will continue to offer twin front airbags, antilock brakes and air-conditioning when they go on sale later this year. Upper-spec HiLuxes will receive a leather steering wheel and gearshift knob, new sports front seats (D-4D Double Cab only), privacy glass and climate-control air-conditioning, while the top-shelf HiLux ‘Invincible’ will offer full leather seat trim, new 17-inch alloy wheels and headlight washers.
Buyers of the UK’s flagship Double Cab variant will also enjoy the addition of standard VSC stability/traction control, while D-4D versions also gain front side airbags and side curtain airbags – all of which is similarly so far unavailable on Australia’s HiLux.
The sixth-generation HiLux has not quite emulated its Australian success – which sees it regularly rank among the nation’s top three best-selling vehicles overall – in the UK, where it nevertheless commands a 22 per cent segment share following a 70 per cent sales jump last year. Toyota UK expects to sell even more examples of the 2009 HiLux next year, when 8000 sales are forecast.(pics and data taken from Go Auto News)
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Petite treats for Paris
Toyota to show its iQ and Urban Cruiser compacts in full production trim!
CITY of lights takes on a new meaning at Toyota with its smallest-ever production car – the iQ – and a compact SUV dubbed the Urban Cruiser spearheading the Parisian show stand of the world’s number one carmaker.
Both vehicles are under consideration for sale in Australia, the iQ as a sub-Yaris contender and the Urban Cruiser as a sub-
RAV4 model.
The iQ is a ‘three-plus-one’ four-seater city car, and with less than three metres in overall length (at 2985mm) it is barely
40cm longer than the Mercedes-Benz twoseater Smart. As the Smart has been hugely successful in France’s biggest city, it is no surprise that Toyota settled on Paris for the world debut of the iQ production version.
Cost constraints could thwart the tiny Toyota’s chances of making it to Australia, with some pundits predicting a Yaris eclipsing $17,000 pricetag – although this would still put the Japanese car comfortably ahead of the Smart Fortwo.
Toyota claims three adults and a child can be conveyed in comfort and safety at speeds over 160km/h – courtesy of a 50kW 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine mounted in the nose and driving the front wheels via a sixspeed CVT or fi ve-speed manual gearbox.
A 1.3-litre petrol unit with stop-start technology is earmarked for next year, while a 1.4-litre diesel-powered iQ will also be
available in select markets. Among its many novelties, the iQ introduces rear airbags, which are necessary as it lacks the Smart’s heavy and costly – but highly effective – Tridion safety cage; Toyota is said to have deemed this unnecessary.
Why is the iQ front-wheel drive when the Smart is a rear-driver?
Toyota eschewed a rear-engine layout for the same reason that Volkswagen reportedly has for its upcoming Up city car
– cost pressures. Although the iQ required an all-new platform, developing one with the engine out the back adds hundreds
of millions of dollars to the budget, and nullifi es model sharing with larger vehicles in the future.
Nevertheless, advances in dashboard design, electronics miniaturisation and incredibly smart packaging effi ciencies have
created perhaps the most innovative Toyota since the 1989 Previa people-mover and the 1990-2000 Tarago II, with their unsurpassed front mid-engine rear-drive layout.
“With its innovative use of interior space and advanced engine technologies, the iQ forms a major milestone in Toyota’s
environmental commitment and continuous efforts to develop technologies that reduce emissions to much lower levels,” Toyota said in a statement released last week.
Meanwhile, a repeat of the original RAV4 of 1994’s spectacular global success is on the agenda with the Urban Cruiser.
Previewed at Geneva in concept car form and already out in Japan as the Ist, the Urban Cruiser will boast a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel, driving all four wheels, as well as 1.5-litre petrol and front-wheel drive models.
(pics and data taken from Go Auto News)
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Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Hybrid Technology - The Future
FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- Why did Toyota decide to manufacture the hybrid Camry in Australia?
Toyota's decision is the culmination of an intensive study conducted during the past year which included discussions with the Federal and Victorian governments.
It reflects the Federal and Victorian governments' strong desire to see new, environmentally friendly technologies introduced to Australia.
Both governments continue to provide strong support to the Australian automotive industry and can share in this historic announcement which is positive for Toyota, local car manufacturing and the Australian community.
In addition the growing demand for our Prius hybrid also confirmed that there is a need for more hybrid models in our line up.
- Is the hybrid Camry Australia's first local hybrid?
Hybrid Camry will be the first commercially available hybrid vehicle manufactured in Australia. The decision was announced on Tuesday 10th June 2008 to begin manufacturing a hybrid version of the Camry Sedan at the Altona plant in Melbourne from the beginning of 2010.
- Is the petrol engine on continuously?
No it isn't. That is the advantage of Toyota's hybrid system. When the petrol engine is not needed for power or to recharge the battery, the petrol engine automatically switches off. For example when the car is stationary (such as at traffic lights) or when coasting or travelling down hill.
- Would I have to plug my car in to recharge the battery?
The current hybrid Camry and Prius recharge themselves while driving. You never have to plug them into a power point. In fact there is nowhere on the car to even plug one in.
Toyota is working on technology called a 'Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle', which would have such a feature and which would allow extended travel on electric power alone.
- Is the petrol engine always required?
Hybrid Camry and Prius can be driven for short distances on electric power only. This is particularly useful in stop-start traffic, for eliminating emissions in your garage and for quiet entry or exit through your neighbourhood.
- How often would I have to replace the battery?
The battery is designed to last the typical life of the vehicle. It is kept at an optimum charge level, which gives it an extended life.
Our confidence in hybrid technology is boosted as we now have considerable real life experience in Australia with Prius vehicles operating nationally in a wide range of harsh environments. An example of Prius's durability is the large fleets of Prius taxis emerging. We are now aware of many vehicles exceeding 300,000 klms without the need to replace batteries. This is many times the normal use of a typical car in Australia by consumers.
- Why would I choose a Toyota hybrid?
Toyota is the world leader in hybrid vehicles with sales of more than 1.5 million. The Prius was first launched in Japan in 1998 with many other Toyota hybrid models released since that time.
The one-millionth Prius was sold in April 2008. Total Australian sales of Prius are expected to reach 10,000 later this month (June 2008).
No other manufacturer has this track record or experience with hybrid vehicles.
The Toyota Prius has been named Green Engine of the year again in 2008. Toyota has been honoured 19 times since the awards were launched in 1999, including 10 awards for Hybrid Synergy Drive which powers the current-generation Prius.
- Is hybrid technology here for the long term?
Toyota is committed to developing hybrid systems as a core technology. Globally, the goal is to reach one million hybrid sales per year during the 2010s. Toyota's worldwide goal is to approach zero impact on the environment in all our activities, including vehicles and production. While we can never achieve zero impact, we always strive to do better – and hybrid technology is an important part of that effort.
- Are hybrids safe?
Toyota has adopted numerous safeguards, including automatic disablement mechanisms to ensure safety in the event of an accident.
- How different are they from 'normal' cars?
In all other respects, hybrid Camry and Prius are fully normal cars capable of seating five adults comfortably. They drive like regular automatic cars, use regular unleaded fuel and have large luggage capabilities.
Toyota hybrid cars are so simple to operate that they are now becoming popular rental car models in Australia. Try one for yourself next time you travel to one of the major capital cities.
- Is a hybrid engine really clean?
Prius is the cleanest production family car in the world, emitting just 106g/km of carbon dioxide. It has an official combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.4 litres/100km*.
Prius was the first car to achieve 5 stars on the Green Vehicle guide published by the Australian Greenhouse office.
Carbon emissions are only one measure of a car's tail pipe emissions. To be truly clean you need a balance of low CO2 plus low air toxic emissions. These are typically the gas and particle emissions we all see as smog.
The Prius has been recognised globally as a clean vehicle achieving many awards and certification to the toughest environmental standards in the world. Many other engine technologies are yet to achieve emissions low enough to satisfy these emerging low emission standards.
You can find out more on air toxic emissions and their affects on air quality and health by visiting www.greenvehicleguide.gov.au or other websites including www.arb.ca.gov.
*Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR 81/01 combined cycle.
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Wednesday, May 7, 2008
HiLux crushes Commodore
Favourite: HiLux was Australia's top-selling vehicle bar none last month.
HiLux overtakes Commodore as an Easter-free April drives new-car sales to new highs
AUSTRALIA'S new vehicle industry is even more likely to break the million mark again this year following record sales in April, when Toyota's HiLux was the first utility to become the nation's top-selling vehicle - and proved more popular than Holden's Commodore and the Japanese brand's own Corolla.
An all-time April sales record was driven largely by stronger business sales, as well as booms in the small-car, SUV and light truck segments, helped by the fact Easter fell earlier than usual this year in March.
Underlying consumer sentiment remained healthy in the face of interest rate rises last month, with official VFACTS figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) today showing that a total of 84,061 cars, trucks and buses were sold in April - an increase of 11.2 per cent on April 2007.
Year-to-date the car market is now up by 5.1 per cent on the Australian industry’s all-time record year of 2007.
But with new-car sales to private buyers remaining relatively static with an increase of 0.6 per cent year-to-date, it is fleet purchasers who have driven much of the sales growth this year. Business sales are up a sizeable 12.6 per cent so far in 2008.
“While the April result was boosted by the early timing of Easter, which fell in March, the underlying sales trend remains notably strong and resilient,” said FCAI chief executive Andrew McKellar.
“The FCAI forecast of one million vehicle sales this year remains firm,” he said.
Overall passenger car sales were up a big 3603 vehicles or 24.0 per cent month-on-month in April, thanks to stronger sales recorded by small cars, SUVs, light trucks and buses.
Toyota attracted more than double the number of customers found by Holden in April, when Australia’s favourite vehicle brand sold a record 20,838 vehicles (up 27.2 per cent on Toyota’s April 2007 result) compared to 10,187 for Holden and 8246 for Ford.
While Holden and Ford trail in the top three with 12.1 and 9.8 per cent respectively, Toyota’s market share in April stood at almost one-quarter (24.8 per cent) – a monthly market share record for Toyota.
Toyota has now sold 81,062 vehicles after the first four months of 2008, with Holden finding 44,037 new homes and Ford attracting just 34,533 buyers. YTD, Toyota holds 23.3 share of the overall market, ahead of Holden (12.7 per cent) and Ford (9.9 per cent).
Top to bottom: Toyota Camry, Aurion, Holden Commodore, Mercedes-Benz C-class and Volkswagen Eos.
The remainder of the top ten selling brands for the month reflected their YTD positions, with Mazda fourth overall and claiming an 8.0 per cent share in April with 6749 sales – 18 per cent up on its April 2007 number and its best April sales ever. Mazda is now 10 per cent ahead of its 2007 YTD position, with 28,439 sales and a share of 8.2 per cent.
Mitsubishi remains fifth with 5007 sales in April (for a 6.0 per cent share) and 21,697 sales YTD (6.2 per cent) - ahead of Nissan, which posted 4935 sales in April (5.9 per cent) and 20,375 sales YTD (5.9 per cent). In seventh remains Honda following 4289 sales in April (5.1 per cent) and 19,448 sales YTD (5.6 per cent).
Rounding out the top ten are Hyundai with 3683 April sales (4.4 per cent) and 15,058 YTD (4.3 per cent), Subaru with 3158 April sales (3.8 per cent) and 13,473 YTD (3.9 per cent) and Volkswagen with 2440 April sales (2.9 per cent) and 10,290 YTD (3.0 per cent).
In terms of individual model performances, biggest upset of the month was the fact Holden’s Commodore was outsold not only by Toyota’s Corolla (as it was last month), but also by the same brand’s HiLux, which became the nation’s top-selling vehicle for the first time last month.
That’s right, the HiLux record 1608 4x2 sales and 2206 4x4 sales for a total of 3814 - an increase of more than 27.1 per cent on the same month last year, making it the first month ever that a ute, and a Thai-built one at that, was Australia’s most popular new vehicle.
Marking the first time Toyota has ever scored the “quinella” by having Australia’s two best-selling vehicles in one month, April also saw the Corolla find almost 400 more customers than the Commodore. So far this year, Australians have bought 15,724 Corollas - at least 890 more than any other vehicle.
The Toyota steamroller continued in the SUV sphere, with the world’s biggest car-maker also claiming the top four positions in the SUV best-seller’s list: Kluger, RAV4, Prado and LandCruiser.
Segment by segment, the light car win in April went to Toyota’s Yaris (2063 sales, 21.2%), ahead of Hyundai’s Getz (1448, 14.9%), the Mazda2 (1140, 11.7%), Suzuki’s Swift (1005, 10.3%) and Holden’s Barina ( 993, 10.2%).
The latter’s performance was 54.9 per cent up month-on-month and that of the new Mazda2 was up a staggering 109.6 per cent, while Honda’s sixth-placed Jazz was down 36 per cent.
Despite being down 11.3 per cent for the month and 10.9 per cent YTD, the Yaris still holds a commanding 20.6 per cent market share so far this year – well ahead of the Getz (12.5%), Mazda2 (11.9%), Barina (10.0%) and Swift (9.9%). YTD, the light car segment is up 3890 sales or 9.6 per cent.
The $25,000-plus light-car gong went to Peugeot’s 207 (186 sales, 59.6%), over Fiat’s new 500, which found 50 new homes (16.0%) to help make it Fiat’s best month since its passenger cars returned to Australia in 2006.
Fiat says it could have tripled its April result given adequate supplies, and the same brand’s Punto and Citroen’s C3 were the only other class entrants. The latter’s sales were down 25 pert cent in April, but the C3 is still the second most popular in its class so far this year (15.4%) – ahead of 500 and Punto, but behind the 207, which holds 60.8 per cent segment share YTD.
No fewer than 3722 Corolla sales in April (up 69.0% month-on-month, for a 20.7% market share) made it easily Australia’s top-selling small car. Second was the Mazda3, which found 2811 customers to give it a 15.6 per cent segment share and the best month of Mazda3 sales ever.
Honda’s Civic was third best with 1619 sales (9.0%), followed by Ford’s Focus (1465 sales, 8.1%) and Mitsubishi’s Lancer (1317, 7.3%).
YTD, the Corolla holds a 20.5 per cent share of the small car segment, ahead of Mazda3 (15.1%), Civic (8.6%), Lancer (8.2%) and Focus (7.7%). YTD, small-car sales are up 5042 or 6.8 per cent.
April’s mainstream mid-size segment trophy again went to Toyota’s Camry, which scored 2137 buyers (up 8.2 per cent on April 2007) and a 38.4 per cent segment share. There’s fresh air between the Camry and the new Mazda6, which was down 6.7 per cent for the month but still posted 942 April sales for a 16.9 per cent segment share.
YTD, the order is Camry (33.0%), Mazda6 (16.9%), Liberty (10.9%), Accord Euro (8.0%) and Mondeo (6.3%). The medium car segment is up 884 sales or 3.1 per cent so far in 2008.
The traditional large-car battle was again easily won by the Commodore, albeit with only 3324 sales in April (19.6 per cent down on the same month last year) for a 39.7 per cent segment share. By its own admission, Holden says the VE sedan’s 18.6 per cent April sales slump was “disappointing” but points out it was still 10 per cent up on the April 2006 Commodore number when the VZ was in run-out.
Ford’s Falcon found just 1884 buyers (22.5%) – only 23 more than Toyota’s Aurion (1861 sales, 22.2%). Falcon was down 16.5 per cent in April, while Aurion was up 8.5 per cent. Honda sold 935 Accords last month for an 11.3 per cent monthly share.
YTD Holden has sold 14,834 Commodores for a 42.3 per cent share of the large-car segment – down from its 19,494 and 44.6 per cent YTD 2007 figures. Falcon (7978, 22.8%) holds a more solid break over Aurion (7217, 20.6%), but remains 24.5 per cent down YTD, while Aurion is 7.8 per cent up.
The upper large segment saw Holden’s Caprice sales spike to lead the class with 145 sales – 29.3 per cent down on April 2007 but enough to give it a 40.4 per cent segment share for the month. Chrysler’s 300C (117 sales, 32.6%) and the Holden Statesman (86, 24.0%) filled the top three, but in YTD terms (605, 34.3%) still lies a close second to Caprice (668, 37.9%), with 300C (424, 24.0%) third.
Kia’s Carnival was Australia’s top-selling people-mover in April (368 sales, 33.9%) share), ahead of Toyota’s Tarago (214, 19.7%), Honda’s Odyssey (122, 11.2%) and the new Kia Rondo (121, 11.1%).
The top three is identical in YTD terms, with Carnival holding down 31.3% of the segment, ahead of Tarago (23.2%), Odyssey (15.9%), Toyota’s Avensis (9.2%) and Mitsubishi’s Grandis (4.9%). People-mover sales are down 852 units or 16.3 per cent in 2008.
Of the over $55,000 people-movers, Volkswagen found 30 new Multivan homes for a big 49.2 per cent share, ahead of Chrysler’s new Voyager (14, 23.0%), and a half-dozen sales apiece by VW’s Kombi Beach and the Benz Viano and Vito wagon. YTD, the Multivan holds out the Voyager, with a 37.6 to 34.2 per cent advantage.
With the exception of Alfa Romeo’s Spider and the VW Beetle Cabrio, every other entrant’s sales dived in April, when Mazda’s MX-5 (59 sales) placed third, Nissan’s 350Z (44) fourth and Peugeot’s 207 Convertible (42) fifth.
Total passenger car sales of 203,085 units is down by 1607 vehicles or 0.8 per cent on 2007 figures.
Toyota’s RAV4 again knocked off Subaru’s new Forester in April (1191 to 1107 sales), the pair streaking away from the compact SUV pack with Mitsubishi’s Outlander a surprise third with 824 sales.
Nissan’s new X-Trail scored just 757 buyers and the Honda CR-V just 578 – 32.9 per cent down. The RAV holds sway YTD with a 16.9 per cent share, ahead of CR-V (13.9%), Forester (12.7%), X-Trail (11.6) and Outlander (9.9%).
The medium SUV battle saw Toyota’s Kluger (1268 sales in April) post a 395.3 per cent sales storm to defeat the same brand’s Prado (1157) and Ford’s Territory (1073), with Holden’s Captiva gaining 909 buyers and Mitsubishi’s Pajero fifth with 553 sales.
YTD, the Kluger’s 17.8 per cent segment share has now surpassed that of the homegrown Territory (17.1%), as well as the Prado (16.7%), Captiva (13.5%) and Pajero (7.6%) and Mazda’s new CX-9 (6.8%). So far in 2008, Kluger sales are up an astonishing 282.2 per cent up, while Captiva is 26.1 per cent up and Territory is 9.7 per cent down.
In the three-way large SUV tussle, Toyota sold a staggering 1124 LandCruiser wagons in April (76.2% up) to hold a big 68.8 per cent segment share YTD. Curiously, the aged Nissan Patrol’s 2008 sales are also 72.3 per cent up. The Patrol holds a 29.4 per cent share, ahead of Jeep’s third-placed Commander (1.8%).
In the light commercial arena, Toyota’s HiAce Bus gathered 360 buyers in April and holds a near-monopoly 96.7 per cent YTD share of the bus segment, while the HiAce Van was similarly dominant with 955 sales and a 41.7 per cent share of the van category. It holds a similar share YTD – more than double that of Mitsubishi’s Express.
Finally, the two utility segments were both dominated by HiLux last month, when its 4x2 sales were up 24.2 per cent and its 4x4 sales were up 29.5 per cent. YTD, HiLux holds a 24.3 per cent share of the 4x2 segment (in which it’s up 4.3%) and a 27.9 per cent share of the 4x4 segment (in which it’s up 5.7%).
Also-rans in the 4x4 ute segment were the Navara 4x4, which found 1559 sales in April for a 20.5 per cent segment share and holds a 20.2 per cent YTD segment share. Third in April with 1013 sales was Nissan’s Navara, which holds a YTD segment share of 12.5 per cent share – narrowly ahead of the 12.0 per cent YTD share held by Mitsubishi’s Triton.
A YTD total of 347,514 vehicles is 5.1 per cent or vehicle sales ahead of 2007 levels, equating to a seasonally adjusted running rate of 1.094 million vehicles in 2008.
April Top 10: Rank Make Sales % Share 1 Toyota 81,062 23.3% 2 Holden 44,037 12.7% 3 Ford 34,533 9.9% 4 Mazda 28,439 8.2% 5 Mitsubishi 21,697 6.2% 6 Nissan 20,375 5.9% 7 Honda 19,448 5.6% 8 Hyundai 15,058 4.3% 9 Subaru 13,473 3.9% 10 Volkswagen 10,290 3.0%
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(pics and data taken from Go Auto News)Back to Top
Friday, April 11, 2008
New Corolla is Australia's best-selling car so far in 2008.
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Corolla knocks off Commodore
Giant-killer: New Corolla is Australia's best-selling car so far in 2008.
Commodore loses its mantle as Australia's favourite car - to the Toyota Corolla
THE Holden Commodore is no longer Australia’s favourite car, being outsold over a full quarter for the first time in a decade.
VFACTS figures show the Australian-made model, whose reign as number one has remained unchallenged for so long, was outsold in the first quarter of 2008 by the Toyota Corolla.
The imported Corolla has picked off the Commodore in seven individual months since 2005, but has never previously won a quarter.
Commodore might have outsold the Corolla in March, but by only 20 cars - not enough to overhaul the Corolla’s super start to the year. In the first quarter, Toyota sold 12,002 Corollas, while Holden sold 11,511 Commodores.
The contrasting trajectory of the two models is revealed when the figures for the first quarter of 2008 are compared to those of 2007. The Corolla has risen by 897 so far this year, while Commodore sales have slid a whopping 3259.
Toyota Australia sales and marketing director David Buttner said the Corolla quarterly win was an “important milestone for Toyota” but added that the small car had some help in achieving the victory.
“Market conditions have been especially favourable for four-cylinder cars such as Corolla,” Mr Buttner said.
“Summer holidays in January and the Easter break in March have probably reduced fleet purchases of larger cars. We anticipate sales of those vehicles will accelerate in coming months, supported by the introduction of a Commodore wagon and a revamped Falcon range.”
Mr Buttner estimated Corolla sales will continue to average 4000 a month for the rest of the year.
VFACTS sales for March also revealed the market actually slowed for the first time this year, easing off by 3.3 per cent (or 3107 sales) compared with March last year.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Andrew McKellar said that it appeared that recent rate rises were beginning to have an effect on new car sales.
“We are yet to see any definitive effect on sales from the recent interest rate rises, although there was some evidence in March of fewer private buyers in the market,” Mr McKellar said.
Despite continuing fuel price pressure, Australian customers are still keen on SUVs, although they are walking away from large cars - down a massive 21.6 per cent for the first quarter as Australian manufacturers continue to struggle.
(pics and data taken from blogger.com)
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