Australians spent big on new cars in 2016

For the third time in four years Australia has seen a record number of new cars sold.

New cars are parked on the quayside at Grimsby Docks

File image. Source: AAP

Last year was another big year for the new car market in Australia.

For the third time in the past four years the nation posted a record number new vehicle sales.

Close to 1.2 million passenger cars, SUVs and commercial vehicles were sold in 2016, a 2 per cent rise on the previous year.

The industry and analysts say the differences that used to exist between traditional family cars and commercial vehicles is no longer there.

For the first time ever a ute - the Toyota Hilux - was Australia's biggest seller, a position usually dominated by passenger sedans.

"If you look at the buyer for that market the lines are blurring between private and business," Toyota's marketing and sales director Tony Cramb said.

Car industry writer Richard Blackburn said the work vehicle and the weekend play thing have merged to become one car.

"Tradies out there have worked out they don't need an SUV and a ute," he said.

"People are getting the best of both worlds because you're getting the benefits of a utility and the luxury and feel of a passenger motor vehicle," Chamber of Automobile Industries Chief Tony Weber said.

New car sales were up across the country, except for Western Australia and Queensland.

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2 min read
Published 5 January 2017 8:07pm
Updated 5 January 2017 8:11pm
By John Hayes Bell


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