WHILE sales of new vehicles are expected to drop by as much as 20% in 2009, analysts say the mining industry has pushed some sales upwards.
According to the
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCIA), the mining boom pushed sales of light commercial vehicles to record levels in Australia throughout 2008.
Recent sales figures show the Toyota Hilux utility finished the year as the most popular car in the country. According to the company, the record figures have been spurred by the mining industry and easing of the drought in some areas of the country.
The Toyota Hilux is a compact pick-up truck built and marketed by the Toyota Motor Corporation. The vehicle is said to provide a practical and economical commercial option for private buyers and fleet operators in a range of industrial and mining applications.
While figures show more than one million new vehicles were sold in Australia throughout 2008, the FCIA predicts just 880,000 new vehicles will be purchased in 2009, marking the lowest level since 2002.
Despite the forecast FCAI chief executive, Andrew McKellar, predicts that recent fuel price drops, interest rate cuts and financial assistance from the Government will strengthen the market later in the year.
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