Total numbers are up on January's results - the worst January result since 2009 - for a total number of vehicles sold in February of 79,940. 

This contrasts with February 2019's figures of 87,102, and represents the 23rd consecutive month of dwindling car sales compared to the prior year. 

According to FCAI chief Tony Weber, seven consecutive quarters of negative growth in car sales means Australia is in an 'automotive recession'. 

"In economic terms, a recession is declared after two quarters of negative growth," Mr Weber said.

“There is no doubt that this is an extraordinarily difficult time for the automotive industry – a situation sadly underlined by the recent announcement of Holden’s withdrawal from the Australian market."

The Northern Territory experienced the biggest drop in sales, down 30.8%, followed by New South Wales by 11.3%. 

The only state or territory to experience growth was the Australian Capital Territory with a 52.8% increase in cars sold.

The latest fall in car sales comes after dealership confidence fell 50% in less than two years.

FCAI attributed difficult market conditions to environmental factors such as coronavirus, bushfires and drought, as well as wavering consumer confidence. 

However, car share service GoGet reported a 24% growth in membership in the past year, to now amass more than 150,000 members.

GoGet's Locations and Transportation Planner Josh Brydges attributes that to customers balking at the expensive cost of car ownership.

"Beyond the sticker price of new vehicles, not owning a car saves the average person up to $6,000 per year through not having to pay for petrol, insurance, registration and servicing," he said.

"In our latest membership survey, 48% of respondents said they had deferred a car purchase since joining GoGet."

February 2020 was the second month FCAI used the new VFACTS car sales reporting system.

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Update resultsUpdate
LenderCar LoanInterest Rate Comparison Rate* Monthly Repayment Interest Type Vehicle Type Maximum Vehicle Age Ongoing Fee Upfront Fee Total Repayment Early Repayment Instant Approval Online Application TagsFeaturesLinkCompare
6.09% p.a.
7.21% p.a.
$581
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New
1 year
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5.99% p.a.
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7 years
$12
$250
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$580
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New
No Max
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$34,791
Important Information and Comparison Rate Warning

All products with a link to a product provider’s website have a commercial marketing relationship between us and these providers. These products may appear prominently and first within the search tables regardless of their attributes and may include products marked as promoted, featured or sponsored. The link to a product provider’s website will allow you to get more information or apply for the product. By de-selecting “Show online partners only” additional non-commercialised products may be displayed and re-sorted at the top of the table. For more information on how we’ve selected these “Sponsored”, “Featured” and “Promoted” products, the products we compare, how we make money, and other important information about our service, please click here.

The comparison rates in this table are based on a loan of $30,000 and a term of 5 years unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for car loans and secured personal loans for the relevant amounts and terms are for secured loans unless indicated otherwise. The comparison rates for unsecured personal loans are applicable for unsecured loans only. WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. Comparison rates are not calculated for revolving credit products.

Monthly repayment figures are estimates only, exclude fees and are based on the advertised rate for the term and for the loan amount entered. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes. Rates correct as of . View disclaimer.

Most popular car makes and models

It was another win for Toyota in February, with it being the top selling car brand and laying claim to the two top-selling models - the Hilux and RAV4.

Toyota also had five of the top ten selling models.

The top ten makes in February according to VFACTS were:

Make Volume Feb 2020 Market Share
Toyota 17,679 22.1%
Mazda 7,230 9.0%
Hyundai 5,945 7.4%
Mitsubishi 5,513 6.9%
Kia 5,120 6.4%
Ford 4,856 6.1%
Nissan 3,804 4.8%
Volkswagen 3,633 4.5%
Honda 3,522 4.4%
Subaru 2,603 3.3%

It was another death knell for passenger vehicles, down 16.6% year-on-year.

The sports utility market was up again, however, by 5.4%.

The top-selling models in February according to VFACTS were:

Make and Model Volume Feb 2020
Toyota Hilux 3,421
Toyota RAV4 3,375
Ford Ranger 3,202
Toyota Corolla 2,520
Hyundai i30 2,152
Mazda CX-5 1,969
Kia Cerato 1,873
Toyota Landcruiser 1,839
Mitsubishi Triton 1,673
Toyota Camry 1,445




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