Toyota Corolla 2006 News

Car sales overall fell 5.2 per cent in August compared with the same month last year, with large cars recording the biggest slump, followed by declines for medium and large sports utility vehicles.About 5000 Commodores were sold, 2600 of which were the new VE model, which went on sale on August 14.The demand helped Holden reclaim the top sales spot from the Toyota Corolla, however Toyota's new model Camry outsold the Commodore, shifting about 2700 units in the month.Both new versions went on sale halfway through the month.Despite the success, sales of large cars continue to languish, with last month's 27 per cent fall year-on-year leaving the sector accounting for just 14 per cent of all vehicle sales, down from 17.5 per cent last year.Holden spokesman Jason Laird was cautious about the VE figures. "It's a promising start but too early to be drawing any sort of conclusion," he said, adding that sales were "pointing in the right direction"."Dealers are filling their inventories and we're getting close to our production rate of 620 a day," Mr Laird said.There were 3700 Ford Falcons sold, down from 5800 last August, a fall of 20 per cent. Just over 1000 Mitsubishi 380s were sold, less than the company's prediction of 1500 a month when it changed the price in April.But the new four-cylinder Toyota Camry has started strongly, with its 3023 sales in August representing a 45 per cent increase on August last year."The enthusiastic reception for the Holden Commodore and Toyota Camry is a great encouragement to the local automotive industry," Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Peter Sturrock said.The FCAI's official figures showed 81,661 new cars were sold last month, compared with 86,177 in August last year.Sales were down 3.4 per cent so far this year, with 642,383 vehicles sold. The FCAI said the market remained on track for 980,000 sales this year.The VE Commodore began recouping its $1 billion investment by reclaiming top spot after two consecutive wins by the Toyota Corolla.Despite the new model, 630 fewer Commodores were sold than in August last year and Toyota remained the top-selling maker - with its 18,585 August sales giving it a 21.8 per cent market share, ahead of Holden on 11,819 and Ford on 10,323.The figures came as it was suggested a decision on the future of Adelaide car-maker Mitsubishi could come as early as next month.John Camillo, South Australian secretary of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, said Mitsubishi's Japanese parent company told its Australian subsidiary last October as it launched its make-or-break 380 model that it had 12 months to break even."Therefore, in October and November this year my understanding is that Mitsubishi Japan will have to make some sort of announcement," Mr Camillo said. "It really depends now on Mitsubishi Japan, whether they continue or don't."

The Fiat Punto is of particular interest at the Adelaide Motor Show because it signals the return to Australia of passenger cars under the Fiat banner. The Punto is the number one selling small car in Europe so far this year and is sure to shake things up in Australia when it arrives in the middle of this year. Returning to passenger cars in Australia with a small car is a well-researched move for Fiat, at least according to movements within the local industry.Holden boss Denny Mooney stated clearly that 2005 was the year of the small car, at least for the Elizabeth-based manufacturer. With new models fl owing into the country from around the world, obviously the bosses at many other marques think a similar way.The trend to smaller cars began in earnest last year – in line with rising fuel prices. A total of about 90,000 light and 215,000 small cars were sold last year, with lights up 6000 units on the previous year and smalls up 34,000 units. In September, Toyota’s 1.8-litre four-cylinder Corollas out-sold the Holden Commodore – widely considered to be Australia’s favourite car – by about 100 units.There is no suggestion that Mr Mooney and other Holden heads were simply reacting to that little towelling by Toyota when it began rolling out its lightweight Korean-built products including Barina and Viva late last year, but it is indicative of how local makers have had to arrange their product line-ups to be competitive. Holden, with its highly successful Astra models and the Barina and Viva ranges, now has its largest fl eet of small car options – many of which will be at Wayville.Toyota certainly has not dropped the ball. Its Echo replacement, the Yaris, is selling like little hot cakes in its hatch version – with the recently released sedan model also expected to draw plenty of attention in coming months.Ford Australia boss Tom Gorman said heading towards the end of last year that Ford had completely under-called the growth in the small car segment. Ford struggled to get the number of Focus vehicles it could sell out of its South African plant. But the Blue Oval badge company will this year try to excite the small car segment with its much anticipated XR5 Focus.All the while, Asian car makers including Hyundai, with its award-winning Getz, and Kia with an all-new Rio range, added to the competition.Nissan has chipped in with the new Tiida and the Suzuki Swift last year won CARSguide Car of the Year as the small car range grew dramatically. As the popularity of the segment grows, so too does the commitment to safety.Toyota, with its Yaris range, appears to be leading the way. But other manufacturers, particularly Hyundai – with its safety pack on the Getz – judged Australia’s Best Small Car by the nation’s motoring organisations – also have not ignored the issue of safety.

2005 saw another record year for vehicle sales in Australia with 608,000 passenger cars being sold. While there has been an overall increase in sales, there has been a change in the types of cars people are buying. There has been a shift away from large cars with sales down by 15.7% and a move toward small cars, with an increase of 18.6% over the previous year. There was also an increase in the SUV/4WD market of 4.2%.Although high fuel prices are a contributor to the move towards smaller cars, Melissa Pye, Managing Director of W Communications Group believes that it is the influence of women that is driving these changes."Women buy just as many cars as men, but have the power of veto in about 80% of cases. The shift away from traditional large family cars and station wagons to SUVs is a testament to this. Women are looking for the safety and functionality that SUVs offer in a more contemporary design. Look no further than the Ford Territory which is extremely popular with women with sales increasing by a staggering 72% over the previous year" said MelissaOther models that were class leaders include Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Getz, Kia Carnival and Toyota Prado, all popular with women.Mazda experienced an increase in market share and was the 4th highest selling passenger brand in Australia. "Mazda has appeal to both men and women. They have a marketing formula that is working very well at the moment. Great looking products with features that appeal to both men and women, competitive pricing and advertising that empowers women, without disempowering men!" says Melissa.