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Toyota has made automotive history in Victoria by becoming the state’s highest
selling car company for the first time in 2005.
Toyota sold 47,797 vehicles last year in Victoria – 837 units ahead of its
nearest rival – and sold more new vehicles in Australia than any other
manufacturer/ importer.
The sales results cap off a big year for Toyota in Victoria. The announcement
of Toyota as the official vehicle partner for the 2006 Commonwealth Games and
its partnership with the Australian Football League has kept the company in the
spotlight.
“The Victorian market has been dominated by Holden for a long time,” said
John Cunningham, regional manager, Southern Region, Toyota Australia.
“To finally become the highest selling car company in what is effectively
Toyota’s home state is a tremendous reward for a dedicated dealer network.
“Our partnership with the AFL, and now with the Commonwealth Games puts
Toyota out in front of all Victorians.
“It is important that we have a cohesive and ‘in-touch’ dealer network, and
high quality product to convert that strong public presence into sales.”
Toyota’s impressive year was punctuated by an amazing December, when the
company sold 5532 vehicles – a massive 2165 units ahead of its nearest rival.
Across the country Corolla was a star performer, and Victoria was no
different, increasing sales by over 26 per cent on 2004 (11,815 units).
As smaller, more fuel-efficient cars increase in popularity, Toyota’s
sophisticated new Yaris bolstered the company’s ranks, with Echo and Yaris
recording 5477 sales combined, compared to 4888 in 2004.
The new HiLux was another new model making an impact on the market. Its sales
rose to 5998 (4x2 and 4x4 combined) – an increase of 24 per cent on 2004.
Other impressive performers in Victoria were Camry four-cylinder, which
scored a huge 45.5 per cent market share in the medium car segment.
The new HiAce van and bus was released in early 2005 and increased its sales
by over 25 per cent (combined) over the previous model in 2004, and Tarago
surprised by improving its sales by more than 12 per cent on the previous year.
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