Melbourne, - Two of the world's car manufacturers will faces more challenges this year. Automotive market in Australia is very promising. However, the car market is very competitive. Every car manufacture must work harder to win that competition.
Two of the world's car manufacturers have a long history of success in Australia, namely General Motors (GM) and Ford, now get recessive to chase Toyota's sales growth in the country. According to Bloomberg today, Toyota's sales rose 20 percent last year compared with 2011. As a result, Japan's # 1 producer is getting way ahead of General Motors that relies on local product and brand Holden.
The new record
Sales of new cars in Australia with a population of 23 million, up 10 per cent last year - setting a new record - that is 1.1 million units. This figure is similar to car sales in Indonesia last year with a population of 248 million. (The population is calculated at the same time, 2012).
The type of vehicle is the fastest growing large SUVs and pickup 4x4, both up 25 percent. SUV sales rose by almost 62,000 units over the past year or 3/5 of the total market growth. Meanwhile, Toyota's sales rose to 218,176 units from 181,624 units.
Meanwhile, Ford has been making cars in Australia since the Model T in 1925, production continued to decline. Even his flagsip, Falcon has decreased since July last year. This model is manufactured in Australia since 1960, the last year sales fell 26 percent and no longer in the top 10 best-selling models.
Among the top10, namely Commodere Holden and Holden Cruze, reported sales down 25 and 14 percent.
Domestic
Reported Similarly, Toyota's sales rose as a stronger Australian dollar exchange rate against the United States. As a result, consumers prefer imported cars than the original made in Australia.
Based on data released by Australia's Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries today, Mazda and Hyundai also left Ford. As a result, sales of imported cars rose 12 percent to 972,236 units. In contrast, domestic-made cars fell 1.5 message to 139 796 units.
The cars are made in Australia continues to experience a decline in sales due to price competition from imports. As a result, the three manufacturers who have factories in Australia, such as Holden, Toyota and Ford, last year had to reduce the workforce to 1,000.
On the other Australian government lowered import tariffs until halfway up a 5 message since 2010. Instead, to support the car industry in the country, also disbursed 5.4 billion dollar aid package Australia or (Rp 54.6 trillion) by 2020.
Mazda3 sellers
Because the price of imported cars more competitive, for the second time - in a row - Mazda3 managed a best-selling car in Australia last year.
Might Mazda3, ending the dominance of Australia's best-selling model for the past 15 years, the Holden Commodore assemblies country. Last year, sales of the Mazda3 in Australia reached 44,000 units, up 6.5 percent from 2011.
