Australia June vehicle sales surge, 3rd highest ever

SYDNEY, July 3 - New vehicle sales in Australia surged to their third highest ever in June, an industry report showed on Friday, likely boosted by financial year-end sales and government tax breaks on new cars for small business.

The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said vehicle sales climbed 11.8 percent in seasonally adjusted terms in June, from May.

In original terms, sales jumped 36.3 percent to 102,847. That was down 3.5 percent on the record sales seen in June last year, but still the third highest monthly volume ever.

Vehicle demand is typically strong in June as dealers cut prices to clear stock for the end of the financial year. The Labor government also raised the tax break for small businesses buying new vehicles to 50 percent, from 30 percent.

Sales for the year to date were running 16.1 percent behind the same period in 2008.

Toyota Motor Corp. <7203.T> again took the top sales position in June, with a share of 20.8 percent. The Holden unit of General Motors Corp took second spot with 11.8 percent. Ford Motor Co. took 9.9 percent, while Mazda <7261.T> grabbed 8.2 percent.

Details of the VFACTS report in original terms: June May m/m pct Jun 08 y/y pct Sales 102,847 75,441 +36.3 106,541 -3.5

Sales by Type: Jun '09/Jun '08 Volumes

Change Pct Change

Passenger Vehicles -5,659 -9.2

Sports Utility -957 -4.5

Light Truck +3,101 +15.5

Heavy Commercial -179 -5.0