Australia Oct new vehicle sales up yr/yr -industry

SYDNEY, Nov 5 - New vehicle sales in Australia rose for a second month in October and posted the first annual increase in over a year as demand steadily recovered from the global credit crisis, industry data showed on Thursday.

The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries said vehicle sales rose 3.4 percent in original terms compared to September, to reach 80,813. Adjusted for seasonal factors, that equated to an increase of 3.7 percent for the month.

Sales were up 2.2 percent on October last year, the first annual increase since June, 2008.

Toyota Motor Corp <7203.T> again took top sales position in October, with a share of 22.1 percent. The Holden unit of General Motors Corp took second spot with 13.3 percent. Ford Motor Co. held 10.2 percent, while Mazda <7261.T> slipped to 7.0 percent.

Details of the VFACTS report in original terms: Oct Sept m/m pct Oct 08 y/y pct

Sales 80,813 78,131 +3.4 79,105 +2.2

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

Change Pct Change

Passenger Vehicles +578 +1.3

Sports Utility +1,372 +9.5

Light Truck +527 -3.4

Heavy Commercial -769 -24.9