Promising October for Aussie truck sales

The latest T-Mark data shows overall sales of new trucks and LCVs grew significantly during October, while the heavy-duty segment continues to struggle

Sales of new trucks and LCVs grew by 10.5 per cent in October compared to the same month last year, according to the latest T-Mark sales data from the Truck Industry Council. A total of 2884 new trucks and light commercial vehicles were sold during the month, the figure also representing growth of 5.1% from last month's figure.

While the downward trend continues in the heavy-duty segment both the medium-duty and light-duty categories posted substantial growth for the month.

In the overall tally, traditional market leader Isuzu is head and shoulders clear of its competitors, the brand selling 6019 new vehicles this year to claim a dominant market share of 23.9%. Hino is in second place with 3250 sales and market share of 12.9%, while Fuso rounds out the podium with 2572 sales and market share of 10.2%.

In the overall year-to-date sales table, Isuzu sales are up by 6.2% while Hino is down by 7.3%. Fuso is down by 6.0% and Kenworth is down by 11.2%, while Iveco is down by 13.0%. Mercedes-Benz is on a charge, its 879 year-to-date sales equating with growth of 32.8%, while Daimler counterpart Freightliner is down by 19.7%.

While overall year-to-date sales for Volvo are down by 4%, Volvo Group siblings Mack and UD are performing strongly, registering growth of 21.6% and 21.5% respectively. The story for Penske Commercial Vehicles, however, is less rosy – year-to-date sales for Western Star, MAN and Dennis Eagle trucks are down 27.1%, 30.0% and 34.3% respectively.

Year-to-date sales for Kenworth counterpart DAF are also down, in this case by 7.5%

HEAVY DUTY

A total of 948 trucks were sold in the heavy-duty segment in October, representing a contraction of 3.4% from October last year, while the year-to-date figure of 8709 is down by 5.8%.

In the heavy-duty segment, Kenworth continues its domination with 1813 new trucks sold year to date, giving it a market share of 20.8%, ahead of Volvo (1115 sales, 12.8% market share) and Isuzu (930 sales, 10.7% market share). Mack (827 sales, 9.5% market share) and Western Star (601 sales, 6.9% market share) round out the top five.

MEDIUM DUTY

A total of 637 trucks were sold in the medium-duty segment in October, a strong performance that represents growth of 12.9% over October last year. The year-to-date figure, however, is still lacklustre – the 5420 trucks sold equate with a contraction of 2.7%.

Isuzu has sold 2274 medium-duty trucks so far this year for an unassailable market share of 42.0%, ahead of Hino (1452 sales, 26.8% market share) and Fuso (898 sales, 16.6% market share). Completing the top five are UD (473 sales, 8.7% market share) and Mercedes-Benz (121 sales, 2.2% market share).

LIGHT DUTY

A stellar October result saw 872 new trucks sold in the light-duty segment – that's 37.8% up on October last year, while the year-to-date figure of 7242 has also crept into the black – year-to-date light-duty sales are now 1.4% up on this time last year.

Isuzu continues its domination here with 2815 year-to-date sales for a market share of 38.9%, ahead of Hino (1550 sales, market share of 21.4%) and Fuso (1373 sales, 19.0% market share). Next comes Iveco (498 sales, 6.9% market share) and Mercedes-Benz (480 sales, 6.6% market share).

LCVs

The van market remains buoyant; the 427 sales recorded for October represents growth of 1.2% from the same month last year but the year-to-date figure of 3824 sales is up 9.7%.

Mercedes-Benz has increased its stranglehold of the LCV market, its 1795 sales giving its market share of 46.9% (also growth of 17.9%), while Renault has made incredible in-roads with its revitalised LCV range. The French maker has sold 847 LCVs year to date for a market share of 22.1% – that's year-to-date sales growth of 126.5%!

Rounding out the LCV podium is Fiat, its 465 year-to-date sales giving it a market share of 12.2%.

While there's still plenty of red ink across the Australian truck industry's sales sheets, particularly in the heavy-duty segment, strong performances for the medium- and especially the light-duty segments for the month do provide some hope that we may be starting to see some consolidated growth in those portfolios.

Tony McMullan, CEO of Truck Industry Council, said the October results gave cause for some optimism, at least in the light- and medium-duty segments.

"I am pleased to see the positive results in both the medium and light truck segments continued in October while van results, though slowing, are well up on those of 2013," he said.

"If sales continue at this level for the last two months of 2014 we may see our best post-GFC year to date, albeit well down on the 2007/2008 numbers. However, poor heavy-duty sales continue and this is concerning, as this can only lead to continued aging of this very important part of the Australian truck fleet."

Promising October for Aussie truck sales

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