SUVs SALES “faux-wheel-drives” have overtaken cars for the first time in Australian automotive history.

SALES of SUVs — also known as “faux-wheel-drives” and “soft-roaders” because they’re more suited to sealed roads despite their rugged looks — have overtaken passenger cars for the first time in Australian automotive history.

“This one monthly outcome doesn’t signal a landslide but clearly Australian buyers are attracted by the features and capabilities of new generation SUVs, and how these types of vehicles suit their needs and lifestyles,” said the chief executive of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Tony Weber.

The February figures also revealed the biggest new-car sales slowdown since the Global Financial Crisis.

Sales of all new vehicles were down 7.7 per cent in February: 89,025 deliveries versus 96,443 in the same month last year.

“It’s important to look at sales results in the proper context because February 2016 was an unusually strong month,” said Mr Weber. “It included one extra selling day and saw a lot of activity in the market. This resulted in a 6.7 per cent surge over February 2015.”

Nevertheless, the sudden drop in new-car deliveries means dealers will be more desperate to move metal in the coming months as they clear last year’s stock, sparking further discounts.

Source: Sales of SUVs overtake passenger cars for first time in Australia | Perth Now