Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) figures show new vehicle sales for the month totalled 71,731. The sales included 20,494 passenger vehicles, 35,393 Sports Utility Vehicles and 14,035 light commercial vehicles. 

Tony Weber, chief executive for the FCAI, commented on the sales result.
"Given the broad range of environmental, financial, international and political issues facing Australia during January, it is no surprise to see the new vehicle market has reported a conservative start to the year," Weber said.

Toyota was the market leader in January with 14,809 sales and 20.6 per cent market share. Mazda claimed second place with 6695 sales (9.3 per cent share), followed by Hyundai with 5443 sales (7.6 per cent share), Mitsubishi with 5108 sales (7.1 per cent share) and Kia with 4705 sales (6.6 per cent share).

Australia's third favourite vehicle during January was the Toyota Corolla with 2370 sales, followed by the Toyota RAV4 with 2290 sales and the Mitsubishi Triton with 2075 sales.