The next few months should see improved sales figures thanks to stabilising demand for new cars, according to Toyota Australia’s senior executive director for sales and marketing, David Buttner.

Buttner said that consumer confidence will be boosted by falling interest rates, lower fuel prices and the Federal Government’s stimulus payments.

“Business demand is also likely to be underpinned by the Government’s 30-per-cent investment allowance for vehicles ordered by June 30,” Mr Buttner said.

“Toyota remains of the view that total industry sales will reach 850,000 this year, with second-half sales being stronger than the first six months.”

Sales figures for March show Toyota as the outright market leader with 16,608 sales – more than 7,400 ahead of its nearest competitor, Holden (9.188).

Segment leaders for Toyota included Yaris, Corolla, Camry, HiLux 2WD and 4WD, Prado, LandCruiser 200 Series and HiAce van and bus.  For hybrid vehicles, Prius was also the leader for that segment.

“Toyota and our dealers are well placed as we head into the second quarter, having adjusted our plans in line with the market realities.

“While new-vehicle sales have certainly come back from the record levels being achieved in the first half of last year, consumers are responding to the value being offered across the board.

Buttner said that the local industry has been untroubled by the fall-off in demand being experienced in other countries.

“As a result, we are very likely to see demand gain pace here ahead of the rest of the world,” he said.