SYDNEY, Dec 5 (Reuters) - Sales of new vehicles in Australia edged higher in November from the same month last year and looked set to clinch another year of records, thanks in part to stellar demand for pick up trucks.
The Australian Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries' VFACTS report on Monday showed 98,937 new vehicles were sold in November, up 0.3 percent on the same month last year. Adjusted for selling days, sales dipped in the month.
The running total for 2016 rose to 1.08 million, 2.2 percent ahead of the same period last year and set to surpass the 2015 total of 1.16 million units.
Sales of light commercial vehicles rose 3.3 percent in November, from October, extending a strong run that augured well for business investment.
Sales of the Toyota Hilux jumped 14 percent in November to top the country's best seller list for a second straight month. Just behind was the Ford Ranger, a rare double for the pick up sector.
Sales of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) were ahead by 4.1 percent, while passenger vehicles dropped 4.5 percent and have been in decline for some time.
Toyota Motor Corp 7203.T retained first place on the sales ladder with an expanded market share of 18.4 percent in November. Mazda Motor Corp 7261.T raced to second spot with 9.9 percent, pipping Hyundai Motor
The Holden unit of General Motors (NYSE:GM) GM.N took 7.8 percent, with Ford F.N trailing at 6.9 percent.