Western Australians are buying new cars at a rate faster than anywhere else in Australia.
"It is exciting news because it confirms that consumers are showing greater confidence in Western Australia than in the rest of the country," Premier and Treasurer Carmen Lawrence said today.
Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, released today, show new vehicle registrations increased 26.4 per cent in the year till the end of September - compared with 9.8 per cent nationally.
Registrations jumped by 11.2 per cent in September, compared with August, against a decrease of four per cent nationally.
"New vehicle registrations are a key market indicator of consumer demand and reflect the strength of WA's recovery from recession," Dr Lawrence said.
"Home building is another area also showing that Western Australia is on the move - the number of new homes and units financed jumped 38 per cent in the 12 months till August, compared with 19 per cent nationally."
In the commercial sector, the value of finance commitments had increased by 39 per cent in the 12 months to July, compared with three per cent nationally.
"While there is still a long way to go, these are encouraging and positive signs for the future of Western Australia."
