Drivers in Australia are shunning large family cars in favour of SUVs and small vehicles according to the latest Roy Morgan Research automotive data.
The ABC reports the Mazda3 was Australia's most popular new car in 2012. Ford buyer numbers are down from 190,000 in 2008 to 164,000 in the next four years.
Roy Morgan Research consumer products general manager Geoffrey Smith said high fuel prices have driven consumers to buy smaller and fuel-efficient cars.
There has also been a move away from large cars to SUVs.
"We're seeing people who want family cars, large family cars, shifting towards SUVs," Mr Smith said.
