August 28, 2008
Embargoed 11.30 am (AEST)
85/2008
Vehicles in Australia travelled over 215 billion kilometres in 2007: ABS
The 14.8 million vehicles registered in Australia travelled more than 215 billion kilometres in the
12 months ended 31 October 2007, according to figures released today by the Australian
Bureau of Statistics.
Passenger vehicles accounted for 73% of distance travelled (158 billion kilometres). More than
half (51%) of the distance travelled by passenger vehicles was for personal and other use, with
29% for travel to and from work, and 20% for business use.
Freight carrying vehicles travelled more than 52 billion kilometres in the 12 months ended 31
October 2007 on Australian roads.
It is estimated that all road registered vehicles consumed a total of 30 billion litres of fuel with
the average rate of fuel consumption for the 12 months ended 31 October 2007 being 14 litres
per 100 kilometres. Articulated trucks had the highest average fuel consumption with 54.6 litres
per 100 kilometres.
Further information is available in Survey of Motor Vehicle Use (cat. no. 9208.0), available for
Media note: Articulated trucks are defined as motor vehicles constructed primarily for load
carrying, consisting of a prime mover which has no significant load carrying area, but with a
turntable device which is linked to a semitrailer.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
Media requests and interviews
Kate Gilrane (02) 6252 6403; 0447 693 708
Larissa Sette (02) 6252 6566
Statistical clarification
Anne Wellington (07) 3222 6322
NEWS 
