The economic turmoil from the coronavirus pandemic has triggered a record 17.9 per cent tumble in the number of new vehicles sold in March, with 17,752 fewer vehicles sold in Australia compared with the same month last year.

Figures from the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries out on Friday showed the alarming slide had been across-the-board in utes, SUV's and passenger vehicles and meant the overall market had been in decline for 24 months in a row.