Premiums for bigger cars dropped by 60 per cent to $2,656, from $6,501 a fortnight ago.

Car dealers said sales on bigger cars, with engine capacities of 1,600cc and above, have been quiet the last two weeks as buyers shy away from vehicles that consume more fuel.

Premiums for smaller cars are also down, falling from $7,721 to $6,200 when bidding closed at 4pm.

In the open category, premiums dipped to $6,509 from $7,589. Premiums for goods vehicles and buses, and motorcycles, fell to $4,001 and $1,059 respectively.