March Sales Remain Buoyant

6 April 2011

With just over 6,000 new passenger car registrations and 2,181 commercial registrations the new vehicle industry continues its strong sales growth.

Just released NZTA registration data shows 6,079 new car registrations in March, which is up 12.7 percent on March 2010 (and 12% ahead year to date). Total commercial registrations of 2,181 were a whopping 36.7% ahead of March 2010 (and 24% year to date).

“2011 has started very well for the new vehicle industry”, said Mr Perry Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association. “Looking forward there are however two unknowns, firstly the influence on sales of the devastating Christchurch earthquake. Second will be the impact on supplies of new vehicles following the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. The industry in Japan is still assessing the consequences of the damage to the numerous component suppliers as well as the effect on production from the plant shut downs. Mr Kerr said that “here in New Zealand as at the end of February members had around three months stock of new vehicles. However in all likelihood future supplies of new vehicles from Japan, Thailand and Australia will be affected. This will lead to shortages of some models, colours etc. We will not escape the inevitable impact that will flow on from these two unparalleled disasters”, said Mr Kerr.

Total new car sales of 6,079 were led by Toyota who took just under 20% of the market. Hyundai continued its strong growth remaining in number two spot with 550 sales. Third place was taken by Holden with 509 registrations. The top selling passenger model for the month was the Toyota Corolla with 355 registrations, followed by the Suzuki Swift (307) and Toyota Yaris (243).

For commercial vehicles Toyota retained number spot with 711 registrations followed by Nissan (281) and Ford (255). The top selling model for the month was the Toyota Hilux (514). In second place was the Nissan Navara (270) followed by the Ford Ranger (205).

ENDS.

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