Used Importer Traders Losing Market Share

Media Release

4 July 2011

Used Importer Traders Losing Market Share

Statistics supplied by NZTA show that registered motor vehicle traders dealing in first time used imports have lost 15% market share since 1998.

The MIA asked NZTA to provide numbers of registrations for the “dealer to public” for first time used imports. Mr Kerr, Chief Executive Officer of the Motor Industry Association, said “I expected the percentage of used import vehicles sold by registered traders to be up around 90% of all used imports. It came as a complete surprise to see that number was as low as 65% (57,731 vehicles) for all used import registrations in 2010. This means private buyers are importing just under two vehicles out of every five.”

Mr Kerr continued “what I find even more surprising (and what should be very worrying to the used import trade) is that their market share has dropped virtually every year since 1998, when registered traders sold 80.6% (80,518 vehicles) of all used imports registered that year.”

“The used import trade is pointing the finger for their declining sales at current market conditions in Japan coupled with the pending introduction of higher (and better) emission standards. The figures show this decline has been occurring for over a decade now and I believe the used import industry would be better served by studying the market to establish the cause.” concluded Mr Kerr.

Used Imports

Year Registrations % change Dealer to Public% of total Avg age of Imports

1998 99,937 3.0 80,518 80.6 6.13
1999 131,118 31.2 101,307 77.3 6.91
2000 116,124 (11.4) 87,813 75.6 7.15
2001 128,693 10.8 98,252 76.3 7.68
2002 136,418 6.0 100,642 73.8 7.06
2003 156,972 15.1 111,268 70.9 7.15
2004 154,042 (1.9) 110,589 71.8 7.56
2005 152,488 (1.0) 109,378 71.7 8.01
2006 123,390 (19.1) 85,509 69.3 8.19
2007 120,382 (2.4) 78,162 64.9 8.21
2008 90,841 (24.5) 58,345 64.2 8.31
2009 68,757 (24.3) 43,673 63.5 7.87
2010 88,613 28.9 57,731 65.1 7.94

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