New vehicle market maintains gains

Media Release 04 August 2011

New vehicle market maintains gains

Motor Trade Association (MTA) said July’s new vehicle market continued to show resilience, with sales up 9 percent compared to the same period last year. A gradual increase in supply from Japan to affected distributors provided a firm tone to the market, which again saw a reshuffling of positions amongst the market leaders.

Figures just released by the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) show that in July, 6,705 vehicles were sold compared to 5,997 in the same month last year, an increase of 708 units (12 percent).

Compared to the relatively buoyant June market however, overall sales were down by 947 units (12 percent). For the year to date, overall sales are still ahead of 2010 though, by 3,262 units (7 percent).

New car sales of 4,879 units were down by 486 units (9 percent) compared to June 2011, but ahead by 433 units (9 percent) compared to July 2010. For the year to date, new car sales are still ahead of 2010 by 1,442 units (4 percent).

New commercial vehicle sales of 1,826 units were 461 units (20 percent) behind compared to what was a very strong June 2011, but 275 units (18 percent) ahead of July 2010. For the year to date, new commercial sales are still ahead of 2010 by 1820 units (17 percent).

Commenting, MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach, Marketing and Communications General Manager said “The market took on something of a more predictable form last month, and has managed to retain the gains from earlier in the year. While there are some lingering supply issues for one or two manufacturers, this is having less effect as the months pass. The introduction of some key new models has helped keep momentum in the market and actual transaction prices remain ultra-competitive; it’s still a good time for buyers.”

Taking on a more familiar feel, the overall market was led by Toyota with sales of 1,016 units, followed by Ford with 709 units and Holden 687 units.

Likewise, there was a more predictable look to the new car sales ladder with Toyota returning to the top rung with sales of 616 units for a 13 percent share of the market. Holden also regained ground with sales of 564 units (12 percent share) ahead of third placed Suzuki with sales of 518 units (11 percent share).

Suzuki Swift took top honours in terms of individual passenger car models with sales of 325 units. Holden Commodore held on for second place with 204 units and another Holden model, Captiva was in third spot with 163 units.

While things were much closer in the commercial market, Toyota HiLux remained on top with sales of 262 units, followed closely by Nissan Navara with 248 units and Ford Ranger on 145 units.

Used imported car volumes remained positive during July. The 6,718 units sold was 146 units
(2 percent) up on June, although 1,175 units (15 percent) down over July 2010. For the year to date, used import car sales are still behind 2010 by 4,083 units (8 percent).

The surge in moped sales in June, in order to head off the change in vehicle compliancing rules, meant an inevitable reduction in sales in July. Total road registered motorcycle sales of 296 were the lowest for many years. July’s sales were 381 units (56 percent) below June and 88 units (23 percent) down compared to July 2010. For the year to date, new motorcycle sales are behind 2010 by 68 units (2 percent).

Stronach added “While the market is seeing considerable upheaval, the new compliancing regime puts all distributors on an equal footing and it should end the widespread importation of marginal quality mopeds. There will be pain for some in the market, but overall, with a better process in place to assess safety and quality, the industry and consumers will be better off, long term.”
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