New vehicle sales power ahead in April

Media Release 04 May 2012

New vehicle sales power ahead in April

Motor Trade Association (MTA) says new vehicle sales continue to be at the forefront of economic recovery with another strong sales month recorded in April.

Commenting, MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach, said “The market is really powering ahead at the moment. April’s usually the quietest month of the year, and that’s reflected in the overall volumes, but most importantly it’s still well ahead of last year’s levels. Supply of key models is now pretty much complete, and that, combined with ongoing demand across all segments is resulting in a very healthy market. While unconnected, we are seeing strong new vehicle markets in many parts of the world at present.”

Last month 7,048 new vehicles were sold overall compared to just 5,610 in April 2011, an increase of 1,438 units (26 percent). Year to date, overall sales are up by 3,642 units (13 percent).

New passenger car sales were again strong, with sales of 5,430 units, which was 1,172 units (28 percent) ahead compared to April 2011. Year to date, new car sales are ahead by 3,670 units (17 percent).

New commercial vehicle sales of 1,618 units was up 266 units (20 percent) compared to April 2011. Year to date, overall new commercial sales are virtually identical to 2011’s levels.

Stronach said “Models like Toyota Hilux have benefited from much improved availability, and the introduction of new models like Mazda’s CX-5 have also given the market something of a shot in the arm. Having said that, April’s good performance is less of a surprise than it might previously have been. We’ve seen strength across the board all year, and based on the market’s performance to date, this could well end up being a very respectable year for new vehicle sales.”

Toyota was the top passenger vehicle brand with sales of 785 units (14 percent share) followed by Holden with sales of 550 units (10 percent share) narrowly ahead of Hyundai with 546 units (10 percent share).

Suzuki Swift took out the race for leading passenger car model with sales of 228 units, followed by Toyota Corolla with 218 units and Mazda’s new CX-5 on 179 units.

Toyota was the top selling brand amongst commercial vehicles with sales of 420 units (26 percent share) followed by Ford with sales of 331 units (20 percent share) and Nissan who achieved sales of 219 units (14 percent share).

Ford Ranger proved to be both the best selling commercial vehicle and best selling vehicle overall with sales of 279 units. This was just ahead of Toyota Hilux which recorded sales of 278 units, followed by Toyota Hiace with sales of 130 units.

With sales of 5,877 units, first time used imported passenger cars were down 279 units (5 percent) compared to April 2011. Despite fears that the market would struggle in the face of reduced availability, it has so far held up well with overall sales for the year to date down by just 2,053 units (8 percent).

Going against the trend of improved sales were on road motorcycles. Sales of 411 units was down by 149 units (27 percent) compared to April 2011. After a positive start to 2012, overall sales are down by 310 units (13 percent) for the year to date.

Figures provide by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).

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