Strong new and used import vehicle sales in February

Media Release 6 March 2014


Strong new and used import vehicle sales in February

Strong sales across both the New Zealand new and used import vehicle sectors have made February 2014 the best February since 2006. Passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles and even on-road motorcycles all experienced increased demand during the month, compared to the same period last year.
MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach said the total New Zealand new and used imported passenger and commercial vehicle sales of 18,886 units meant this was the best February result since 2006.
“Even though the month was a bit slower than January, as February tends to be, it was nevertheless another very strong result,” he said.

Used import vehicles sales of 9,747 units were 2,465 units (34 percent) ahead of February 2013. For the year to date, used import vehicle sales of 19,844 units were 4,736 units (31 percent) ahead of 2013.

Used import passenger vehicle sales of 9,155 units were 2,233 units (32 percent) ahead of February 2013, making it the best February for used import passenger vehicle sales since 2006.

Used import commercial sales of 592 units were 232 units (64 percent) ahead of the same month last year, making this the best February for used import commercial vehicles since 2008.

There was a change of order in terms of leading used import passenger model, with Suzuki Swift taking top spot with sales of 473 units, just ahead of Nissan Tiida on 472 units and Mazda Demio on 453 units.
“Ongoing economic confidence coupled with an ever-growing pool of used vehicles that qualify for import into New Zealand means the used import market is going from strength to strength. It’s already starting to shade the sales of new vehicles and shows no sign of slackening,” Stronach said.
New passenger vehicle sales of 6,572 units were 773 units (13 percent) ahead of February 2013, while new commercial sales of 2,567 units were 419 units (20 percent) ahead of the same month last year. For the year to date, new vehicle sales are 1,192 units (15 percent) ahead of 2013.

Holden proved to be something of a surprise winner of the race amongst the new passenger car brands, recording sales of 782 units – in front of Toyota with 762 units and Hyundai with 616 units.

In terms of individual passenger vehicle models, Toyota Corolla led the way with sales of 311 units, with Holden Captiva in second spot with 279 units and Suzuki Swift with 233 units.

Toyota’s Hilux proved to be the most popular individual commercial model with sales of 390 units, heading off Ford Ranger on 311 units and Nissan Navara with 272 units.

Motorcycle sales also remained firm in February. On the back of strong sales of over-60cc machines, on-road motorcycle sales of 679 units were 30 units (5 percent) ahead of February 2013. For the year to date, sales are ahead by 208 units (17 percent).
Suzuki again led with overall sales of 119 units, well ahead of Honda, on 75 units, and Harley Davidson, on 45 units.

ENDS

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