Holden Commodore Achieves Best Result In History
Holden has claimed the number one selling car in New Zealand for the fifth consecutive year with Commodore achieving
its best result in history.
Figures released by the LTSA show Commodore has retained leadership of the passenger market, selling 7388 units in 2004.
This is up 4.1 per cent on the previous record of 7096 units set in 2003. Commodore claimed 41.6 per cent of the large
passenger car segment finishing more than 1700 units ahead of its nearest rival.
Holden New Zealand achieved 15.6 per cent of the total new car market in New Zealand with Vectra sales up 21.2 per cent
and Caprice up 150 per cent on the same period last year.
Light commercial sales grew significantly with consistent showings by Holden’s unique four-door Crewman ute, Crewman
Cross 8 and Rodeo. Isuzu convincingly took out the number one position in the total truck market for the fifth
consecutive year, achieving 27. 9 per cent market share and for the first time in recent history exceeding 1000 units in
a single year.
Isuzu also led the heavy truck (>23,001 kg) segment eclipsing its nearest rival by over 280 units to achieve a 24.5
per cent market share.
Holden New Zealand Managing Director, Brian Mynott, said the 2004 result demonstrated Holden’s diversity of choice and
its commitment to supplying value for money products. “While Commodore was certainly a significant contributor to our
passenger car leadership, it is great to see four cylinder models such as Vectra and Astra creating an impact in the
marketplace.”
“Commodore’s success was driven by the VZ Commodore launch in September, with the new high feature V6 Alloytec engine
and class leading active safety technology,” Mr Mynott said.
“The introduction of the sporty new SV6 with its new Alloytec 190 engine and transmissions has further broadened the
appeal of the Commodore range. While the introduction of the new-look AH Astra is an exciting addition to Holden’s four
cylinder lineup.”
“Isuzu’s strong leadership is a clear reflection of this brands strong portfolio and we look forward to building upon
this foundation across the entire Holden New Zealand stable,” Mr. Mynott concluded.