Statistics: New vehicle sales ease in April

Media Release 05 April 2011





New vehicle sales ease in April



The new vehicle market kept to its traditional pattern with sales easing in April after a buoyant March. Overall sales in April of 5,610 units were down 2,650 units (32 percent) compared to March 2011.

Motor Trade Association (MTA) said while such a reduction was not unexpected; it was not uniform across all segments. New car sales of 4,258 were down by 327 units (7 percent), while commercial vehicles sales of 1,352 units were up 248 units (22 percent). Registration data just released by NZ Transport Agency shows the overall new vehicle market was down just 1 percent compared to April 2010. For the year to date, overall sales are still ahead of 2010 by 11 percent.

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1105/New_Pass_Reg_April_2011.pdf

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1105/Used_Pass_Reg_April_2011.pdf

http://img.scoop.co.nz/media/pdfs/1105/MC_Reg_April_2011.pdf

Commenting, MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach, Marketing and Communications General Manager said “April is always something of a comedown from March, being the start of the financial year for many companies. While there are expectations of a slow-down due to impending stock shortages, this has not really materialised yet and it may be another month or so before we can accurately gauge the affect of that.”

In an tightly contested race, Toyota kept hold of the lead spot in passenger car sales with 561 units –13 percent share of the market, followed by Ford with 451 units – 10.6 percent share, and Hyundai, who maintained its strong start to the year, in third place with sales of 433 units – 10.1 percent share.

The race for individual passenger car leadership was also close, although Corolla retained top spot with sales of 248 units ahead of Suzuki Swift with sales of 149 units, followed by Commodore with 139 units, just edging out Hyundai i30 with 124 units and Mazda3 on 122 units.

“The competition in terms of individual model success was quite compressed in April. There was the obvious trend towards smaller vehicles that’s been happening for a while now, but aside from Corolla, things were very tight between the other leading contenders. It’s likely that availability of supply later this year will be the final determinant of the eventual outcome of this ‘contest.’ It will be an intriguing battle to see if traditional patterns can be maintained.” said Stronach.

In the light commercial segment, HiLux with sales of 210 units just edged out Ford Ranger with 207 units, with Toyota HiAce well back in third, with sales of 113 units.

Compared to March 2011, April sales of used import passenger cars of 6,156 units were down 12 percent, and were down 13 percent compared to the April 2010. For the year to date, sales of used import cars are now down 6 percent.

The motorcycle sector was unable to maintain the strong results seen in March, and at 560 units, was down 27 percent compared to March and 4 percent compared to April 2010. Fuel prices however, are still having an affect, with sales of 261 scooters (motorcycles of 60cc or less) during April being 23 percent ahead of April 2010. For the year to date, motorcycle sales are still behind 2010 by 366 units (13 percent).

ENDS

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