Commercials boost September new vehicle sales

Media Release 06 October 2011

Commercials boost September new vehicle sales

Motor Trade Association (MTA) said an increased supply of vehicles ex Japan and a strong performance amongst sales of commercial vehicles boosted the overall new vehicle market during September.

Figures just released by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) show that in September 2011, 7,628 new vehicles were sold compared to 7,465 in August 2011, an increase of 163 units (2 percent).

Compared to September 2010 however, overall sales were down by 316 units (4 percent). For the year to date, overall sales are still ahead of 2010 by 3,974 units (7 percent).

New car sales of 5,684 units were down by 83 units (1 percent) compared to August, and by 614 units (10 percent) compared to September 2010. For the year to date, new car sales are still ahead of 2010 by 1,875 units (4 percent).

New commercial vehicle sales of 1,944 units were up 246 units (15 percent) compared to August 2011, and 298 units (18 percent) compared to September 2010. For the year to date, new commercial sales are still ahead of 2010 by 2,099 units (15 percent).

Commenting, MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach, Marketing and Communications General Manager said “It’s obvious that supply restrictions are now having far less effect than they were earlier this year. Passenger car sales have been able to largely maintain the gains from earlier this year while commercial vehicle sales are still performing strongly, and are well up. From a market leadership perspective, we are now entering an important part of the sales year. Consumers can expect to see a very competitive market over the next 10 weeks or so as manufacturers seek to hold on to the gains they’ve made in what’s been a very disrupted market.”

Toyota continued to dominate the new car market with sales of 990 units and a 17 percent market share. Some way back in second place was Holden with sales of 578 units (10 percent share) ahead of Hyundai in third spot with sales of 493 units (9 percent share).

With improved supply, Toyota Corolla claimed back top spot both for the month and now year to date in terms of individual passenger car models, with sales of 367 units. Mazda3 was in second spot with 227 units while Suzuki Swift took out third spot with 199 sales.

Top commercial model was Toyota Hilux with sales of 300 units ahead of Toyota’s Hiace with 211 units and Holden Colorado on 163 units.

A strong surge in the number of used cars being landed failed to translate into additional retail sales, supporting the view that dealers are building stock ahead of the change in import regulations at the start of next year. Sales of 6,366 units were down 352 units (5 percent) compared to August 2011, and 1,064 units (14 percent) compared to September 2010. For the year to date, used import car sales are now behind 2010 by 5,959 units (9 percent).

On road motorcycle sales continued their recent lift. Significant retail promotional activity during September obviously met with buyer favour, with sales of 591 units, up 207 units (54 percent) over August 2011. Sales were up 98 units (20 percent) over September 2010. Overall motorcycle sales are still behind last year’s levels, down just 44 units (1 percent) though, for the year to date.

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