Modest gains for new vehicle market in November

Media Release 06 December

Modest gains for new vehicle market in November

Motor Trade Association (MTA) says the overall new vehicle market recorded some modest gains during November after a sluggish October. While the month was largely overshadowed by the election campaign, good activity within the commercial vehicle sector especially, meant a more positive feel to the overall market.

Commenting, MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach, Marketing and Communications General Manager said “Though there was plenty of election related news during the month, some distributors were able to leverage the focus on this and in turn record good levels of sales. There were modest improvements across all the sectors, but commercial vehicles continue to lead the way. Despite some restrictions to commercial vehicle supply as a result recent of the flooding in Thailand, there was good activity in this sector, especially in the utility market where several new models seem to have stimulated additional demand. ”

Figures just released by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) show that in November 2011, 7,328 new vehicles were sold compared to 7,026 in October 2011, an increase of 302 units (4 percent).

Compared to November 2010 though, overall sales were down by 48 units (0.7 percent). For the year to date however, they remain ahead of 2010 by 3,655 units (5 percent).

New passenger car sales of 5,644 units were up by 216 units (4 percent) compared to October 2011, but down by 225 units (4 percent) compared to November 2010. For the year to date, new passenger car sales are still ahead of 2010 by 1,212 units (2 percent).

In a new commercial vehicle market that continues to push ahead, sales of 1,684 units were up by 86 units (5 percent) compared to October 2011, and up 177 units (12 percent) compared to November 2010. For the year to date, new commercial vehicle sales are ahead of 2010 by 2,443 units (14 percent).

Although a slightly less dominant month than previously, November was still another strong one for Toyota in terms of passenger car sales, with 1,138 units giving them a 20 percent share of the market. Holden managed sales of 703 units for a 12 percent share and second place, with Ford close behind in third with sales of 618 units and an 11 percent share.

The passenger car market remains the preserve of smaller capacity vehicles with Toyota Corolla the top selling model with 439 units, followed by Hyundai i30 on 238 units and another Toyota, RAV4 in third spot with sales of 129 units. For the year to date, Corolla has a clear lead in the sales race with 3,423 sales, well ahead of its nearest rival, Suzuki Swift, on sales of 2,575 units.

The new Ford Ranger grabbed the top spot in the commercial vehicle sales race with 264 units, just ahead of perennial leader Toyota Hilux on 259 units. Some distance back in third spot was Toyota Hiace with 122 sales.

Used import dealers continued to act to protect the supply of vehicles in the face of the introduction of stricter import regulations in January 2012. Used imported passenger cars continued to arrive in high numbers, with the 10,360 units that arrived in November, the highest in almost four years. Their decision to import what stock they could has turned out to be a wise one with the appeal to delay the introduction of these new regulations being unsuccessful.

Actual sales of used imported cars were the highest in six months at 6,962 units. This was up 695 units (11 percent) compared to October 2011, but down by 845 units (11 percent) compared to November 2010. For the year to date, used import car sales are behind 2010 by 7,499 units (9 percent).

The motorcycle market enjoyed a modest but much needed lift in November, with growth coming in the larger (over 60cc) sector. Sales of 498 units were up 19 units (4 percent) over October 2011 and 18 units (4 percent) compared to October 2010. Overall for the year to date, motorcycle sales are now behind last year’s levels by only 55 units (1 percent).

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