Used import vehicle sales success still growing

Media Release 5 September 2013

Used import vehicle sales success still growing

The new and used import sectors of the vehicle sales industry continued their strong parallel run of success into August, with appreciable gains recorded across the board. Successive months of improving sales in all sectors continue to support claims that vehicle sales are helping lead the economic recovery.

Sales of 8,648 used import cars were up 2,027 units (31 percent) compared to August 2012. For the year to date, used imported car sales are sharply up – 12,997 units (26 percent).

The top brand for used import cars was Toyota with 2,105 units (24 percent market share), followed by Nissan with 1,595 units (18 percent share) and Mazda with 1,514 units (17 percent share). In terms of individual used import car models, Mazda Demio proved most popular with 401 units sold, followed by Nissan Tiida with 396 units sold and Mazda Axela with sales of 383 units.

Used import commercial vehicles enjoyed their second strongest month of the year so far. Sales of 546 units were 207 units (61 percent) ahead of August 2012. Year to date, used import commercials are up an impressive 1,533 units (68 percent).

MTA spokesman Ian Stronach said “There’s a feeling in the trade that this recovery can be sustained. After what has been a lengthy period of success by automotive trade standards, no one’s quite game to say if they can see any end to this growth in sight. With around 33 percent of the national light fleet aged between 14 and 19 years, there is still a considerable amount of replacement activity waiting ahead for the industry.”

New car sales of 6,828 units were up 869 units (14 percent) compared to August 2012. For the year to date, new car sales are up 3,066 units (6 percent). The top selling new car model for the month was again the Toyota Corolla with 328 sales, followed by Holden Cruze with 271 sales. Benefitting from the recent launch of its new model, Holden Commodore came in third with sales of 247 units.

The new commercial vehicle market remained strong as well. 2,602 units sold was 386 units (17 percent) up over August 2012. For the year to date, new commercial vehicle sales are up 3,915 units (24 percent). The top selling new commercial model and New Zealand’s most popular model overall was the Ford Ranger with 392 sales, followed by Toyota Hilux with 376 sales and Nissan Navara on 290 sales.

Stronach said “Commercial vehicles continue to lead the way, showing that the economic recovery is continuing. Business vehicles are never purchased on a whim, they’re a sizeable investment, so there is obviously ongoing confidence that things will only get stronger in the coming months.”

On road motorcycles continued their recent resurgence, with 503 sales, 102 units (25 percent) ahead of August 2012. For the year to date, sales are now ahead of last year by 808 units (23 percent). Suzuki took top spot with 84 sales (17 percent market share), followed by Honda with 64 units (13 percent) and Harley Davidson on 36 units (7 percent).

ENDS

new_commercial_registrations.pdf
New_Motorcycles.pdf
New_passenger_registrations.pdf
used_commercial_registrations.pdf
used_import_passenger_registrations.pdf

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