New vehicle sales: and still the records tumble

Record numbers of commercials last month helped push overall new-vehicle registrations to 12,510 units, the strongest June in New Zealand since Motor Industry Association records began in 1975. Commercial sales alone were the best since the MIA began keeping records on such vehicles in 1981, said its CEO David Crawford. Combined 2014 sales of commercials and passenger cars at the end of June totaled 62,217 units – up 7682 (14%) on the 54,535 at the same time last year.

If the momentum continues, 2014 could end up being the best sales year since 1984, when 123,247 light commercials and passenger cars were registered. July 1984 is the best month on record, with 13,983 registrations. “The strong New Zealand dollar, competitive pricing and New Zealanders’ confidence that the economy is heading in the right direction have all combined to help drive sales of new vehicles skywards as records continue to fall,” said Crawford. June sales of 4002 commercials were up 821 units (26%) on June 2013. This year, commercial sales are up 3134 units (21%) on the first six months of last year. Passenger car sales last month totaled 8517, up 975 units (13%) on June 2013. This segment is also buoyant, up 4550 units (11%) on the January-June period in 2013. Toyota was the overall market leader for June with a 20% market share (2555 units) with Ford second on 11% (1361) and Holden third also with 11% (1344). Toyota led the passenger car market last month with a 17% share (1448), with Holden second on 11% (960) and Hyundai third also with 11% (940). Toyota was also the commercial vehicle market leader with a 28% share (1107), followed by Ford at 16% (647) and Holden third at 10% (384). The Toyota RAV4 was the top selling passenger model with 4% market share (371), followed by the Toyota Corolla also on 4% (333) and the Toyota Highlander at 4% (308). The Toyota Hilux was the No.1 commercial model for June with 847 units (21%). Second was the Ford Ranger with 574 sales (14%) and third the Holden Colorado with 359 (9%). Year to date the Hilux has regained the commercial lead with 2915 sales (16%) followed by the Ford Ranger with 2757 (15%). The

sale of sports utility vehicles grew to 32% of all vehicles sales in June, followed by pick-ups/chassis-cabs with 22% and small passenger cars at 15%.