March LV Sales Reflect Robust New Zealand Economy

New Zealand’s new-vehicle sales climbed 5% to 11,755 units for the market’s best March performance since 1984.

The Motor Industry Assn. says the result left first-quarter sales up 8.5% at 33,276 units.

CEO David Crawford says the SUV segment remained dominant, reflecting international trends, with a 31% market share in March.

“New-vehicle registrations for 2015 continue to reflect a strong economy, which is reflected in the continuing strong performance in the light-commercial-vehicle sector,” Crawford says in a statement.

Toyota continued its reign as the market leader with 1,788 deliveries in March for a 15% share. Holden followed with 1,151 units and Ford with 1,090.

New-car deliveries edged up 81 units from like-2014 to 8,075 units, also a best result since 1984 as Toyota paced the field with 970 units, ahead of GM Holden (794) and Mazda (732). Toyota’s Corolla was the top-selling model (291 units), followed by the Suzuki Swift (274) and Honda Jazz (238).

It was the CV market that was really booming with March improving 13.4% to 3,680 units, the best March performance since 1982.

Toyota dealers delivered 818 units for a 22% market share, while Ford followed with 629 and GM Holden with 357.  Toyota’s Hilux led the market with 548 sales, followed by the Ford Ranger (514) and Holden Colorado (346).

Year-to-date, the Ranger remained New Zealand’s top-selling CV with 1,310 units, just ahead of the Hilux with 1,298.