NZ Sees Strong SUV Sales in July

New Zealand new-vehicle sales saw their strongest July since 1987, with passenger- vehicle deliveries of 6,376 units up 7.5% over prior-year’s 5,942.

New commercial-vehicle sales jumped 22.0% to 2,497 units, from 2,047 year-ago, for the segment’s best July since 1985, Motor Industry Assn. data shows.

July new-car sales of 4,637 units were little changed from year-ago’s 4,687, while SUV deliveries surged 35.3% to 1,739 units from prior-year’s 1,285.

Year-to-date, new passenger-vehicle sales rose 1.7% to 43,307 units from 42,547 in like-2006. New-car sales after seven months dropped 3.5% to 32,370 units, while SUV deliveries climbed 21.7% to 10,937.

New commercial-vehicle sales stand at 14,590 units year-to-date, down slightly from 14,605 in like-2006. Light-commercial deliveries increased 10.6% in July to 2,139 units for a 7-month total of 12,657 – fractionally ahead of year-ago’s 12,569.

“The continuing strength of the new-vehicle market in the face of economic uncertainty is most encouraging,” MIA CEO Perry Kerr says. “It suggests there is a strong and growing awareness amongst the public of the value, safety and environmental advantages of owning a new vehicle.”

Suzuki Swift July’s No.2 best seller.

Toyota New Zealand Ltd. in July continued to build on its position as a top-selling brand, delivering 1,001 passenger cars and 721 commercial vehicles. Year-to-date, the auto maker has sold 10,577 units for 18.3% of the New Zealand market.

Holden New Zealand Ltd. sold 864 cars and 247 CVs in July for a 7-month total of 6,948 units. Ford Motor Co. of New Zealand Ltd. delivered 692 cars and 471 CVs during the month for a year-to-date tally of 7,156 units.

The Holden Commodore was July’s best-selling vehicle with 579 units and a 7-month total of 3,579. Suzuki New Zealand Ltd.’s Swift was the month’s No.2 best seller with 317 units and a year-to-date total of 1,546. The Toyota Corolla sold 302 units in July for a 7-month tally of 2,407, while the Ford Falcon sold 178 units for the month and 1,593 year-to-date.