September Sales Point New Zealand Toward Record Year

The Ford Ranger is dominating the New Zealand market, topping the September sales chart with 761 units and stretching its lead as the country’s best-selling commercial vehicle after nine months with 6,406 deliveries.

The Motor Industry Assn. says the Ranger’s result put Ford in front of the CV market so far this year with 7,050 units, ahead of Toyota’s 6,783.

The Ranger was comfortably ahead of the Toyota HiLux’s 554 deliveries in September and GM Holden’s Colorado with 422.

September’s overall sales were New Zealand’s highest on record, keeping the country’s new-vehicle market on track for an annual record.

The MIA says the 13,884 units sold during the month – up 11.3% year-on-year – also made it the second-highest sales month on record.

September saw 9,704 passenger cars and SUVs leave dealerships, along with 4,180 CVs. SUVs accounted for 36% of sales, with cars claiming 33% and LCVs 25%.

Toyota led the month’s results with 2,422 sales for a 17% market share. GM Holden followed with 1,636 units (12%), ahead of Ford’s 1,454 (10%).

Toyota topped both the car and SUV segments with 1,692 September deliveries, ahead of GM Holden (1,197) and Mazda (883). Ford retained the CV lead with 835 units, followed by Toyota (730) and GM Holden (439).

The Toyota Corolla was September’s top-selling car with 481 units, followed by Hyundai Tucson (345) and Kia Sportage (288).

Discussing the market’s 9-month performance, MIA CEO David Crawford says: “Record strong immigration, high levels of economic activity in Auckland and elsewhere and record low interest rates are combining to give consumers and business confidence to purchase big-ticket items.

“Year-to-date, the market is up 7.6% (to 107,122 units) on this time in 2015 and heading for another record year.”