New car registrations up 31% from year ago

Monday 6th December 2010

The motor industry is hailing "strong" sales last month, ahead of the two previous Novembers but still down on levels from before the recession.

The 5869 new car registrations in November were flat compared to October, but up 30.8% on the 4486 a year ago, New Zealand Transport Agency figures show.

Last month's figure was also ahead of the 4898 in November 2008, when the country was mired in recession, but down on the 6723 in November 2007 and the 6286 from 2006.

New Zealand entered recession early in 2008, with the economy shrinking for five quarters before struggling out in the June 2009 quarter.

Last month's 7811 used car registrations - generally imported used cars - were 12.3% ahead of October and 18.4% higher than a year ago.

The 1507 new commercials in November were up from 1249 a year earlier.

Motor Industry Association chief executive Perry Kerr said the new vehicle industry was "very happy" with the November numbers, which had broken with tradition by avoiding the usual end-of-year dip.

"November was a very strong month for the industry which we hope will carry through to December," he said.

"Sales were up across all sectors with no stand out reason, however a range of collective factors including the recent run of good spring weather, farmer payouts and a positive business outlook all helping."

Toyota continued to dominate the market, with 1421, or 24.2%, of the new cars and 428, or 28.4%, of the new commercials sold in November.

The top selling car model last month was the Toyota Corolla with 658 sales, of which 411 were to rental companies.

Next was the Suzuki Swift with 268 sales, followed by another rental favourite the Ford Falcon with 259 sales, of which 165 were for rentals.

The Toyota Hilux was the top selling commercial in November with 275 sales, followed by the Nissan Navara with 154 and the Toyota Hiace with 141.

NZPA

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