A turbulent general election season had a minimal impact on new car sales in August, and registration data from the Motor Industry Association (MIA) confirmed that the fight between National and Labour had little effect on new car sales during voting month as well.
Despite the chance of a change in government last month, registrations of 14,507 vehicles represented the strongest September ever for the new car sector.
“The traditional slowdown in new vehicle registrations during an election period failed to materialise in September,” said David Crawford, CEO of the MIA.
“Registrations were 10.4 per cent (11,165 units) year to date above this time in 2016 and for the month were up 4.5% (623 units) on September 2016.”
Year to date, sales of passenger and SUVs were up by 6.8 per cent, and commercial vehicles by 18.6 per cent compared to 2016.
Toyota was still the market leader in September with 18 per cent (3473 units) market share, followed by Ford on 11 per cent (1548 units) and Holden on 10 per cent (1386 units).
Strong rental sales propelled the Toyota Corolla to the top selling vehicle model in September with 10 per cent of total registrations (957 units, 742 were rentals).
In the passenger and SUV segment, the Corolla was followed by the Toyota RAV4 (516 units), Kia Sportage (314 units), Toyota Yaris (305 units) and Holden Commodore (255 units).
In the commercial segment the Toyota Hilux (791 units) held its lead ahead of the Ford Ranger (781 units) in September, both of which were comfortably ahead of the Mitsubishi Triton (353 units), Holden Colorado (353 units) and Toyota Hiace (337 units).
However, year to date the Ford Ranger is still the top selling model both overall and in the commercial sector with 7,098 registrations compared to the Toyota Hilux on 6,285.
Medium SUVs were still New Zealand’s favourite segment in September with 16 per cent (2377 units) of the market, 4x4 Pick Ups accounted for 13 per cent (1815 units) and Small cars 12 per cent (1779 units).
Audi was the first of the big three premium German marques in September with 205 registrations. BMW finished with 196 and Mercedes-Benz on 163.
“As the 2017 year progresses economic conditions of the last 18 months remain largely unchanged with low interest rates, strong net immigration, strong New Zealand currency and stable domestic economy,” said Crawford
“The combination of these factors underpins record sales of new vehicles.”
Top selling vehicles in September
Toyota Corolla - 957
Toyota Hilux - 791
Ford Ranger - 781
Toyota RAV4 - 516
Mitsubishi Triton - 373
Holden Colorado - 353
Toyota Hiace - 339
Kia Sportage - 314
Toyota Yaris - 305
Nissan Navara - 267