The New Zealand market saw fewer registrations for both new passenger and commercial vehicles in October 2023 – though perhaps by not as much as expected by some – as the chance of the Clean Car Discount/Fee legislation ending in a matter of weeks rises to a near certainty.
In passenger cars, EV and hybrid models did well, while in the ute market activity was dampened as people realise a short wait can save thousands. Eight of the top ten models are either electric or have hybrid or plug-in options.
Passenger vehicle registrations were down 6.3% to 10,055 units, while commercial fell 26.7% to 2890 off an already depressed 2022 result.
Leading the passenger market, Toyota recorded 2683 registrations, up 20.8% for a 26.7% market share.
In second, Kia gained 12.5% to 1125 units, an 11.2% market share, while in third Mitsubishi was down 44% to 987 – corresponding with the time the new Outlander arrived and the old model was in runout last year.
Fourth for the month, and making its entrance into the top 5, MG recorded 594 units – the majority electric – up 19.5% for a 5.9% market share.
Ford took fifth on 569, up 32% for a 5.7% share.
Hyundai took sixth place on 495, followed by Suzuki on 405, Mazda on 373, BYD on 359 and Nissan on 307.
In the model stakes, Toyota had a strong showing, with the Rav4 on 1103, Corolla Cross on 368 and Yaris Cross on 359 occupying three of the top four positions – the Mitsubishi Outlander in second on 529 slightly spoiling the party.
The MG4 made a very strong debut, being the top non-SUV and claiming fifth in passenger on 357 units.
In the commercial market, Toyota topped the charts on 860 units, up 16.5% for a 29.8% market share.
Ford took second on 825 units, down 46.4% for a 28.5% market share, followed by Isuzu on 156 units, down 1.9% for a 5.4% share.
Mercedes-Benz took fourth on 139 followed by Fuso on 111.
The Ford Ranger was the top commercial model on 794 units, well down on 1489 a year ago.
The Toyota Hilux was second on 679 units, slightly up on last year, while the Toyota Hiace gained third on 160.
The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter had a strong month on 126 units, followed by the Mitsubishi Triton on 99.
