This story is from our sister-site AutoTalk.co.nz
The market for new vehicles in New Zealand was the highest on record in 2015 – breaking the 130,000 mark for the first time.
The overall market tallied 134,041 registrations, up 5.4%. Passenger registrations accounted for 94,964 units, up 4.9% year-on-year, and commercials totalled 39,077 – a new annual record.
“It is the highest ever level of new vehicle registrations in New Zealand’s history and the first time new registrations have broken through the 130,000 barrier”, says Motor Industry Association chief executive David Crawford in announcing the result.
Overall Toyota dominated, marking its 28th consecutive year in a row on top with across-the-market registrations of 26,330 vehicles.
Holden was second on 14,001, Ford third on 13,808, followed by Mazda and Hyundai.
The bitter pill for Toyota will be in Ford’s Ranger overtaking the Corolla for most popular vehicle, a position it has held for the last four years.
The Ford Ranger was not only the best commercial vehicle with 17% market share for 2015, it was also the top selling model overall, the first time a commercial vehicle has outsold a passenger model, with 6,818 vehicles registered during 2015.
Corolla was second followed by the Toyota Hilux.
SUVs continue to dominate the New Zealand market accounting for just over one out of every three sales (34% of the market) with a total of 45,376 registrations during 2015.
“2015 will likely be remembered as the year in which the NZ new vehicle registrations soared while the NZ economy showed weaker growth in the face of several unfavourable economic indicators at home and abroad,” says Crawford. “The breadth of new models with increased performance and comfort features, combined with competitive prices and a high level of choice makes New Zealand one of the most competitive new car markets anywhere in the world. It has never been a better time to buy a new vehicle.”
Another record for commercials
Turning to the month of December, commercial vehicle registrations of 3136 units were 339 (12%) ahead of December 2014, again setting a record for the highest number of commercial vehicles sold in the month of December.
Ford led the commercial market with 659 registrations (21%) followed by Toyota with 620 units (20%). The Ford Ranger was the top selling commercial model with 608 units (19%) followed by the Toyota Hilux with 419 units (13%) and Holden Colorado in third with 313 units (10%).
December passenger car registrations of 7,109 units were the highest monthly total since 1976. Toyota dominated the market taking 23% market share (1,608 units) followed by Holden with 11% (758 units) and Mazda with 8% market share (587 units).
Follow AutoTalk.co.nz and AutoTalk magazine for a full round up of statistics.
MIA Full Year 2015 Results:
