Auto Trader NZ
Published 3 September 2020
February’s registration data has just been released by the NZ Transport Agency.
Motor Trade Association spokesman, Marketing and Communications General Manager, Ian Stronach says: “So far, year to date sales of new cars are up 9% overall. The momentum is holding, and while it’s a bit early to say the market has turned the corner, we are seeing some good signs out there.”
February’s new car sales of 4302 units were more than 500 ahead of February 2009, and below January’s levels – this has been the pattern for the last few years.
Toyota still leads the new car market with 551 units followed by Holden, Ford, Mazda and Hyundai.
In terms of individual models Suzuki’s Swift model accounted for 234 registrations ahead of the Mazda3 and Holden Commodore. Perennial market favourite Toyota Corolla managed fourth spot, with Ford Falcon rounding out the top five.
Used import registrations of 6761 units were also up sharply over a year ago. At more than 2100 units or 46% ahead of January 2009, this sector is showing good signs of growth.
The new commercial sector saw February sales ahead of January, with registrations of 1357 units being 255 units or 23% ahead of January. February’s sales were ahead of the same month last year, up more than 7% – the first time this has happened in 20 months.
