New car sales exceed March expectations
New car sales exceeded expectations in March, led by an increase in the number of new car passenger sold.
BUSINESSDESK: New car sales exceeded expectations in March, led by an increase in the number of new car passenger sales.
The number of new vehicles rose 3% to 8528 in March from a year earlier, the Motor Trade Association said, citing NZ Transport Agency figures.
“There is a good amount of economic optimism out there – certainly more than some commentators had predicted,” said Ian Stronach, market and communications general manager at the Motor Trade Association.
“Even though the market had figured these factors in, there are a few operators who have been surprised at the size of the market.”
New passenger car sales rose 7% to 6499 units, while the number of new commercial vehicle sold fell 152 units to 2029.
“While commercial vehicle sales have been a little soft, strong new car sales are perhaps reflecting an upswing in our economic fortunes,” Stronach said.
Toyota was the top passenger brand holding a 15% share of sales, followed by Hyundai and Holden, both on 10%.
Toyota was also the top selling brand among commercial vehicles with 25% sales. It was followed by Ford on 14% and Nissan on 13%.
Motorcycle sales bucked the trend with sales down 35% to 498 units.
Hannah Lynch
Thu, 05 Apr 2012
Thu, 05 Apr 2012
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New car sales exceed March expectations
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