May new vehicle market

Media Release

3 June 2009

May new vehicle market – have we turned the corner?

The New Zealand new car market, in line with overseas trends, now seems to be turning the corner,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “Despite the sharp reversals of the last few months, May’s new car sales were up on April registrations which is an encouraging sign.” he said

3979 new cars were registered in May, a 12.9% lift on April’s result, while the new commercial vehicle tally of 1314 represented a 9.1% increase on April.

Year to date, the new vehicle market is running at approximately two-thirds the level of the same period last year, but recent trends would suggest that this is as low as it will go.

Toyota remains in control of the market share stakes for both passenger and commercial vehicles, helped by an impressive performance in the commercial vehicle market.

The small car segment dominated May sales with the Suzuki Swift taking the honours, followed by Toyota Corolla, Mazda3 and Hyundai Getz. Year to date Corolla has opened up a lead over Commodore.

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