Fieldays sees vehicle sales jump in June
Fieldays has had another major impact on new vehicle sales in New Zealand, contributing to June being one of the strongest sales months on record.
Latest statistics from the Motor Industry Association (MIA) show the month’s 13,699 new vehicle registrations made it the strongest month of June since 1982, and the second-highest month on record.
Year to date there have been 69,057 new vehicles registered, an increase of 3404 on last year.
The monthly total was made up of 9186 passenger vehicle registrations and 4513 commercial vehicle registrations. MIA chief executive David Crawford says this was only the third time more than 4000 commercial vehicles were sold in a month.
‘‘The previous two times were also in June off the back of Fieldays - there were 4002 registrations in 2014 and 4009 in 2015,’’ he says.
‘‘Those distributors that attended the annual Fieldays reported healthy demand for new vehicles. Other factors that are key drivers for new vehicles are record levels of net immigration, a healthy trade sector, and strong business confidence.’’
Toyota was the overall market leader for the month with a 19 per cent market share via its 2666 registrations. Ford was second on 11 per cent (1478 units) and Holden third on 9 per cent (1274 units).
The increasing popularity of SUVs was underlined by the fact the top three passenger vehicles for the month were all that type of vehicle.
Top seller was the Toyota Highlander with 414 registrations, followed by the Toyota RAV4 with 396 units, and the Kia Sportage with 316 units. The Toyota success was strongly assisted by sales to rental companies - 337 of the Highlanders and 188 of the RAV4s.
The Ford Ranger retained its position as the top-selling commercial vehicle for June with 836 sales making it the top-selling model overall.