New Zealand’s new vehicle market surged ahead again in June, reaching levels not seen in the midwinter month for 20 years. Total new vehicle sales reached 9,738, exactly 2,000 units ahead of May and representing a massive 25.8% increase on the previous month.

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Passenger car sales reached 7,159, 22% ahead of May. Sales in the first half of the year totalled 32,637, 9.3% ahead of the same period in 2003, and 43% ahead of 1998, which was the year before the market commenced its current longer term recovery. Commercial vehicle sales were even further ahead, with 2,579 June sales representing a 38% lift on May. It was the best June for new commercials since 1982.


“Clearly, both private and business customers are continuing to take advantage of the great value represented by new vehicles,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association.


“These are very strong figures and an encouraging indication that the new vehicle industry is more than holding its growth trend against higher interest rates and other moderating economic factors.”


Toyota continues to edge ahead of Ford in both passenger and commercial sales, and these two are increasing the gap back to third-placed Holden. Holden’s Commodore and Ford’s Falcon are running a close battle for top-selling model. The Falcon led the Commodore by only six units in May, with the Commodore ahead by just 10 in June. The Commodore remains in front by over 400 year to date, however.

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Top 10 models January-June 2004
1 Holden Commodore 3,295
2 Ford Falcon 2,864
3 Toyota Corolla 1,927
4 Honda Accord 1,468
5 Ford Mondeo 1,146
6 Mazda6 1,104
7 Nissan Maxima 965
8 Toyota Camry 938
9 Toyota RAV4 791
10 Mitsubishi Lancer 776