New Zealand’s new vehicle sales slipped slightly in November from recent record levels.
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Although new commercial vehicle sales were marginally ahead of November 2004, new car sales of 6,304 were 387 off year on year. It was nonethless the second best November for the industry since 1990.
Year to date, 96,112 new vehicles have been delivered, 5.6% ahead of last year. This year should now be the first since 1989 in which over 100,000 new vehicles have been sold. Not only will 2005 beat 1989’s figure of 100,892, but it will also be the best for at least two decades, in a country where many vehicles are imported used, mostly from Japan.
“Although we’ve seen a slight tightening in purchasing behaviour in recent weeks we believe that the new vehicle market has plenty of underlying strength.” said Motor Industry Association CEO Perry Kerr.
“After an unbroken four-year boom we’re seeing a slight correction, but new cars are more affordable now than at any time in our history. We’re looking forward to finishing 2005 on a high and moving into the New Year with confidence.”
Although Ford just beat Toyota for total vehicle sales for the month, Toyota still kept a big lead year to date.
Ford’s Australian-made Falcon line was top-selling model for November but is third year to date behind Toyota’s Japanese-made Corolla.
Both were well behind GM Australia unit Holden’s Commodore which seems likely to remain the country’s top-selling car for the full year.
