Sales of new vehicles in New Zealand have passed the 100,000 mark for the first time since the 1980s.
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Some 77,825 new cars and 25,623 new commercial vehicles were registered last year, according to the Motor Industry Association (MIA) The total of 103,448 new vehicles sold was the highest since 1985, when sales hit 104,578.
“Although both November and December were marginally down on the same months in 2004, this was a watershed year for the new vehicle industry,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “It marks the dawning of a new age as the industry moves well clear of the negative cycle brought about by the buoyant early years of used imports.”
The MIA added that it also remained optimistic about 2006.
“Although there will undoubtedly be a slowing in the economy, we’re confident that 2006 new vehicle sales will hold at approximately 2005 levels,” said Kerr.
MIA figures showed that Toyota had a strong finish to the year, pulling well ahead of arch-rival Ford to take total vehicle market leadership by a margin of 2480 units. In the individual model stakes, Corolla sold more units in the month of December than perennial leaders Commodore and Falcon combined.
