New vehicle sales in New Zealand reached 12,170 units in November 2024. This marks a 16.2 per cent decline compared to the same month in 2023 or 2,349 fewer vehicles sold. Year-to-date figures also show a downward trend, with sales 14.9 per cent lower than in 2023 and 22.5 per cent below 2022 levels.
Motor Industry Association (MIA) Chief Executive Aimee Wiley noted some changes in vehicle category trends.
“Light Passenger Vehicles’ (LPV) market share declined by 5.5 per cent this November and by 5.5 per cent year-to-date, suggesting stable but slightly reduced demand in this traditionally dominant segment.”
However, Light Commercial Vehicles (LCVs) are gaining traction. In November, LCVs accounted for 19.6 per cent of the market, up from 14.9 per cent last year. Year-to-date, their share has grown from 21.5 per cent in 2023 to 26.2 per cent in 2024.
Ms Wiley said that this shift reflects a “growing preference for vehicles offering flexibility and versatility, particularly for mixed-use applications.”
On the other hand, Heavy Commercial Vehicles (HCVs) remained steady in November, supported by business and rental demand. Business buyers made up 50.2 per cent of sales in this category, while rental buyers accounted for 40.6 per cent. Year-to-date data shows businesses account for 74.8 per cent of HCV purchases.
Consumer Trends by Vehicle Type
November sales for the Light Passenger Vehicle (LPV) segment dropped 22 per cent (8,965 units) compared to the same period last year. The top models in this category were the Toyota RAV4, with 1,877 units sold, followed by the Toyota Corolla (419 units) and the Ford Everest (383 units).
The Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment grew in November with sales reaching 2,383 units (up 9.9 per cent from 2023). The Ford Ranger dominated the segment, leading with 814 units sold, while the Toyota Hilux followed with 551 units, and the Mitsubishi Triton came in third with 259 units sold.
Meanwhile, Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) sales experienced a slight decline, with 822 units registered in November (down 3.6 per cent from 2023). The Fiat Ducato emerged as the top model in this category, with 145 units sold, followed by the Iveco Daily (119 units) and the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter (100 units).
Shift in Buyer Preferences
In November, private buyers made up 27.4 per cent of total vehicle sales, while businesses led the market with 43.9 per cent. Rental companies accounted for 26.9 per cent of purchases. This highlights the ongoing importance of fleet acquisitions to support logistics and tourism.
“The shift from Light Passenger to Light Commercial vehicles indicates a growing demand for flexibility and versatility, especially for mixed-use purposes,” Ms Wiley noted.
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