New Zealand recorded a total of 10,177 new car registrations in April 2023. According to the Motor Industry Association (MIA), this represents a 4.6 percent increase from the same time last year. It is worth noting, however, that registrations in April 2022 were lower than usual because of the implementation of Clean Car Standard (CCS) fees for light commercial vehicles.
Registrations by the Numbers
7060 passenger and SUVs were registered this month (down 17.1 percent from last year). Meanwhile, there were 3117 commercial vehicle registrations (up 155.5 percent against the same period last year).
There were 1087 BEVs, 565 PHEVs and 1783 hybrid vehicles registered in April. The trend to the smaller end of vehicle size continues with 59% of vehicles registered for the month being medium or smaller.
There were 492 registrations of heavy commercial vehicles for the month of April.
“Apart from April 2020 which was impacted by COVID lockdowns, April 2022 light commercial vehicles sales were the weakest since the GFC and have since struggled to regain strong performance,” said MIA Chief executive Aimee Wiley.
“With the announcement by transport minister Michael Wood of increased fees under the revised CCD scheme from July 1 this year, it is expected light commercial vehicles will take another hit from July onwards,” Ms. Wiley added.
Market leaders
Toyota retained the overall market lead for the month of April with 22% market share (2261 units), followed by Ford with 13% (1320) units and Mitsubishi with 9% market share (933 units).
BEVs, PHEVs and Hybrids
There were 1058 light passenger vehicle BEVs and 27 light commercial plus 2 heavy commercial vehicle BEVs registered in April. The top models were the BYD Atto 3 (184 units) followed by the Tesla Model Y (127 units) and the MG ZS (112 units).
There were 565 PHEVs registered for the month of April. The top models were the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (284 units) followed by the Kia Sorento (84 units) and the Ford Escape (56 units).
Registrations of hybrid vehicles (HEVs) were 1,783 units for April. The top models were the Toyota RAV4 (493 units), followed by the Toyota Highlander (157) and the Toyota Corolla (143 units).
SUV and passenger vehicle sales
Toyota retained the market lead for passenger and SUV registrations in April with 19% market share (1366 units) followed by Kia with 10% (715 units) and then Mitsubishi also with 10% market share (677 units).
The top selling passenger and SUV models for the month were the Toyota RAV4 (539 units) followed by the Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross (327 units) and the Suzuki Swift (276).
Commercial vehicle sales
For the month of April, Ford retained the market lead with 31% market share (974 units) followed by Toyota with 29% (895 units) and Mitsubishi third with 8% market share (256 units).
The top models for the month of April were the Ford Ranger (929 units), followed by the Toyota Hilux (653 units) and the Mitsubishi Triton (256 units).
Segmentation
The tops spots were the SUV medium segment and SUV compact vehicles both with a 22% share, followed by Pick Up/Chassis 4×4 segment with 15% market share.
The small to medium segments comprised 59% of the total market.
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